FIELD APPRAISER I, TPP VALUATIONS

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the discovery and appraisal of tangible personal property for ad valorem tax purposes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential duties of the Tangible Personal Property Field Appraiser I include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct a physical inspection of tangible personal property pertaining to businesses.
• Gather data related to property type, age, condition, and quantity. Review various records and resources to verify that values are uniform and reflect fair market value.
• Calculate the value of taxable tangible personal property using information provided on tangible personal property tax returns. Investigate incomplete or questionable tax returns.
• Investigate inquiries and complaints concerning value.
• Confer with property owners or their representatives to explain the methods, procedures, and policies with respect to the value placed on tangible personal property in Orange County.
• Make use of available information sources to identify new businesses which should be added to the tax roll.
• Investigate business locations that may have been sold, closed, or experienced other changes during the preceding year.
• Investigate businesses that fail to file annual tangible personal property tax returns.
• Prepare Property Appraiser Office Value Adjustment Board (VAB) evidence packages and appear before the Value Adjustment Board to explain and defend assessments. Responsible for assisting with special assignments.
• Specialize in certain categories of tangible personal property - such as income properties, billboards, vending, utilities, and lease accounts - as required.
• Must be able to learn and use the Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal System (CAMA) and iPad field application to organize, plan, and prepare daily work activities.
• Must possess a working knowledge of the three recognized approaches to value and their applicability to tangible personal property.
• Must have and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• Perform minor safety and operational checks on assigned agency vehicles (i.e., Gas level, safety devices, tire pressure checks, etc.)
• Meet all attendance and punctuality requirements by reporting for work consistently and on time in accordance with agency policy.
• Conduct damage assessment in coordination with federal and state emergency management offices during the aftermath of declared disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.
  • May be required to become an Emergency Responder for emergency damage assessment purposes.
  • May be called to assist in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or Field Operations Center (FOC) during emergency situations. Contingencies such as these may require after-hours or weekend duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Years of experience: Must have a minimum of six (6) months to one (1) year of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education: Must hold an Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.

  • Substitution: High School Diploma or possession of GED Certificate and two (2) years of work experience directly related to the position duties.
    

• Certificates, licenses, and registrations: The professional designation of CFE is required or must be obtained within a three-year period, given course availability.  The employee is eligible to begin the CFE designation process following successful completion of the six-month introductory period and will be eligible for CFE incentive pay upon successful completion of the program; only after working at OCPA for at least two years, unless approved by the Property Appraiser and the DOR.
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• Computer skills required: Spreadsheet software (Excel); word processing software (Word); electronic mail software (Outlook); and presentation software (PowerPoint).
• Must be proficient in Adobe Acrobat. Ability to create and edit PDF documents, prepare fillable forms, and share and review forms.
• Additional Skills required: Ability to rapidly acquire and retain knowledge of administrative and procedural regulations; proven attention to detail, reliability, and outstanding organizational skills; and ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to render judgments concerning the value of tangible personal property and record descriptive data accurately.
• Ability to respond to general assessment inquiries from the public tactfully and courteously. Must be able to work under stress when dealing with the public.
• Language Skills: Bi-lingual in English and Spanish preferred; but not required

COMPETENCIES:

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Productivity - Follows the organization’s policies and procedures; Completes assigned tasks correctly and on time; Strives to increase productivity while maintaining standards; Supports organization's goals and values.
• Job Knowledge - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Reliability/Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to work hours necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Independence /Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent action within parameters of authority assigned to position by Property Appraiser.
• Creativity/Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Sets and achieves challenging goals. Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control and maintains professional demeanor; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Communication - Demonstrates ability to communicate concisely and effectively with others; Employs positive and professional communication techniques at all times with respect to organizational communications; Exhibits excellent listening skills; Writes clearly and informatively; Follows organization policy with respect to work communications.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Attendance/Punctuality – Is punctual, observes prescribed work break/meal periods, and has acceptable overall attendance record.
• Leadership/Supervisory - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively and positively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Asks for and offers help when needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Working conditions are those typically encountered in an indoor office environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• The employee is required to frequently: report to the office, traverse the office, sit at length, or otherwise maintain a stationary position while performing duties, transport equipment and files, operate and utilize the organization’s data management systems (including its computer network, internet, intranet and all affiliated systems), and communicate with coworkers and constituents.
• The employee must frequently lift and /or move more than 20 pounds.
• The employee must perceive, identify, observe, inspect, and assess data, property, and/or persons as necessary to perform the essential job duties.
• Working conditions require flexibility and the ability to adapt to working in various weather environments including both indoor and outdoor settings (e.g., walking in the heat, rain, cold, etc.).

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS: OCPA employees may be called upon to assist other departments as needed (e.g., workload capacity, declared county emergencies, etc.). 
 
SPECIAL PROVISIONS: While employed by the Orange County Property Appraiser, employee must not for gratis or for compensation:

• Engage in any real estate activities such as, but not limited to, buying, selling, or acting as a broker for others.
• Appraise property.
• Sell OCPA computerized database information.
• Engage in any outside computer programming or consulting.
• Employees and members of their household may not own or hold a financial interest in an appraisal business. 

AT-WILL STATEMENT: 

Employment at the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office is on an “at-will” basis.  It may be terminated at any time, with or without cause by either the employee or employer.  It is not guaranteed, contracted, or promised for any length of time.  No person other than the Orange County Property Appraiser has the authority to alter the at-will status of your employment or to enter any employment contract with you.  The Orange County Property Appraiser reserves the right to change, amend, or revoke rates of pay, terms and conditions of your employment, and job offers at any time.