Current Use Evaluation Specialist/Agriculture and Farmland Appraiser
- Summary
Are You....
- An approachable and skilled appraiser with strong accounting, analytical, and problem-solving skills?
- A skilled planner, and do you display a strong ability to learn and apply new knowledge in your daily work?
- Adaptable and organized to support customers and colleagues with technical program guidance, while demonstrating customer focus and a genuine interest in the appraisal of open space and forest lands?
- A capable evaluator with the ability to analyze taxpayer applications?
- Attention to detail oriented with development and auditing ability of property tax related data sets for open space lands?
- An effective time manager and do you display timely and quality decision making ability?
- Eligible for a special duty opportunity?
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
As the only regional governments in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies and policies that promote fairness, justice and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
The selected candidate will integrate King County's Equity and Social Justice principles into the daily functions of this position.
The Department of Assessments and King County value diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.
The Department of Assessments values innovation, creativity and engagement among its employees, and actively promotes organizational improvement and new approaches to existing operations and issues.
- Job Duties
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY: This position serves a vital role in meeting our mission of setting fair and equitable property values, the primary service we provide to taxpayers. This role involves daily interaction with staff and the public requiring collaborative skills, a strong grounding in auditing and compliance analysis in property valuation and assessment, excellent problem solving and analytical skills, and the ability to work in a culturally and generationally diverse team-oriented environment, as well as educating the public on various current use programs. This position will also analyze our current business processes as they relate to current use and work to evaluate and improve business processes across our agency. This recruitment will also be used to create an eligibility list for possible future vacancies.
The department is searching for applicants looking with current use evaluation knowledge and the ability to apply their strong appraisal, customer service and accounting knowledge. Specifically:
- Lead the department’s current use evaluation and administration unit– and routine and well-defined program and open space analysis. Plan and develop current use administration presentation materials as an integral part of analysis and recommendations.
- Review, analyze and/or prepare current use application responses and requests for open space/forest lands evaluation.
- Collaborate with other staff and management in the development and/or review of current use assessments related to legislation and/or ordinances.
- Monitor and assess current use and personal property timber value calculations.
- Manage Current Use and Open Space Administration Programs.
The successful candidate will:
This position serves as program manager for two state-voluntary enrollment property valuation programs (RCW 84.34 and RCW84.33) administered by the Department of Assessments. The position:
- Interprets, applies and implements State laws and county ordinances relating to eligibility for and assessment of properties in the two Current Use programs.
- Coordinates with KC Department of Natural Resources in the management of two inter-agency programs.
- Review program elements and evaluate continuous improvement efforts to current work tasks and processes.
- Reviews transfer development rights which are handled by the local DNR office, handles public inquires and performs field inspections.
- Determines taxable value of real property in King County based on exemption criteria.
- Researching and analyzing real estate sales to identify parcels no longer eligible for current use status;
- Perform physical inspections on property and monitor compliance;
- Determine current use valuation; correct legal descriptions;
- Educate the public regarding the application and compliance requirements;
- Calculate new property values and taxes due under the program; review applications;
- Use applications such as GIS and pictometry to determine property location, compliance and valuation.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
WE ARE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WITH:
- Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well within a collaborative, team environment but must also work well independently.
- Customer focus with a dedication to public education and integrity, ethics, trust and values.
- Continuous improvement focus, with an emphasis in program evaluation and process development and improvement.
- A genuine interest in auditing and compliance analysis of real property transactions with an emphasis on Current Use, Timber and Forest Land, and Open Space and Agriculture.
- The ability to read and understand complex WA State Laws and regulations, including legislation related to specific programs (RCW 84.34 and 84.33).
- Proficiency and ease in using business productivity tools and cutting edge technology in your everyday work; (We use iPads, Microsoft Office Suite and other assessment related tools) to maintain data files and database of market value and property taxes for all participating properties in programs.
- Exceptional listening skills and the ability to keep up with evolving business needs through flexibility and rapid integration of new concepts.
- Confidence in making decisions with problem solving, time management, and organizational skills.
- Mass appraisal experience within the last five (5) years.
- Experience can be supplemented with 90 hours of real estate appraisal courses or their equivalent. Acceptable appraisal courses may be sponsored by Washington State Department of Revenue, IAAO, The Appraisal Institute, National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers or other major appraisal organizations and colleges.
- Possession of an Assessor's Accreditation Certificate as required by the state of Washington, or the ability to become accredited within 1 year of hire;
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License; and
- Successful background and reference checks and pre-employment physical examination if required.
- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
This exciting employment opportunity is only open to all qualified applicants. A resume and cover letter and answers to the supplemental questions are required.
Please contact Richard Watson, at 206-263-2356, or richard.watson@kingcounty.gov if you have any questions regarding this opportunity.
WORK LOCATION: The primary work location for this position is the King County King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St., 7th Floor, Seattle, WA. In office and remote, telework will be required for this assignment.
WORKING CONDITIONS: The work is performed mainly in an office and remote telework setting, however, there will be field work also required to inspect properties throughout King County. Our offices in the King County King Street Center operate under a fragrance, plant and scent free policy. This policy is intended to promote a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
TEMPORARY TELECOMMUTING REQUIREMENT
The work associated with this position will be performed on a hybrid work schedule that will require in office support to our staff.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.
To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
Sound interesting? Put your skills to work!
This position is represented by Teamsters, L763
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
02If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff03Explain your appraisal experience or knowledge in the following areas: Mass appraisal, tax compliance, legal descriptions, applying laws and regulations, financial documents, accounting and auditing functions. Please list number of years of experience performing each task.04Please document your appraisal and/or real estate education. Include credit hours, dates and course title and sponsor.05Give a detailed explanation of how you would handle the following situation: A real estate broker, representing the seller, contacts you regarding the sale of a property which will close within 2 days. The broker would like to send documents over for your signature stating the property can continue in the current use program. However, after your discussion with the broker, you determine that the buyer is not aware of the program requirements if they chose to remain in the current use program or the tax consequences of removing the property from the program after their purchase. You call the buyer to discuss the program options available to them. This upsets the broker since the sale may not occur now. How do you respond to the broker?06You are reviewing a property and discover that the owner may not be in compliance with the requirements of their agreement under RCW 84.33 or RCW 84.34. You send the property owner a notice of intent to remove along with a bill for back taxes. The owner calls upset about this notice. How do you respond to the taxpayer?Required Question