RIGHT-OF-WAY PROPERTY APPRAISER I

4188A5

Pay Grade: 25

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is specialized work in the appraisal of real estate.

Work involves determining the market value of real estate targeted for proposed highway projects. Work includes providing information to affected property owners, inspecting the property, compiling relevant information, examining legal records, and preparing a written appraisal report.

This is technical and specialized work in the acquisition and control of property for right-of-way purposes. Work may involve appraisal of real property to determine its fair value for purchase, sales and may assess taxes.

Work involves acquisition of real estate, control of advertising and salvage storage on or adjacent to highway right-of-way. Conducts physical review of the property, examining it in comparison to documents which describe the property. Talks to owners to explain the process, answer questions of property owners, present written offer for the property. After sale, assists with relocation of property owners determining the market value of real estate targeted for proposed highway projects. Work includes providing information to affected property owners, inspecting the property, compiling relevant information, examining legal records, and preparing a written appraisal report.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision..." Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average... Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple, unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation.

Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Right-of-Way Property Appraiser II class in which incumbents train and assist less experienced appraisers and handle complex appraisal cases. conduct large or complex land purchases such as multiple owners, historic signficance, or business property.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Acquires real estate or control of advertising and salvage storage on or adjacent to highway right-of-way.

Work may include conducting physical review of the property, examining it in comparison to documents which describe the property, talking to owners to explain the process, answer questions, and present written offer for the property.

After sale, assists with relocation process and with the maintenance and removal of structures on property. Complete records are maintained for every project.

Explains to property owners or advertisers the entire procedure of acquisition, salvage yard or sign removal; the planned use of land; the applicable rules and regulations, property owners' rights; and the services that will be provided.

Reviews the plans and other documents related to the property; studies the appraisal data; tours the project to learn the physical layout; if there are problems or errors, brings these to the attention of supervisor prior to meeting with the owner.

Presents written offer to property owner; secures all documents and signatures needed for the transaction.

Assists property owners through the relocation assistance program, apprising them of what assistance is available. This includes advertising control and salvage yard businesses as well as homeowners and property owners.

Maintains detailed records of all meetings with the public and of research conducted, sources cited, and any significant transactions. In condemnation cases, attends condemnation hearings.

Conducts appraisal of all types of urban and rural real estate by inspecting and photographing property, obtaining sales price of recently sold comparable properties, observing the economic conditions of the area, and analyzing the data to establish the market value of the property. Compiles additional information as needed from public records, real estate brokers, attorneys, and other available sources.

Verifies the accuracy of engineering plans, legal descriptions, ownership records, taxes, leases, and zoning restrictions by examining legal records and the real estate in question. Notifies the appropriate party if corrections are needed.

Attempts to establish cooperative relationships with property owners or legal representatives and provides them with information concerning the proposed project and the appraisal procedures. Cooperates with local officials, the public, and co-workers; meets with interested parties to gather and disseminate information concerning the proposed project.

Provides testimony regarding final appraisal in court as requested.

Prepares a written appraisal report accompanied by photographs, plats, and exhibits in accordance with federal regulations and agency manuals.

Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
Performs valuation and mapping of property for ad valorem tax purposes.

Prepares and edits ownership maps.

Represent agency in valuation cases at the State Board of Tax Appeals, land condemnation hearings, or other hearings.

Provides technical assistance to ensure compliance by relating state and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Inspect properties to evaluate construction, condition, special features, and functional design, and to take property measurements and photos to aid in establishing property value and completing reports.

Meet with property owners to evaluate impacts of ROW land acquisitions and act as liaison to coordinate ROW engineering plan changes.

May work with geographic information systems (GIS).

Obtain county land values, sales and lease information and other data in order to aid in establishment of property values, special studies, and or act as county appraiser when needed.

Prepare written appraisal reports accompanied by photographs, plats, and exhibits in accordance with federal regulations and agency manuals, just compensation estimate reports, and other reports that estimate and support property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.

Develops and teaches educational courses on property ownership mapping for state and county personnel.

Contacts sellers and buyers of real estate for information pertinent to the market value of the real estate.

Serves as project leader.

Executes negotiations, acquisitions or relocation actions and resolves disputes that may arise.

Develops and maintains databases.

Verifies the accuracy of engineering plans, legal descriptions ownership records and coordinates necessary corrections.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of legal documents, contracts, contracts for deeds, deeds, title reports, and sale and lease documents relating to real estate.

*Knowledge of laws pertaining to appraisal and transfer of property.

Knowledge of land economic principles and basic practices used in real and personal property transactions.

*Knowledge of legal instruments used for executing the transfer, sale, and lease of property.

Knowledge of property acquisition and control laws, regulations, and procedures related to highway construction or highway sign and salvage storage.

Abilities

*Ability to interpret maps and legal descriptions independently.

*Ability to analyze complex information and develop a logical proposal for the acquisition of land/property.

*Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to make final claim settlements for property damage, title transfer, or loss of right to maintain property.

*Ability to read and interpret maps and property descriptions.

*Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, property owners, and the public.

Skills

*Skill in the collection, organization and reporting of diverse data from varied sources.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

One year of experience in property appraisal or work in the valuation and mapping of property. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

One year of experience in any of the following: researching real property title, real estate sales or auctioneering, real estate acquisition, real estate property management, real estate appraisal or valuation, real estate finance and/or transaction closing, compliance monitoring, inspection and/or investigation. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Completion of one approved appraisal course offered by the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, the Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, the American Society of Real Estate Appraisers or the International Right of Way Association within one year of appointment.

Some positions may require the completion of one or more appraisal courses or classes acceptable to the Kansas Department of Transportation within one year of hire.

NC:   06/94
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05
REV: 07/08