RIGHT-OF-WAY PROPERTY APPRAISER II

4241A5

Pay Grade: 27

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is advanced specialized work in the appraisal of real estate.

Work involves coordinating the field activities of appraisers in a mass appraisal project. Work includes reviewing the appraisal reports prepared by staff or fee appraisers and developing a single report and recommendations on assigned projects. Work may include performing or assisting other appraisers on site with complex appraisal such as multiple owners, historic significance, or business property.

This is advanced specialized work in the appraisal, acquisition and/or control of property for right of way purposes.

Work may involve coordinating the field activities of appraisers in a mass appraisal project, coordinating the activities of field agents in the acquisition of real estate or performing or assisting other appraisers on site with complex appraisal the control of advertising and salvage storage on highway right-of-ways when projects consist of multiple owners, historic significance, or business property. Work includes Work may include resolving disputes between property owners and the state agency or agents relating to appraisals, negotiations or relocation actions; Training subordinate staff in the required policies and procedures, and assisting them in interpreting complex legal descriptions, maps, real estate records, plans and other materials; or reviewing the appraisal reports prepared by staff or fee appraisers and developing a single report and recommendations on assigned projects.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction..." Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable... Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people 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 C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.

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 B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Right-of-Way Property Appraiser I class in which incumbents do less complex appraisal work and do not train other appraisers. staff and do not serve as lead workers.

Differs from the Right-of-Way Property Appraiser Supervisor class in which incumbents supervise a staff of appraisers.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Reviews completed appraisals submitted by appraisal staff and fee appraisers for real estate targeted for building, improving or maintaining highways, state parks, and other preservative areas. Assures that appraisals comply with established regulations and procedures.

Performs or assists other appraisers with complex appraisal projects.

Reviews engineering plans and legal descriptions to insure that the appraiser has correctly interpreted the appraised property, determines if the appraised values are reasonable and fair, and verifies that accompanying documentation is appropriate and complete.

Attempts to establish cooperative relationships with property owners, local officials, the general public, and co-workers; meets with property owners to explain and discuss the project, appraisal procedures, and property owners' recourse. Resolves disputes which may arise between property owners and agents concerning land, signs or salvage storage location laws.

Trains, oversees, and reviews the work of less experienced appraisers; participates in professional seminars. Trains other staff in agency procedures in interpreting complex legal descriptions, maps, plans and other materials for right-of-way purposes.

Provides testimony regarding final appraisal in court or condemnation hearings as requested.

Serves as project leader in the field on large or complex right-of-way projects such as historic significance, business property, multiple owner property, or large territory that involves multiple owners and different categories of property.

Executes negotiations, acquisition, or relocation actions on complex tracts.

Reviews documentation submitted for property acquisition in order to ensure federal participation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

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

*Knowledge of laws pertaining to appraisal and transfer of property, including condemnation law.

*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 the property acquisition, or property control laws, and regulations and procedures.

Abilities

*Ability to apply analytical skills to a wide and varied body of information and develop a reasoned report and recommendation.

*Ability to direct the work of several other people in developing a comprehensive report.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including property owners, the public, and colleagues.

*Ability to communicate effectively with others 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 complex maps and property descriptions.

Skills

*Skill in reading engineering and legal documents.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Two years 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.

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