Chief Appraiser

Salary : $101,212.80 - $135,720.00 Annually
Location : 481 Fourth Street - Hollister, CA. 95023, CA
Job Type: Regular, F-T
Job Number: 02265
Department: Assessor
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
Recruitment will remain open until filled.

DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, directs, organizes and manages the operations of the Valuation Divisions of the Assessor's Office; responsible for real and personal property appraisal process; and performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Chief Appraiser in this class reports directly to the Assessor and Assistant Assessor; directs and supervises the real property division and business personal property division of the Assessor's Office; engaged in the application of the laws, rules, regulations and appraisal principles in the determination of taxable values of all taxable property in San Benito County. Formulation of assessment procedures, including appraisals, record keeping and standardization of practices are functions of this class.
Incumbent has responsibility for overall coordination and direction of divisions involved in appraisal activities within the Assessor's Office and to supervise the real and personal property valuation units through subordinate supervisors. This position is distinguished from the Supervising Appraiser and Supervising Auditor-Appraiser by the responsibility for program management, developing policies and procedures in the Valuation Division. It is further distinguished from the Assistant Assessor in that the latter has the overall responsibility to assist the department head in planning, organizing, and directing for all functions within the Assessor's Office. Incumbent may act in the Assessor and Assistant Assessor's absence.

REPORTS TO
Assessor and Assistant Assessor

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
Supervising Appraiser and Supervising Auditor-Appraiser

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects up to 25 lbs; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment to include computer, telephone, printer, plotters, calculator, copier and FAX.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.
Example of Duties
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
(Duties may include but are not limited to the following)

Plans, directs, organizes and manages the operation of the real and personal property divisions of the Assessor's Office; plan, implements and oversees the division projects and procedures; sets objectives for individual and division performance; monitors processes, timelines, and evaluates outcomes; develops division standards; encourages cooperation and teamwork among staff; assists with the development of new programs and enhancements relating to appraisal division responsibilities and maintains records of division activity and monitors workflow activity.

Directs day-to-day divisional activities through subordinate supervisors; reviews and analyzes legislation case law and other regulations that may impact the Assessor's Office; communicates changes to staff; may present, supervise or assist in the preparation of cases for presentation before the local Assessment Appeals Board; assists with preparation and production of assessment rolls.

Recommends hiring of appraisal personnel and provides instruction for training of subordinates; plans, coordinates, assigns and reviews Assessor's Valuation Divisions work activity; meets with supervising staff to ensure that objectives are accomplished; maintains work standards; evaluates performance and recommends any corrective action; reviews division work for accuracy; reviews and may participate in the appraisal, audits, and assessments of the largest and most complex properties in the County.

Assists the Assessor and Assistant Assessor in the formulation of departmental goals and objectives; evaluates operational performance of the division; reviews work methods and procedures to ensure effective work flow; reviews regulations, legislation and judicial decisions to determine effect on divisional operations; develops procedures to implement legislative mandates which impact the Valuation Division; assists with the valuation process of Williamson Act (LCA) properties.
Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in performing professional real or business/personal property appraisal work in a California Assessor's Office. Two (2) years of this experience must have been in a full supervisory capacity. Appraisal experience must include three (3) years performing either commercial/industrial/agricultural appraisals or personal property appraisals and auditing.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university with a major in business or public administration, accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, engineering, or a field closely related to professional appraisal work. (Additional qualifying experience in professional appraisal work may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis).

Special Requirements:

1. Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
2. Possession of a valid Advanced Appraiser Certificate issued by the Board of Equalization.

Knowledge Of/Ability To

Knowledge of:

1. California Revenue and Taxation Laws and of appraisal procedures and standards.
2. Principles and practices used for real and business personal property appraisal.
3. Regulations and court decisions affecting tax valuation of all taxable property.
4. Principles and techniques of supervision, training, personnel management and policies.
5. General principles and government procedures used by California counties.
6. Computer applications relating to the functions of the County Assessor's Office.
7. Principles, techniques, and practices of effective business and public administration.

Ability to

1. Plan, direct, organize and manage the operations of the Assessor's Valuation Divisions.
2. Understand, interpret and explain laws, regulations and policies of the Assessor's Office.
3. Develop and implement Valuation Divisions operational procedures.
4. Coordinate computer applications for Valuation Divisions and assessment roll functions.
5. Summarize and evaluate factors relating to appraisals accurately and equitably.
6. Directs selection, development, promotion, evaluation and discipline of valuation staff.
7. Effectively manage multiple work assignments, set priorities, and meet established deadlines.
8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, public and other agencies.
9. Provides technical and special assistance on complex assessment problems and issues.
10. Analyze data and prepare clear, concise and complete reports and recommendations.
11. Develop statistical information and prepare a variety of reports for the Assessor's Office.
12. Effectively represent the Assessor's Office with the public, and other organizations.
13. Communicate effectively, both through oral communications and in writing.
14. Make oral presentations.

Selection Process:
All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list.

SAN BENITO COUNTY BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
(This is meant to be an overview of benefits only. For full benefit terms and conditions, please see MOU)

Employees in regular, full-time positions will be eligible to participate in the following employee benefits:

Pay Day: Employees are paid bi-weekly.

Insurance Deductions: The insurance and benefits deductions will take place bi-monthly, normally the first two pay periods of the month. Bank/Credit union and 457 Retirement Deferrals deductions will take place bi-weekly.

Vacation: Based on continued years of service. Newly hired MEG employees may be eligible for higher vacation accrual rate for previous public sector experience (verification required). Maximum accruals may apply depending on the bargaining unit.

• < 4 years of service = 10 days per year
• 5 to 9 years of service = 15 days per year
• 10 to 14 years of service = 18 days per year
• 15 + years of service = 20 days per year

Administrative Leave: Management employees receive 80 hours of administrative leave per calendar year. Forty (40) unused hours can be paid out at the end of the calendar year. Administrative leave is pro-rated.

Holidays: 13.5 holidays (including 3 floating) for most employees. Safety officers and dispatchers receive approximately 5% holiday pay in addition to their base pay in lieu of paid holidays off.

Sick Leave: 15 days per year. Maximum accruals apply.

Medical Plan: Comprehensive CalPERS medical plans available for full-time employees. Employees appointed to a regular position at a time base of 50% or higher are eligible to participate.

Increase County contributions to medical effective January 2024.

a. Employee Only: $750.00, which would include the PEMHCA Minimum
b. Employee Plus One: $1,250.00, which would include the PEMHCA Minimum
c. Family: $1,515.00, which would include the PEMHCA Minimum

The County's contribution above shall be prorated for positions that are less than .90 FTE rounding to the nearest one-quarter time.

HRA: Employee Only Medical Plan: $1,500 maximum
Employee Plus One Medical Plan: $3,000 maximum.
Employee Plus Family Medical Plan: $4,000 maximum.

Employees who are eligible to receive a "cash in lieu of' enrollment in the County's medical plan shall receive a taxable payment of $150 monthly (pro-rated into biweekly installments of $69.23).

Dental Plan: County contributes $30 to Delta Dental plan for full-time employees and their families.

Vision Plan: The County pays for employee coverage and the employee can pay for dependent coverage. This benefit is available to full-time employees only.

Employee Assistance Program: The County provides confidential short-term counseling services to employees and dependents.

Life Insurance/AD&D: County pays for a $20,000 BASIC life insurance policy for each employee. Voluntary life insurance plans available.

Disability Insurance: Confidential and Management groups participate in the State Disability Insurance.

Credit Union: Membership to the Santa Clara Federal Credit Union is available to San Benito County employees.

Deferred Compensation: Employees may participate in tax-deferred retirement savings. Three 457 plans are available. Employees may rollover funds from prior 401k or 457 accounts. IRS limits apply.

Retirement: Regular employees will be enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system in accordance with the Public Employees' Retirement Law. Employee contributions vary according to bargaining unit.

All New Miscellaneous (non-Safety) employees enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system participate in the full formula of 2% at 62. Miscellaneous employees participate in Social Security in addition to CalPERS.

Supplemental Insurance: Employees may participate in various AFLAC plans such as accident, disability, and cancer insurances.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care available, pre-tax deductions.
01

I understand all County employees will be required to take an Oath of Office and will be called upon to act as Disaster Service Workers, when needed.

• Yes

02

Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Answers such as "see resume" or "see above" will remove you from consideration. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

03

Please indicate your highest level of education.

• Did not complete high school or equivalent
• High School, GED, or equivalent
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