Job description
JOB SUMMARY
The purpose of this advanced position is to review all relevant data related to pending real property lawsuits filed against HCAD and assist in the preparation and presentation of value defense or advise in settlement of litigation cases. Other duties include obtaining most accurate information available for each property, applying accepted appraisal methods, techniques, and practices and appearing as expert witness to testify in legal proceedings. Other responsibilities include writing market, uniform/equal and appraisal review reports and SOAH hearings. The incumbent must adhere to mandatory work deadlines.
Job Responsibilities
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the job. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this job.
General Responsibilities (Broad responsibilities that are consistent across job families)
- Research and analyze property information by collecting and verifying data.
- Assist in trial preparation, depositions, attend mediations, and give expert witness testimony for trials
- Perform property inspections.
- Assist with creation of technical reports and manuals
- Conduct special projects.
- Update case management database as needed.
- Perform review appraisals as necessary
- Use appraisal methodology to arrive at reasonable value indications based on discovery data and other information and research data.
- Work effectively and efficiently with attorneys.
- Prepare files and offers for settlement conferences, mediation, court and SOAH hearings
- Availability to communicate with attorneys after working hours.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Technical Responsibilities (Division specific responsibilities)
REVIEW APPRAISAL DIVISION:
- Ensures compliance with USPAP Appraisal Practices & Procedures
- Maintains responsibility for moderately complex to complex cases.
- Maintains calendaring system to meet changing deadlines
- Create a professional presence through actively listening and ensuring effective communication with attorneys and others. Communicate importance or needs for each case and a plan of action. Maintain confidentiality
- Represents HCAD in a professional manner in all times. Respond positively to others with a willingness to work effectively in all departmental matters.
- Determine strategy of cases based on informed decisions; Analyze information pertaining to the case (history, evidence, issues) and create reports that will be used to determine course of action; Evaluate risks for and against a recommended decision, while considering all implications and consequences and necessary costs.
- Achieve departmental goals by working cooperatively with attorneys, management, and all others while representing in a team player atmosphere.
- Create all report types in a timely manner for courtroom testimony
- Work efficiently on case management
- Demonstrates ability to work independently on case analysis, strategy, and negotiation ideas.
- Represent the District in a professional manner in trial court, at depositions, and at inspections.
- Ability to defend and explain their expert report in court and at depositions
- Performs work on special projects as assigned.
- Provides training and guidance to less experienced Appraisers
- Perform oral and written market value appraisals, equity analysis, appraisal reviews and other pertinent documentation to be used as evidence for expert testimony in litigated cases.
- Must meet mandatory deadlines.
- Performs other duties as assigned
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Required: Bachelor’s Degree.
- Registered Professional Appraiser (RPA) Certification for internal candidates.
- Advanced appraisal designation, or related appraisal license or certification nearing completion for external candidates preferred. This includes Appraisal Institute or other related coursework started for a TALCB License.
- RPA designation to be completed within 3 years for external candidates.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 7+ years of appraiser/valuation experience
- Previous exposure to the litigation process and experience as an expert witness, preferred.
- Advanced appraisal courses from IAAO and Appraisal Institute preferred.
- Real estate background knowledge preferred for external candidates.
Position Qualifications & Requirements
COMPETENCIES
- Communication
- Customer Orientation
- Decision Making
- Emotional Intelligence
- Quality Orientation
KNOWLEDGE:
- Report writing
- Valuation analysis procedures
- Generally Accepted Appraisal Practices – Market conditions
- HCAD standards of documentation
- Market norms
- Knowledge of new and revised tax laws and Texas Property Tax Code.
- Real Estate Terminology
- Understanding of USPAP Compliance – Generally Accepted Appraisal Practices
SKILLS:
- Prioritizing and organization, goal setting and planning
- Time management - Ability to multi-task and meet changing deadlines
- Research and analysis
- Writing expert reports
- Testifying in court and depositions
- Research
- Effective communication, both written and verbal
- Technical writing
- Collaboration
- Appraisal math
- Detail Oriented
- Negotiation
- Good analytical and time management skills
WORKING CONDITIONS
Positions in this class typically require repetitive motions, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time in an office setting.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have sufficient mobility to visit property sites that may feature rough terrain and to work outdoors in unfavorable weather conditions. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time with ability to reach, bend and move up/down on steps. Must be able to lift up to 50-pounds.
The position requires considerable concentration, creativity and ability to manage time effectively. The position is subject to stress caused by a changing public environment, mandatory deadlines and heavy workload. Requires the ability to ask questions that will bring forth the information needed to make sound decisions.
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