SHAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS
Position Description
Senior Commercial Real Property Appraiser
POSITION CONTROL NUMBERS: AP1016A, AP1017A FLSA STATUS: N
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, this position performs commercial/industrial appraisals for the most complex and highest
valued properties and provides advanced appraisal functions and analytical expertise. Also provides expert witness
testimony on all commercial/industrial properties under appeal at the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA). Performs
other duties as assigned. This position is supervised by the Commercial Appraisal Manager.
WORK PERFORMED
25% Hearings. Represents Shawnee County in the defense of values at all levels of appeal including the Board
of Tax Appeals. Prepares evidence and case materials for commercial/industrial real estate cases under
appeal at the Board of Tax Appeals. (This evidence is subject to further judicial review.) Reviews and
critiques evidence presented by property owners and their agents. Reviews and evaluates prior appeal data
and any new data submitted by property owner (agent) including but not limited to the review of rent rolls,
operating statements, leases and fee appraisals. Works closely with the County Counselor in developing
defense strategies. Discusses cases with upper management and makes recommendations regarding the
advisability of settlement or pursuing to formal hearing. Provides expert witness testimony which is subject
to cross examination. Answers property owner and/or agent’s questions and inspects property if necessary.
Discusses cases and exchanges information with property owners and their bona fide representatives. Makes
adjustments to value when warranted.
20% Income Analysis, Modeling And Setting Benchmarks. Collects and analyzes income and expense data.
Reviews published reports and financial data (rent rolls, listings, operating statements, etc.) to determine the
predominant ranges of rental rates, vacancy rates, expense rates and other elements of the income approach
to value. Stratifies and analyzes sales. Creates models for each different property type. Describes the
differences between each property type and any contributory factors affecting value. Surveys property
owners and reviews existing files for income, expense and occupancy rates. Sets benchmarks and guidelines
for valuation. Documents rationale and justification for values in a narrative report format to be used by
management.
20% Collect And Classify Commercial/Industrial Property Characteristics. Measures and lists new and
existing structures by on-site visits and/or an analysis of blueprints and verifies current property use and
occupancy. Calculates building area and other dimensional information and produces sketches of structures
that will be useful in the appraisal process. Takes current photos of all structures from different angles when
necessary.
15% Estimate Commercial/Industrial Property Values. Prepares income and cost approaches to value for all
assigned properties and reviews sales to ensure that the results are in line with recent market activity.
Assists in the office and field training of new personnel and the supervision and quality assurance checks of
other appraisers.
10% Sales Analysis. Verifies conditions of sales and validity of sale prices. Inspects sold properties on site.
Measures and verifies property characteristics and verifies the current property use and occupancy. Stratifies
and analyzes sales. Takes current photos of all structures from different angles.
5% Service To The Public. Answers appraisal-related questions and provides information to property owners
and their bona fide representatives.
