Appraiser (PAS4)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity

WSDOT is eager to hire a real estate professional to serve as our next Appraiser supporting our Northwest Region (NWR), comprised of King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and Whatcom counties. This position will complete all types of property valuation assignments for WSDOT in compliance with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and WSDOT rules and regulations. As the Appraiser, this position applies independent judgement and advanced technical knowledge to appraise/co-appraise complex/non-complex properties for surplus, leases, and acquisitions as well as prepare Project Funding Estimates (PFEs) and Administrative Offer Summaries (AOSs). The successful candidate appointed to this unique position will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Appraiser:

Completes compelling, well-supported, and professional looking real estate appraisals/valuations for WSDOT owned properties being sold/leased to other private/public entities or for Right of Way (ROW) acquisitions for projects by WSDOT.
Independently completes assignments and assists/trains internal staff with all types of real property valuation assignments for WSDOT in compliance with USPAP, FHWA State, and WSDOT.
Performs visual site inspections. Uses a camera to take photos of the property and a measuring device as needed to estimate dimensions of site improvements.
Researches and analyzes the market using in-depth knowledge of the rights being acquired for each subject property largely using online resources.
Creates efficient, well-documented, and compelling deliverables supported by market research and analysis.
Applies independent judgement and advanced technical knowledge to value complex/non-complex acquisition/surplus rights as well as prepares deliverables including PFEs and AOSs, abbreviated/long-form narrative appraisals, and assorted memorandums.
Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

Two (2) years of experience as a Property & Acquisition Specialist 2, OR
One (1) year of experience as a Property & Acquisition Specialist 3, OR
Bachelors degree (preferably in business or public administration, real estate, economics, accounting, or related field) and two (2) years of experience appraising all types of improved and vacant real property including agriculture, single-family, recreation, commercial, and industrial and Certified General Appraiser, Certified Residential Appraiser, or Licensed Real Estate Appraiser (preferably from Washington state). Experience in property appraisal may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis.
In addition to:

Valid driver’s license
Ability to travel throughout the region and traverse uneven terrain to perform property inspections.
Proficient use of computer and computer software including Microsoft Office.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Three (3) years of experience successfully completing complex Before and After compliant ROW appraisal reports, project funding estimates, and administrative offer summaries compliant with Review Appraiser’s expectations.
Mastery of Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and SharePoint as well as paint programs, browser-based parcel maps and tools, Adobe Acrobat, and web browsers.
Knowledge of:Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
Chapters 4 and 5 of the WSDOT Right of Way Manual
Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions
Eminent domain real estate appraisal principles and procedures.
ROW Engineering.
Important Notes

In accordance with our collective bargaining agreements, employees in represented positions must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position is eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval.
The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. An additional general wage increase of 4% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2023.
In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT

Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff can perform vital public service in a positive, respectful, and constructive work environment through a sustained routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework for eligible positions.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date (please keep this to 2 to 3 pages).
An attached Cover Letter that highlights your most essential qualifications that shows you are a viable candidate for this role, and how this position furthers your career and/or personal goals (please keep this to 1 to 2 pages).
Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter via email.
Contact us:

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NWR-13272 in the subject line.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.