APPRAISAL INVESTIGATOR                                                                                                0625

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for conducting investigations where discrepancies exist between the review made by the County of real property appraisals and owner's claims for damages in condemnation proceedings.  The incumbent determines the validity of initial appraisals and the techniques employed for gathering evidence and exhibits for court trials and assists in trial preparation.  The incumbent is expected to exercise a considerable degree of independent judgment and initiative in the application of professional appraisal principles and investigative techniques for a just reconciliation of conflicts.  Work is reviewed through reports, conferences and upon completion.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Investigates discrepancies between the County prepared appraisals and those submitted by claimants;

            Analyzes and examines claimants appraisals to insure that the County has current and accurate information relating to the techniques employed by the claimants appraisers and to the facts contained therein;

            Reconstructs books and records from miscellaneous information gathered from outside sources, where the originals are incomplete, falsified or contain ficticious transactions or transactions completed with a purpose to mislead;

            Collects evidence, weights its significance and probative value and deter­mines its applicability for trial use in light of pertinent laws and court decisions;

            Consolidates findings into pre-trial and conference reports for the County Attorney; testifies at proceedings as required.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and methods employed in appraising and negotiating for land and other real property acquired by condem­nation for various County purposes; thorough knowledge of the techniques and practices used in the investigation of real property records; good knowledge of the legal procedures, documents and law relating to property appraisal practic­es, compensability and the ownership and transfer of real property; ability to analyze complex technical and legal documents relating to the transfer and acquisition of real property and to evaluate their completeness and accuracy; ability to gather, assemble and evaluate facts and evidence and prepare clear and concise legal arguments for trial presentation in matters relating to condemnation proceedings; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            OPEN-COMPETITIVE

            Either:

            (a) Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, and five (5) years of experience in real property appraisal, plus two (2) years of experience in investigation leading to or preparing for legal action; or,

 

            (b)  Completion of sixty (60) credit hours from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university, and seven (7) years of experience in real property appraisal, plus three (3) years of experience in investigation leading to or preparing for legal action; or,

 

            (c)  An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the

limits of (a) and (b).

 

 

 

R4/22/81

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR1/28/03