Job Description

Description

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The Department of Revenue has an exciting career opportunity available to join the Property Tax division as an Appraiser on the Utility Valuation team. If you have experience appraising property as a licensed Certified General Appraiser, a County Assessor's employee, or as a commercial real estate analyst, this position could be a great fit for you. Those with experience in the regulation of public utilities may also find this position stimulating.

The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as October 31, 2025 and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

Please Note:

This position has the flexibility to work remotely most of the time, however the duty station is to be located at our Tumwater or Tacoma office. The successful candidate must agree to travel to the office for key scheduled meetings, to provide training, or as operational needs dictate. Details of teleworking considerations will be addressed during the interview process. The successful candidate must also be able to attend out-of-state training and conferences as required that are up to one week in duration.



This position appraises and apportions property in the airline, electric, gas, pipeline, railroad, or telecommunications industries. Your existing appraisal skills already form the foundation necessary to transition into these challenging assignments. This position is the expert in their assigned industry and is expected to be familiar with complex appraisal issues, current industry trends, and relevant legislation and case law. They are also expected to maintain positive working relationships with tax professionals representing some of the largest companies in the country. This position supports the Department's mission by fairly and efficiently administering the assessment of public utilities.

Revenue

is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible forstudent loan forgiveness.



Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

Duties

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Some of your other responsibilities will include:



Planning, coordinating, appraising, reporting, apportioning, and defending real and/or personal property valuations of intercounty public utilities in the telecom industry. Conducting cost of capital studies to calibrate valuation models and tables and defend those studies at industry hearings, including developing, updating, and publishing annual reports online for assigned industries. Working with key utility databases and systems to ensure accurate records are stored and generated. Attending the annual Unitary Appraiser School training sponsored by the Western States Association of Tax Administrators.

You will also have the opportunity to engage in training and research to continuously improve expertise in an assigned industry or industries.

Qualifications

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The required qualifications are key competencies that have been successfully demonstrated through experience or education. These competencies ensure effective performance in assisting with property tax programs. To join our team, you must possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies:

KNOWLEDGE

Property Appraisal and Valuation: Demonstrated understanding of complex property appraisal principles, particularly as they relate to intercounty utility properties. Must be knowledgeable in financial analysis, cost of capital modeling, and statutory guidelines that govern property assessment and valuation. Database Systems and Reporting: Proficient in databases and reporting tools used to aggregate, input, and analyze large datasets. Familiarity with maintaining accurate records and performing data reconciliation in line with department standards and legal requirements. Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of relevant state statutes and industry regulations governing property valuation and taxpayer communications. Ability to interpret and apply legal and procedural standards to appraisal decisions and documentation.

SKILLS

Data Analysis and Reconciliation: Skilled in aggregating, analyzing, and reconciling complex data sets to ensure accuracy of tentative and final values. Ability to identify data discrepancies, perform root-cause analysis, and correct records prior to certification. Writing and Documentation: Capable of drafting clear, summary reports, issue summaries, and departmental responses that explain technical concepts to a non-technical audience. Skilled in translating complex valuation data into accessible language. Presentation and Public Speaking: Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to present and defend valuation studies at industry meetings. Able to adjust tone, language, and detail level to effectively engage varied audiences, including taxpayers, industry representatives, and regulators.

ABILITIES

Decision-Making Under Statutory Constraints: Ability to review taxpayer-submitted documentation and determine whether to adjust valuations in compliance with legal requirements. Competent in approving or denying changes to valuation studies and financial models based on critical evaluation of data. Attention to Detail in Data Management: Exceptional accuracy in inputting and verifying appraisal data, ensuring that records are error-free before issuing or certifying final values. Maintains a high standard for data integrity and documentation throughout the valuation lifecycle. Multitasking and Time Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple appraisal projects, reporting requirements, and stakeholder communications simultaneously, while meeting strict deadlines for data certification and value issuance. Professional Judgment and Integrity: Exercises sound judgment in defending valuation decisions while balancing stakeholder concerns and statutory obligations. Maintains confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions. Collaborative and Transparent Communication: Committed to clear, respectful communication with colleagues, taxpayers, and industry representatives. Demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring transparency in departmental decisions and processes.

Preference may be granted to candidates who possess the following:

KNOWLEDGE

Advanced Real Property Appraisal: In-depth knowledge of real and personal property appraisal, with specific experience in complex or non-residential property types. Familiarity with valuation methodologies such as income capitalization, cost approach, and market comparison as applied to utility properties. Finance and Economics: Strong foundation in financial analysis, capital markets, and economic principles related to valuation. Includes knowledge of cost of capital concepts, industry benchmarking, and financial data interpretation. Industry and Regulatory Awareness: Understanding of evolving utility industry trends, regulatory environments, and statutory frameworks that influence valuation practices. Certifications and Professional Standards: Possession of or eligibility for the WSATA Unitary Appraiser Certification and the State of Washington Ad Valorem Real Property Appraiser Accreditation demonstrates advanced knowledge of professional standards in public-sector appraisal.

SKILLS

Advanced Research and Analytical Skills: Proficient in conducting cost of capital and valuation studies independently. Able to research and evaluate financial data, update models or templates, and reconcile study outcomes with high accuracy. Clear and Concise Communication: Skilled in distilling complex appraisal and financial concepts into understandable terms for stakeholders. Proficient in both written reports and verbal presentations, tailoring messaging to technical and non-technical audiences. Problem Solving: Strong diagnostic and analytical skills to identify valuation discrepancies, irregularities in data, or outdated methodologies. Capable of creating innovative solutions within statutory and regulatory frameworks.

Eligibility Based on Experience: Meets or exceeds qualifications for the role based on either:

A bachelor's degree in business, public administration, finance, real estate, economics, accounting, or a related field AND four years of qualifying professional experience, OR At least one year of experience at the Property & Acquisition Specialist 4 level. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree.)

BEHAVIORS

Professional Communication and Presentation: Demonstrates the ability to simplify complex ideas into a clear and actionable format. Uses structured frameworks to ensure clarity and effectiveness in both oral and written communications. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Approachable and cooperative in team settings. Builds constructive working relationships, provides feedback, and encourages shared solutions during collaborative work. Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Proactively stays current with industry practices and appraisal methodologies. Demonstrates a growth mindset, seeking opportunities to apply new knowledge and improve appraisal accuracy and defensibility.

To be considered

Complete/update your online profile

in detail,as it will serve as your initial resume.

Attach a letter of interest

, describing your specific qualifications for this position.


Note - Incomplete applications and applications received without requested attachments may be disqualified.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference

, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.

Questions?

Hello, my name is Lance, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Department of Revenue employee, I understand the importance of finding a rewarding career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves in connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have.



Please contact any part of the Staffing team at Jobs@dor.wa.gov or give me a call (360) 704-5725.

Supplemental Information

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The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for six months.

For current Department of Revenue employees and union members of the WPEA, current promotion rules will apply if selected.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.



This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).


The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.



If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.