Job Title:
Commercial Appraiser I, II, or III
Company: Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Created: 2026-03-10
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Commercial Appraiser I, II, or IIIEmployment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular Pay Range: $55,364.00 - 103,429.00 Location: Castle Rock, CO Overtime Exempt: N Elected Office / Department: ASSESSOR This position performs professional commercial real property appraisal work, competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective. The Appraiser I position requires an appraiser license and significant direct experience in real estate appraisal or property assessment. The Appraiser II position is expected to have extensive real estate appraisal experience in a variety of property types and have had experience with the three approaches to value. The Appraiser III position is expected to possess significant, independent and direct experience in the valuation of complex real property such as improved commercial and industrial real estate, including a comprehensive knowledge of the three approaches to value. Classification (level) and compensation is based on qualifications and experience as it relates to the position. The Appraiser I: Generally, the hiring range is $55,364 - $69,205 annually. The Appraiser II : Generally, the hiring range is $62,092 - $77,615 annually. The Appraiser III : Generally, the hiring range is $68,953 - $86,191 annually. Yourfuture is important to us. Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package - including medical,dental, vision, and retirement plans - plus a wide range of additionalresources to support your health, growth, and overall well-being. View the full Employee Benefits Guide The Appraiser I: View the full job description here The Appraiser II: View the full job description here The Appraiser III: View the full job description here ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive. The Assessor reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time.) Completes field inspections, measurements, property data collection, and sketches for commercial and industrial properties, including both the physical inspection and blueprint review of a project. Monitors project progress and percentage of completion, including core and shell construction and tenant finish. Once structures reach full completion, identifies all characteristics per Marshall Valuation manual, applies Cost, Market and Income models, and reconciles property value. Completes field work and input for commercial and industrial vacant land. Conducts field inspections for identifying subdivision infrastructure, agricultural use, and land attributes. Maintains existing land valuation models, recognizes the need for new models, and creates them according to appropriate stratification. Applies appropriate subdivision discounting methodology annually per Division of Property Taxation (DPT) guidelines. Participates in County Board of Equalization hearings; completes Value Data Summaries for submission, utilizing the three approaches to value, for CBOE appeals and Abatements. Completes Assessor Protest appeal assignments during annual appeal season, including responding to inquiries, analyzing applied valuation models and interpreting petitioner submissions such as operating statements, comparable sales and other information. For Appraiser III, acts as an expert witness in the defense and support of such appeals including Abatements, Boards of Assessment Appeals, Arbitrations, and District Court cases. Works closely with the Appeals Administrator, Commercial Appraisal Supervisor, Assessor Administration, and County Attorney's Office during the appeals process. Composes USPAP compliant Standard 1 Appraisal Reports in preparation of litigation for certain high-level appeals. Acts as an advisor to these same parties as to the final disposition of appeals. Completes sales verification including Costar review; research with buyers, sellers, brokers and other market participants; performs field reviews, sale validation and input into the Assessor's Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system and spreadsheets. Conducts property reviews for omitted and incorrect information, quality control reports and classification concerns. Work may include in-person and telephone interaction with property owners and their agents. Provides education and information to property owners regarding statutory requirements, state regulations and assessment processes. For Appraiser II and III, applies appropriate procedures and methodologies for the Income approach to value for each type of property: Collects property specific data on rental rates, vacancy, and expenses. Conducts complete research of the market and calculates appropriate capitalization rates. Applies income, expense and cap rate information in CAMA system to calculate income approach value. Analyzes valuation information from the three approaches to value and concludes an understandable and sound opinion of value. Generates and reviews quality assurance reports within CAMA system "canned" reports. Utilizes all available tools such as CAMA software, Excel, Pictometry, GIS, CoStar, and MLS to perform quality control on property characteristics and develop values. Researches and analyzes complex appraisal topics as they pertain to the valuation of commercial properties. Analyzes property sales and income and expense information extracted from the market and derives models by property type, age, location and class. Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a field related to real estate, such as business, finance, accounting, real estate, planning, engineering, construction, architecture, or a related field. An extensive and graduated professional employment record with significant experience in commercial real estate appraisal may substitute for part of this education requirement. Has completed the minimum education requirements set forth by the State of Colorado for an Ad Valorem Appraiser license. For Appraiser I, preferred is the completion of appraisal qualifying education (QE) required for the Ad Valorem or Licensed Appraiser credential. For Appraiser II, preferred is the completion of appraisal qualifying education (QE) required for the Certified Residential Appraisal License. For Appraiser III, preferred is the completion of appraisal qualifying education (QE) required for the Certified General Appraisal License. EXPERIENCE: Knowledge of building design, engineering, construction materials and methods is required. For all levels, working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite including the ability to apply advanced techniques in spreadsheet, database and word processing applications. Advanced ability to work with, manage and analyze data is required. Ability to correctly and efficiently produce Apex sketch files on complex real property. General but intermediate or better understanding of computer software and technology, including Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal applications, file management, internet, email use, networking, smartphones and other mobile devices, database and spreadsheet applications, HP12C or equivalent, as well as other technology generally used by the real estate industry. Appraiser I: The minimum experience required for this position is one year of direct, independent appraisal experience in private industry, or one year of direct experience as a staff appraiser in an assessment jurisdiction. Appraiser III: Four or more years of professional appraisal experience in private and/or public sector, including ad valorem experience, and advanced knowledge of real estate principles, procedures and markets. In the absence of direct ad valorem appraisal experience the candidate may have significant commercial appraisal experience in the private sector including possession of a Certified General Appraisal License. We prefer direct experience with multiple reassessment cycles in the mass appraisal of complex real property with an assessment jurisdiction, including the comprehensive application of the three approaches to value in single property valuation and mass appraisal situations, with demonstrated ability to apply correct cost approach methodologies and depreciation theory, a comprehensive sales comparison approach using sound sales verification and data supported adjustment techniques, industry and regulatory prescribed income approach methods to analyze income and expense data. Direct experience in private commercial appraisal that includes the possession of a Certified General Appraisal License may substitute for ad valorem appraisal experience. Expertise in the Sales Comparison, Cost and Income Approaches to value, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in advanced analysis techniques and when composing valuation summaries and/or appraisal reports for purposes of property appeals on complex property. Able to understand, interpret and analyze balance sheets, profit/loss statements and cash flow reports, rent rolls, income and expense statements, and other financial documents related to realty. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment. For an Appraiser I, an Ad Valorem Appraisal License is preferred. For an Appraiser II, a Certified Residential Appraisal License is preferred. For an Appraiser III, a Certified General Appraisal License is preferred. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Closing Date: 3/15/2026 5:59PM MST. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. The job details outlined in this posting may represent amodified summary of the full job description. For a full copy ofthe job description CLICK HERE toview our job classifications. In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions. This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required. In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.