Lead Appraiser (PAS5)

Description

• Perform complex appraisals, valuations, and appraisal reviews for property acquisitions, disposals, leases, easements, and other real property interests supporting transportation projects.
• Conduct property inspections by traveling to subject properties and comparable sales locations, documenting site conditions, collecting measurements, and evaluating property characteristics.
• Research and analyze real estate market data, property rights, and transaction information to develop well-supported value conclusions and recommendations.
• Prepare appraisal reports, value memorandums, funding estimates, appraisal waivers, administrative offer summaries, exhibits, and other valuation deliverables.
• Review appraisal and valuation work products for accuracy, compliance, and quality, providing constructive feedback and recommendations to strengthen final deliverables.
• Collaborate with property owners, consultants, project teams, public agencies, and other stakeholders to support successful right of way acquisition and property management activities.
• Mentor and train appraisal staff, assist with consultant management activities, and support project planning, workload coordination, and process improvements within the appraisal program.
• Advise project teams on property impacts, valuation considerations, acquisition risks, and right of way issues to support project development and delivery.

• Appraisal Knowledge and Experience: Demonstrated knowledge in business or public administration, real estate, economics, accounting, or a related field, and experience appraising most types of improved and vacant real property including, but not limited to, agriculture, single-family, multi-family, recreation, commercial, and industrial.
• Appraisal & Valuation Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform real property appraisals in accordance with USPAP, FHWA, and right-of-way standards. Skill in valuing multiple property types and a variety of property rights.
• Market Research & Analysis: Demonstrated ability to research and analyze market data, comparable sales, and property rights using online tools and public records. Skill in applying analytical methods and professional judgment to reach well-supported value conclusions.
• Field Inspection: Demonstrated ability to conduct onsite inspections, photograph properties, and take accurate measurements.

• Communication & Collaboration: Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly explain valuation findings and highly technical material to technical and non-technical staff, as well as the general public. Works collaboratively and constructively with peers, both inside and outside of WSDOT, in a respectful, positive, and kind manner as an equal; regardless of race and color, national origin, religion and creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, disability, or use of a service animal.

• Problem Solving & Adaptability: Demonstrates adaptability for unique and challenging appraisal challenges and able to quickly and flexibly address those challenges in a matter consistent with accepted appraisal practice and applicable policies and procedures.
• Time Management and Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to adjust to shifting priorities, perform effectively under pressure, and consistently meet project deadlines.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

• State Certified General Appraiser, State Certified Residential Appraiser, or State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

• Demonstrated experience successfully completing complex right of way appraisal reports, project funding estimates, & appraisal waivers (preferably in northwest Washington) compliant with Review Appraiser’s expectations as well as appraisal reviews.

• 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 (and generally adapts to new technology quickly).

• A designation or certification pertinent to the job from an applicable organization including, but not limited to, the IRWA or Appraisal Institute.

• Knowledge/Understanding of:
  • Eminent domain real estate appraisal principles and procedures
  • ROW Engineering
  • The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, including amendments.
  • Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions
  • Chapter 3 of the WSDOT Right-of-Way Manual

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Field work is essential for this position, regardless if the day-to-day office location chosen is at home or in Northwest Region Headquarters.
• Work includes attending onsite meetings and conducting field inspections at various locations. Employees should be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions, travel across uneven or steep terrain, and safely perform duties near live traffic, construction zones, and heavy equipment.
• 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.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• 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.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
• Paid/Reimbursed Education/Certifications/Licenses– Northwest Region reimburses for fees associated with ongoing appraisal licensure and for a designation/certification earned from a professional association (such as IRWA or Appraisal Institute). Tuition of up to 80 credit hours of education towards a credential of the employee’s choosing will be paid for directly, as well as for the time taken to take those courses.

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.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role (limit to 1 or 2 pages).
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

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.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Yasmin.Munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-11542 in the subject line.