Research Associate II

Location
13013 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77040

Division
Review Appraisal Division

Job Type
Full-time

FLSA Status
Exempt

Close Date
Until filled

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Summary*
The purpose of this intermediate level position is to perform detailed account research and resolution on property owner problem accounts. To monitor, route and process incoming documents through the Visiflow system. Appraisal duties related to the litigation process; research and analyze sales and income/expense data; answer challenging inquiries in person and in written reports; familiarity with materials and statistical data sources within HCAD for use in work of information sources and resource people throughout Harris County.

Position requires use of personal vehicle. A valid Texas driver’s license with proof of liability insurance is mandatory with a verified acceptable driving record.

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Job Responsibilities*
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the job. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this job.
General Responsibilities (Broad responsibilities that are consistent across job families)

• Provide assistance to the general public and HCAD employees by being knowledgeable of all current appraisal district policies and procedures and any changes to the State Property Tax Code; and enforcing and interpreting district policies and procedures as they relate to division activities and areas of responsibility.
• Provide assistance to the division director by planning, organizing and prioritizing major activities associated with specific job assignments, assisting with preparation of technical reports and manuals and researching local conditions.
• Enhance the division’s effectiveness by demonstrating professionalism in conduct, appearance and attitude, understanding the necessity for dependability, punctuality, overtime requests and integrity of work.
• Comply with HCAD policies and procedures and state laws by staying current on written policies and procedures for HCAD personnel; maintaining current knowledge of new and revised tax laws and property tax code; attending BTPE education courses and maintaining required licenses and certifications.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing challenging tasks as needed and assigned.
• Must be proficient with the use of a personal computer with the windows operating system and specific skills in data research; working knowledge of HCAD’s STI CAMA system.
• Proficient in MS Office; Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, the ability to use different programs or different research engines to locate data, must have decisive reasoning abilities and the ability to pay close attention to details.
• Strong working knowledge of appraisal district operations.
• Dependable, self-motivated, self-reliant and ability to work with no supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, proficient in spelling, punctuation and math.

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Technical Responsibilities* (Division specific responsibilities)
REVIEW APPRAISAL DIVISION:

• Provide support for HCAD settlement discussions related to the litigation process by performing advanced account research by organizing, analyzing and presenting materials.
• Maintain knowledge of HCAD database, becoming totally familiar with HCAD’s STI CAMA system in order to research and retrieve HCAD records; verify or convey such information requested by attorneys.
• To provide advanced research to review and determine if the district made an error.
• Analyze and prepare commercial, industrial, or personal property cases for resolution.
• Route information to proper division or section for correction.
• Compile data for the best use for an analysis, contribute meaningful ideas and to work productively on challenging assignment, as well as a team player for a productive end.
• Notify and provide explanation to property owners representative, agent and /or tax assessor.
• Monitor, index, and identify property owner accounts incoming documents.
• Prepare informational packets for mediation prior to trial.
• Prepare cases for discussion in settlement conferences.
• Collect production reports from section supervisors to prepare monthly reports for the division.
• Assist the Deputy Chief Appraiser with administrative duties and special projects.
• Must have a basic knowledge of research and retrieval strategies.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree.
• Major in Business, Real Estate or pre-law
• Must possess a Level III BTPE registration with a Level IV RPA certification to be completed within one (1) year or graduate of a four (4) year college with advanced courses in real estate and two (2) years of responsible real estate/appraisal experience.
• In certain circumstances the college degree requirement may be waived for an individual with:
• An RPA and current active registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• A residential or general appraiser license currently active with the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.
• Five or more years of applicable experience within the last ten years of the date of application.
• For applicants who are currently employed by the Harris County Appraisal District, relevant appraisal experience.
• An honorable discharge from a branch of the US Armed Services.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: 3+ years’ appraisal district operations and/or legal research experience in real estate.
• Must be working toward obtaining a TDLR Appraiser license or certification

Position requires use of personal vehicle. A valid Texas driver’s license with proof of liability insurance is mandatory with a verified acceptable driving record.

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Position Qualifications & Requirements*
COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Customer Orientation
• Decision Making
• Emotional Intelligence
• Quality Orientation

KNOWLEDGE:

• HCAD standards of documentation
• HCAD field listing procedures
• Market norms
• Knowledge of new and revised tax laws and Texas Property Tax Code.
• Real Estate Terminology

SKILLS:

• Research
• Effective communication, both written and verbal
• Technical writing
• Collaboration
• Detail Oriented

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WORKING CONDITIONS*
Positions in this class typically require repetitive motions, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time in an office setting.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have sufficient mobility to visit property sites that may feature rough terrain and to work outdoors in unfavorable weather conditions. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time with ability to reach, bend and move up/down on steps. Must be able to lift up to 50-pounds.
The position requires considerable concentration, creativity and ability to manage time effectively. The position is subject to stress caused by a changing public environment, mandatory deadlines and heavy workload. Requires the ability to ask questions that will bring forth the information needed to make sound decisions.

Location: 13013 Northwest Freeway,Houston,TX 77040, Houston, TX 77040

Job Type: Full-time