Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization) Series
California State Personnel Board Specification
Series established September 4, 1974
Scope
This series specification describes three Forest Property Appraiser classifications used in the State Board of Equalization's Property Taxes Program.
Definition of Series
The Forest Property Appraiser appraises and investigates forest and forest industry properties to derive harvest value data for the timber yield tax system; performs post-harvest evaluations to ensure full compliance with the State Timber Yield Tax Law; collects and analyzes value and harvest data to determine market conditions and to establish value schedules.
Typical Tasks
Performs appraisals and investigations of all forest and forest industry properties in an assigned geographical area in California; determines classification of timber by making sample cruises and reviewing timber harvesting plans and harvest operations; conducts economic studies of forest industry which includes researching, collecting, and analyzing data to determine price trends and market values; inspects public and private harvest operations to determine degree of compliance in reporting Timber Yield Tax; tests new field and valuation procedures and techniques to improve the administration of the timber tax; makes and verifies computations; prepares reports on forest and forest industry properties; develops forms, methods, and procedures for the appraisal of forest industry properties.
Definition of Levels
Assistant Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization)
This is the entry level. Under direct supervision, incumbents learn and conduct the less difficult forest appraisals and field investigations of small single owner timber harvest operations; collect and analyze data for the appraisal of forest properties; assist in the more complex forest appraisals; and do other related work.
Associate Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization)
This is the journey level. Under general direction, incumbents independently conduct the more to most difficult and complex forest and forest industry property appraisals, including forest harvest operations covering timber lands up to 25,000 acres, with multiple location harvest operations, mixed logging systems, various timber age classifications and species compositions, timber quality codes, and skewed bidding; may act in a lead capacity; and do other related work.
Senior Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization)
This is the full supervisory level. Under general direction, incumbents have supervisory responsibility to direct and manage the activities of a field office with a staff of two to five professional staff performing economic studies, timber valuation, audit, and compliance activities in a specified geographical area; reviews appraisals for conformance with the Board of Equalization's Timber Yield Tax laws and regulations; meets with forest property owners and Board of Equalization's appraisal and audit staff involving disputed assessments and successfully recommends value determinations; conducts the post-harvest appraisals when discrepancies occur between the Board of Equalization's appraiser and forest property owner; participates as an advisor to the Statewide Timber Advisory Committee; and does other related work.
Minimum Qualifications
All Levels:
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college or university with a major in forestry. (Additional experience in technical forestry work or timber appraisal work may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
Assistant Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization)
Experience: Either
1. Two years of experience in real property appraisal work including at least one year in work regularly involving the appraisal of forest and forest industry property. or
2. Three years of experience in work regularly involving forestry knowledge and application, timber cruising, and appraisals of forest and forest industry property.
Associate Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization)
Either I
Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Assistant Forest Property Appraiser.
Or II
1. Three years of experience in real property appraisal work, including at least two years in work regularly involving the appraisal of forest and forest industry property. or
2. Four years of experience in work regularly involving forestry knowledge and application and appraising of forest and forest industry property.
Senior Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization)
Either I
Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Associate Forest Property Appraiser.
Or II
1. Four years of experience in real property appraisal work in a local assessor's office, including or supplemented by at least two years of experience in work regularly involving the independent appraisal of large and complex forest and forest industry property. or
2. Four years of experience in the independent appraisal of large and complex forest and forest industry property.
Knowledge and Abilities
All Levels:
Knowledge of: General appraisal methods, procedures, and terminology involved in valuation of forest properties; forest management principles and practices; forest harvesting methods; timber and forest property values and the effect of economic trends on values and price; real property appraisal methods, procedures, and terminology.
Ability to: Apply the required knowledge, assemble, and analyze information on timber and land values; survey, cruise, and appraise timber; interpret maps and property records and locate properties for appraisal; analyze data and draw sound conclusions, analyze situations accurately and take effective action; prepare clear, complete, and concise reports; communicate effectively.
Associate Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization)
Knowledge of: All of the above; provisions of timber yield tax laws and regulations administered by the State Board of Equalization; forest, range, and watershed management principles and practices; training principles and practices; organization of the State Board of Equalization, particularly the Property Taxes Program.
Ability to: All of the above.
Senior Forest Property Appraiser (Board of Equalization)
Knowledge of: All of the above; methods, practices, and procedures followed in forest tax assessment work; principles, methods, and techniques of training and personnel management; principles of supervision; State Constitution and Revenue and Taxation Code pertaining to assessment of property for tax assessment and timber yield tax purposes; Board's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.
Ability to: All of the above; plan, organize, and direct the work of a staff engaged in forest appraisal and compliance activities; assemble and analyze appraisal data and apply it to a property tax equalization program; analyze existing appraisal and assessment systems and make recommendations for and assist in the installation of improvements; establish and maintain cooperative relations with local government, the private sector, and others; give presentations to governmental boards and other groups; develop the skills and abilities of subordinate staff; resolve supervisorial problems; and effectively contribute to the Board's affirmative action objectives.
License Requirement
Associate Forest Property Appraiser
Senior Forest Property Appraiser
Possession of a valid license as a Professional Forester issued by the California State Board of Forestry.
Class History
