BASIC FUNCTION:

The Senior Appraiser is a licensed State Certified General Appraiser, competent to appraise moderate to difficult real estate appraisal assignments.  The appraiser has the capacity to consult with staff and others regarding valuation problems and collateral qualification standards for Farm Credit loans. The Senior Appraiser is able to handle appraisal assignments including those that may involve pledged collateral for large or complex loans; loans in litigation, and acquired properties. Appraises increasingly difficult/complex real estate assignments; completes or assists on the large complicated real estate facilities. The Senior Appraiser may be accountable for mentoring, and training junior staff. In addition, a person in this position may be a lead appraiser in a designated geographical area. This position would not have any direct reports but may be in a role of informal team leadership. Collaborates with other team members, as well as other Hub Team and Retail Team members from lending, underwriting and operations to ensure high quality, timely and accurate service to customers and/or internal teams. Develops reports to management as directed.  Provides consulting service to Lending staff on collateral issues as necessary.  Completes appraisal reviews of in-house staff as directed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Can competently complete real property assignments with increased autonomy and reliability.
• Prepares appraisals on increasingly complex real property assignments that may involve pledged collateral for large or complex loans, specialized or highly improved properties, loans in litigation, foreclosure or bankruptcy, and acquired properties.
• Conduct appraisals of real property to determine value using cost, sales comparison, and income approaches.  Determine, analyze and apply the appropriate valuation approaches.
• May work with lending management and other appraisers to prioritize appraisal assignments and manage appraiser schedules to assure assignments are completed in the most efficient manner.
• Searches, confirms, analyzes and archives market sales and rental information from a variety of sources. Has established relationships with realtors and others in order to obtain documentation and verification of the sales and other market data.
• Establish and maintain good customer relations by providing ongoing communication, coordination, and timely assistance throughout the appraisal process and during any non-valuation assignment.
• May prepare appraisals for outside fee customers.
• Completes appraisals outside the region as directed.
• Perform other non-valuation functions that may be assigned.
• Moderate level of travel in performance of job.
• Perform other functions assigned.

LEVELS OF SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED:

Works with appraisal staff in coaching, report peer proofing and co-signing of reports; works under supervision of the Appraisal Director.

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA/BS degree in any agricultural, management, business, economic, real estate or accounting major of study, or equivalent.
• Must have obtained a Certified General Appraiser License, and is in compliance with the continuing education requirements for certification as established by the Appraisal Foundation and approved by the appropriate state appraisal boards
• Encouraged to have professional appraisal designation by a national appraisal society recognized by the Appraisal Foundation (ARA or MAI preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years real estate valuation experience.
• Regular travel is required within loan servicing area
• Moderate travel is required outside the loan servicing area dependent on business needs
• Ability to work well with people at all levels; exercise initiative; convey ideas clearly; make sound appraisal decisions.
• Ability to communicate/coordinate effectively with all levels of management throughout the Association.  Ability to work harmoniously with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to generate highly accurate work.
• Must be proficient in organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional persuasive and interpersonal skills. 
• Proficient in the use of PC, including e-mail, word processing electronic spreadsheet, and appraisal related software.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Must have the ability to perform basic office tasks and work in a typical office setting. Employee will be sitting for extended periods of time and accomplishing work at a desk and work at a computer for an extended period of time. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills to adequately convey ideas and work well with a team. Ability to talk and hear, sit and use their hands and fingers, and reach in all directions is essential in performance of the job.Some lifting and moving of items up to 25 pounds required. Must have the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle to inspect rural properties. In the course of conducting inspections, must have the ability to walk ½ mile, navigate steep terrain and/or construction sites and safely cross fences.  Work during established business hours and may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. Other physical activities may include: Adjusting, balancing, climbing, connecting, crawling, crouching, digging, feeling, grasping, hearing, kneeling, lifting, operating, pulling, pushing, reaching, reading, repetitive motions, standing, stooping, talking, walking, writing, measuring, physical observation, and driving. Must have a valid Class C driver’s license.