Real Estate Appraiser

We have an immediate opening for a Certified General Appraiser or real estate professional with appraisal experience and potential to obtain a Certified General Appraiser license in the near future.

About the role

Prepare appraisal reports and valuation analyses for right-of-way acquisitions and eminent-domain proceedings.

• Complete before-and-after valuations for total and partial acquisitions, easements, severance damages, special benefits, access changes, and cost-to-cure items.
• Conduct field inspections and evaluate property characteristics, improvements, access, utilities, zoning, floodplain conditions, and highest and best use.
• Read and interpret highway plans, right-of-way plats, profiles, cross sections, surveys, legal descriptions, and construction plans.
• Research and analyze comparable sales, listings, leases, operating data, construction costs, and market trends.
• Apply the sales comparison, cost, and income approaches when appropriate.
• Evaluate how transportation improvements may affect access, parking, circulation, drainage, visibility, site utility, and property value.
• Prepare clear reports explaining the appraisal methodology, analysis, assumptions, and conclusions.
• Maintain complete and accurate appraisal workfiles and property records.
• Respond to appraisal review comments and revise reports as appropriate.
• Coordinate with engineers, surveyors, right-of-way staff, attorneys, project managers, and agency representatives.
• Explain appraisal methods and conclusions to property owners, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with appraisal review, negotiations, litigation support, depositions, or testimony when qualified.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less-experienced staff.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Current Wisconsin real estate appraiser credential in good standing.
• Wisconsin Certified General Appraiser credential is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, economics, business, planning, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience preparing appraisals for right-of-way, eminent domain, transportation, infrastructure, or public improvement projects.
• Experience with partial acquisitions and before-and-after valuation is strongly preferred.
• Experience appraising residential, commercial, agricultural, special-purpose, and vacant properties is preferred.
• WisDOT appraisal experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience with appraisal review, litigation support, or expert testimony is beneficial.

Technical Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of real estate appraisal principles, methods, and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of USPAP, the Uniform Act, 49 CFR Part 24, Wisconsin eminent-domain law, and right-of-way acquisition practices.
• Understanding of partial acquisitions, larger-parcel analysis, easements, severance damages, special benefits, access impacts, and cost-to-cure analysis.
• Knowledge of highest and best use, land economics, market analysis, zoning, property rights, and valuation of improvements.
• Ability to read highway plans, plats, surveys, legal descriptions, and engineering drawings.
• Ability to research, verify, analyze, and reconcile market data.
• Knowledge of mathematical, financial, and statistical methods used in appraisal.
• Proficiency with appraisal software, spreadsheets, mapping tools, property databases, and public-record systems.
• Knowledge of WisDOT appraisal procedures, forms, and reporting requirements is preferred.
• Knowledge of residential and commercial relocation requirements is beneficial but not required.

Professional Skills

• Ability to independently define the appraisal problem, establish an appropriate scope of work, and produce a credible and defensible appraisal.
• Strong analytical, technical-writing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to explain complex valuation methods and conclusions clearly.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation, organization, and quality control.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, schedules, budgets, and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain independence, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
• Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Computer literacy, including use of relevant communication and file organization software.

Interpersonal & Leadership Skills

• Ability to communicate professionally with property owners, clients, public officials, attorneys, and project teams.
• Strong listening, interviewing, and information-gathering skills.
• Ability to manage difficult or sensitive conversations calmly and respectfully.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and right-of-way teams.
• Ability to present appraisal findings in meetings, hearings, depositions, or court proceedings.
• Ability to mentor, train, and provide constructive technical feedback to others.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, reliability, and sound professional judgment.

Other

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We will not provide sponsorship for this position.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift at least 25lbs.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Working Conditions

• Remote/Hybrid
• Occasional travel required for meetings, training, and events

Benefits

We offer comprehensive benefits and a generous personal time off program.