County of Santa Barbara
PLEASE NOTE, THE TESTING AND SELECTION PROCESS INCLUDES AN ON-SITE EXAMINATION IN SANTA BARBARA, CA.
Qualified candidates must be available to travel to the assessment site in Santa Barbara to complete the examination in person.
The County of Santa Barbara’s Clerk‑Recorder‑Assessor Department is currently accepting applications to fill two full‑time vacancies in Santa Barbara. The position requires being fully onsite Monday‑Friday.
Join us as an Appraiser I, a position brimming with growth potential and the chance to kickstart your career. As an Appraiser, you’ll dive into the world of property appraisal, working under expert guidance to assess real and other properties for tax purposes. This role offers a dynamic environment where you’ll constantly learn and develop your skills, paving the way for future advancement.
THE CLERK‑RECORDER‑ASSESSOR DEPARTMENT The Santa Barbara County Clerk‑Recorder‑Assessor department is comprised of three separate and unique divisions: Clerk‑Recorder, Assessor and Elections. Each division offers employees growth and career advancement opportunities. Working in the Assessor’s Office affords Appraisers options to gain experience working with a variety of properties including tract homes, luxury estates, ocean‑front bungalows, vineyards, hotels, oil wells, airplanes, yachts, boat slips, space launch complexes and even racehorses.
THE POSITION
Appraisers in the Assessor’s Office are responsible for the discovery, identification, valuation and assessment of all taxable real and personal property in Santa Barbara County in order to produce the secured and unsecured assessment rolls. This includes defending valuations and assessments before the Assessment Appeals Board.
To learn more about the Assessor’s Office, please visit https://www.countyofsb.org/236/Assessor.
BENEFITS The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
Retirement reciprocity
Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
RESPONSIBILITIES
Investigates and gathers data required for determining the market value of personal property, land, and improvements; interprets and applies the California Revenue and Taxation Code, Property Tax Rules, and the State of California Constitution as they apply to chain of title and property valuation; and prepares reports on facts pertinent to the determination of ownership or market value.
Inspects interiors and exteriors of buildings and other structures for property tax assessment and valuation; prepares scale drawings of improvements; explains assessment procedures and determinations of value from assessment records and maps; and determines appraisability of ownership transfers for real property and leasehold interests through chain of title investigation and research.
Investigates and analyzes data in the research of title or in appraisal of land, improvements, and personal property for property tax purposes; and performs appraisals on specific property types which may include commercial, residential, agricultural, and research of property ownership records.
Explains chain of title, appraisal procedures, and California Revenue and Tax code sections and rules to taxpayers.
Determines through chain of title investigation and research of recorded and unrecorded title transfer documents for real property and leasehold interests whether changes in ownership will result in appraisal; and prepares and presents assessment appeals.
Receives on‑the‑job training and formal course work in property appraisal; and learns to perform cost, market, and income appraisals.
Learns to interpret and apply the California Revenue and Taxation Code and the State of California Constitution as they apply to property valuation and chain of title.
QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year institution;
OR
Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent
AND
four years of relevant experience. "Relevant experience" means employment experience within the last ten years in any of the following occupations:
An accountant, auditor, real property appraiser, building cost estimator, engineer, real estate loan agent, real estate loan underwriter, right‑of‑way agent, licensed building contractor; or,
A real estate licensee, licensed by the California Department of Real Estate, engaged in buying, selling, leasing, or managing real estate; or,
An appraiser aide or appraiser trainee in an Assessor's office or in the property taxes department of the State Board of Equalization; or,
An employee, other than an appraiser, appraiser aide, or appraiser trainee, of an Assessor's office or of the property taxes department of the State Board of Equalization, except that such employment time shall be limited to qualifying for only 2/3 of the four‑year experience requirement. The remaining 1/3 of time shall be accumulated by other relevant experience as described in subparagraphs a), b), and c) above or by education in an accredited institution of higher education.
Applicants who are currently in their final quarter or semester of study leading to a bachelor's degree are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may compete in the examination process but may not be considered for appointment until they have obtained the required degree.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for Appraiser I are not required to possess a valid appraiser’s certificate at time of application; however, selectees for employment must obtain a temporary appraiser’s certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization after appointment to the Appraiser I class.
As a condition of continued employment, Appraiser I appointees must obtain a valid appraiser’s certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization within one year of appointment.
Additional Qualifications: A Valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required at the time of appointment.
Knowledge of mathematics, including arithmetic and geometry; English grammar and usage; and computer applications, including current word‑processing, spreadsheet, and data base programs.
Ability to learn the factors involved in the valuation and assessment of land, improvements, and personal property; gather and analyze data for appraisal purposes and make appropriate determinations; make accurate calculations; understand and follow rules and instructions; read and interpret procedures, laws and regulations; keep accurate records; draw sketches of improvements to scale; maintain impartiality and objectivity; determine percentages of transferable interests on deeds for tax purposes; understand legal descriptions and complex legal documents; interpret corporate lease agreements and trust documents; investigate facts affecting real property and chain of title; read and interpret blueprints, and property descriptions; accept and promote suggestions, recommendations, and process improvements; accept accountability and responsibility of work product and job performance; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
In‑person written exam: Candidates that meet the employment standard will be invited to an in‑person written exam. The written examination is scheduled on the week of November 17th. Candidates will be provided with additional information regarding the written examination by e‑mail. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 12 qualified candidates.
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the In‑Person Written Exam to be placed on an employment list. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an e‑mail notice of their score on the exam, rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
NOTE: Veteran’s preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of honorable discharge from active military service or discharge from a military or veterans’ hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service, or completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.
To receive veteran’s preference points, you must check the Veteran’s Preference Points box on the employment application form and submit a copy of your DD‑214 and, if applicable, VA certification of disability rating, to the Human Resources Department before the examination date; and pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post‑offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one‑year probationary period.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e‑mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit‑based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long‑standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Monday, November 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM PST; Postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Leza Patatanian – lpatatanian@countyofsb.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Qualified candidates must be available to travel to the assessment site in Santa Barbara to complete the examination in person.
The County of Santa Barbara’s Clerk‑Recorder‑Assessor Department is currently accepting applications to fill two full‑time vacancies in Santa Barbara. The position requires being fully onsite Monday‑Friday.
Join us as an Appraiser I, a position brimming with growth potential and the chance to kickstart your career. As an Appraiser, you’ll dive into the world of property appraisal, working under expert guidance to assess real and other properties for tax purposes. This role offers a dynamic environment where you’ll constantly learn and develop your skills, paving the way for future advancement.
THE CLERK‑RECORDER‑ASSESSOR DEPARTMENT The Santa Barbara County Clerk‑Recorder‑Assessor department is comprised of three separate and unique divisions: Clerk‑Recorder, Assessor and Elections. Each division offers employees growth and career advancement opportunities. Working in the Assessor’s Office affords Appraisers options to gain experience working with a variety of properties including tract homes, luxury estates, ocean‑front bungalows, vineyards, hotels, oil wells, airplanes, yachts, boat slips, space launch complexes and even racehorses.
THE POSITION
Appraisers in the Assessor’s Office are responsible for the discovery, identification, valuation and assessment of all taxable real and personal property in Santa Barbara County in order to produce the secured and unsecured assessment rolls. This includes defending valuations and assessments before the Assessment Appeals Board.
To learn more about the Assessor’s Office, please visit https://www.countyofsb.org/236/Assessor.
BENEFITS The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
Retirement reciprocity
Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
RESPONSIBILITIES
Investigates and gathers data required for determining the market value of personal property, land, and improvements; interprets and applies the California Revenue and Taxation Code, Property Tax Rules, and the State of California Constitution as they apply to chain of title and property valuation; and prepares reports on facts pertinent to the determination of ownership or market value.
Inspects interiors and exteriors of buildings and other structures for property tax assessment and valuation; prepares scale drawings of improvements; explains assessment procedures and determinations of value from assessment records and maps; and determines appraisability of ownership transfers for real property and leasehold interests through chain of title investigation and research.
Investigates and analyzes data in the research of title or in appraisal of land, improvements, and personal property for property tax purposes; and performs appraisals on specific property types which may include commercial, residential, agricultural, and research of property ownership records.
Explains chain of title, appraisal procedures, and California Revenue and Tax code sections and rules to taxpayers.
Determines through chain of title investigation and research of recorded and unrecorded title transfer documents for real property and leasehold interests whether changes in ownership will result in appraisal; and prepares and presents assessment appeals.
Receives on‑the‑job training and formal course work in property appraisal; and learns to perform cost, market, and income appraisals.
Learns to interpret and apply the California Revenue and Taxation Code and the State of California Constitution as they apply to property valuation and chain of title.
QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year institution;
OR
Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent
AND
four years of relevant experience. "Relevant experience" means employment experience within the last ten years in any of the following occupations:
An accountant, auditor, real property appraiser, building cost estimator, engineer, real estate loan agent, real estate loan underwriter, right‑of‑way agent, licensed building contractor; or,
A real estate licensee, licensed by the California Department of Real Estate, engaged in buying, selling, leasing, or managing real estate; or,
An appraiser aide or appraiser trainee in an Assessor's office or in the property taxes department of the State Board of Equalization; or,
An employee, other than an appraiser, appraiser aide, or appraiser trainee, of an Assessor's office or of the property taxes department of the State Board of Equalization, except that such employment time shall be limited to qualifying for only 2/3 of the four‑year experience requirement. The remaining 1/3 of time shall be accumulated by other relevant experience as described in subparagraphs a), b), and c) above or by education in an accredited institution of higher education.
Applicants who are currently in their final quarter or semester of study leading to a bachelor's degree are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may compete in the examination process but may not be considered for appointment until they have obtained the required degree.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for Appraiser I are not required to possess a valid appraiser’s certificate at time of application; however, selectees for employment must obtain a temporary appraiser’s certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization after appointment to the Appraiser I class.
As a condition of continued employment, Appraiser I appointees must obtain a valid appraiser’s certificate issued by the State Board of Equalization within one year of appointment.
Additional Qualifications: A Valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required at the time of appointment.
Knowledge of mathematics, including arithmetic and geometry; English grammar and usage; and computer applications, including current word‑processing, spreadsheet, and data base programs.
Ability to learn the factors involved in the valuation and assessment of land, improvements, and personal property; gather and analyze data for appraisal purposes and make appropriate determinations; make accurate calculations; understand and follow rules and instructions; read and interpret procedures, laws and regulations; keep accurate records; draw sketches of improvements to scale; maintain impartiality and objectivity; determine percentages of transferable interests on deeds for tax purposes; understand legal descriptions and complex legal documents; interpret corporate lease agreements and trust documents; investigate facts affecting real property and chain of title; read and interpret blueprints, and property descriptions; accept and promote suggestions, recommendations, and process improvements; accept accountability and responsibility of work product and job performance; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
In‑person written exam: Candidates that meet the employment standard will be invited to an in‑person written exam. The written examination is scheduled on the week of November 17th. Candidates will be provided with additional information regarding the written examination by e‑mail. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 12 qualified candidates.
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the In‑Person Written Exam to be placed on an employment list. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an e‑mail notice of their score on the exam, rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
NOTE: Veteran’s preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of honorable discharge from active military service or discharge from a military or veterans’ hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service, or completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.
To receive veteran’s preference points, you must check the Veteran’s Preference Points box on the employment application form and submit a copy of your DD‑214 and, if applicable, VA certification of disability rating, to the Human Resources Department before the examination date; and pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post‑offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one‑year probationary period.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e‑mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit‑based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long‑standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Monday, November 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM PST; Postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Leza Patatanian – lpatatanian@countyofsb.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr