Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCM523: Chief Appraiser

Chief Appraiser

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM523
10
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
89,128.00 - 111,946.00 - 140,733.00 USD Annual
$42.85 - $53.82 - $67.66
$89,128.00 - $111,946.00 - $140,733.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Appraiser oversees the Appraisal Unit within the Assessor’s Office and is responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating all real and personal property appraisals. This position exercises full technical responsibility for appraisal work and provides direct supervision to Appraisal Managers, Assessment Managers, and the Valuation Relief Manager. The Chief Appraiser also has oversight of all appraisal staff to ensure effective scheduling, prioritization, and issue resolution in collaboration with managers and supervisors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Exercises independent judgment in managing appraisal operations and identifies innovative and efficient methods to support revaluation and appraisal processes.
  • Manages and coordinates the work of assessment personnel; analyzes issues, evaluates options, and anticipates the impact of decisions.
  • Implements strategies to achieve organizational goals; researches and applies new methods, procedures, and techniques; applies appraisal principles to ensure equitable and justifiable valuations of real and personal property.
  • Explains appraisal and assessment methods and determinations clearly, both orally and in writing; maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Oversees annual appraisal programs within the Assessor’s Office, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
  • Plans, assigns, and directs the work of managers, supervisors, and appraisal staff; prepares performance appraisals; develops standards for performance and productivity; prepares sales ratio studies and reports for the Property Tax Division; recommends staff for hiring, promotion, or discipline.
  • Monitors and evaluates appraisal procedures to ensure efficiency and effectiveness; assesses staff workload and recommend improvements.
  • Provides expert guidance to managers and staff in applying market, cost, and income approaches—including trended investment, stock, and bond valuation methods.
  • Contributes to departmental policy development and participates in short- and long-term planning initiatives.
  • Coordinates staff training and development; addresses performance issues; implements disciplinary actions when necessary.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • Nine (9) years of work experience in property appraisal work.
  • Two (2) years in a management role.
  • One (1) IAAO Course may substitute for one-year work experience.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE


The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Successfully complete a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Comply with all County safety guidelines.
  • Possess a valid New Mexico driver's license by the date of hire and maintain it while employed in this position.
  • Submit college transcripts, New Mexico Property Tax Division Certified Appraiser or equivalent certifications, and IAAO course completion certifications with the application.


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Essential duties are performed primarily indoors (85–90%) and occasionally outdoors (10–15%).
  • Indoor duties take place in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Outdoor duties may involve exposure to natural weather conditions.
  • May be exposed to various dusts and mists while performing appraisal tasks.
  • Indoor surfaces are even and may be carpeted or tiled.
  • Indoor environments are typically dry and may involve stairs.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
  • A vehicle is occasionally used to travel between properties.
  • On-site appraisal tools include measuring devices, clipboard, writing instruments, blueprints, and architectural scales for sketching property.
  • Typical office materials include documents, writing utensils, and a variety of standard office supplies and equipment.

Revision: 9/3/2025 1:55:50 AM