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Job Description
New as of 01/01/2026: Your well-being matters from the start — benefited new hires are eligible for up to 40 hours of advanced annual leave and 40 hours of advanced sick leave. Position Description Catawba County Tax is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Real Estate Appraiser to join our team. This position is responsible for examining, analyzing, evaluating, and appraising real property within Catawba County for ad valorem tax purposes in accordance with applicable law. The Real Estate Appraiser performs field and office work involving property measurement, listing, data collection, sales review, valuation, taxpayer assistance, and support of the County's in-house revaluation process while applying the North Carolina Machinery Act, the Catawba County Schedule of Values, and accepted appraisal industry standards. Responsibilities Measure, list, and appraise residential new construction and other assigned real property, including less-complicated commercial and exempt properties Apply the North Carolina Machinery Act, Catawba County Schedule of Values, and accepted appraisal standards to determine taxable value Support the County's in-house revaluation process through parcel review, data analysis, property verification, and valuation updates Use CAMA, GIS, building permit records, aerial imagery, and other appraisal tools to research, enter, update, and maintain accurate property data Review, verify, and qualify real property sales Assist taxpayers with questions regarding property values, appraisal methods, and ad valorem taxation Conduct informal appeal hearings and defend assessments before taxpayers and the Board of Equalization and Review Prepare reports, correspondence, records, and visual aids using appraisal systems and Microsoft Office programs Attend continuing education to maintain required certifications and current appraisal standards Perform other duties based on the needs and priorities of the Tax Department Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business, Economics, or other related field with related coursework; OR High school diploma or GED equivalent and 2 years of experience appraising properties or related work involving measuring/listing of structures and data collection for appraisals Additional Requirements Must be certified by the N.C. Department of Revenue as a County Real Property Appraiser within 2 years of hire Valid Driver's License with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position) Strong mathematical, analytical, computer, and problem-solving skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint Ability to learn and use CAMA, GIS, building permit systems, aerial imagery, and other appraisal tools Excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines Ability to explain and defend property assessments professionally to taxpayers and appeal bodies This is considered light work, requiring the ability to lift up to 20 pounds. As of 7/1/ 2025: You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization.
Available benefits include:
Health Care Health:
For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.
Dental Insurance:
At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.
Vision Care:
Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents,with 2 plan options to choose from. Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
Pre-tax accounts that can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses. Employee Wellness Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services are offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care is available to employee's children ages 3-17, regardless of health insurance coverage, and for employee's adult children (ages 18-26) or employee's spouse if covered on the county's health insurance.
Wellness:
The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education, and more.
Employee Assistance Program:
Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.
Work Life Balance Annual Leave:
Full-time employees earn from 10-24 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County. To help new employees settle in, up to 40 hours of annual leave is advanced upon hire, with first-year accruals adjusted to align with established annual limits.
Sick Leave:
Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County. New hires are advanced up to 40 hours of sick leave, with first-year accruals adjusted to align with established annual limits.
Holiday Leave:
Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays. Flexible work schedules. Time off for activities that support our local schools. Continuing educational assistance. Discount tickets to recreational venues. Employee appreciation days/activities. Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.
Financial Security Local Governmental Employees Retirement System:
For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax-deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department. 401
K:
The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.
Other Tax Deferred Programs:
Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).
Longevity Pay:
After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.
Life Insurance:
Death benefit equal to one times the employee's annual salary, with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.
Short Term Disability:
Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.
Long Term Disability:
Available through payroll deduction at group rates. Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).
