Full time – Permanent (2 positions)
Location:  Dartmouth

Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) is responsible for assessing all property in Nova Scotia. The assessment information we produce is used by municipalities as a way to fairly and equitably distribute property taxes among residents.  With seven offices across Nova Scotia, we provide annual property assessments to 54 municipalities and produce approximately 600,000 notices for property owners.

At PVSC, our people are our greatest asset and fundamental to achieving excellence across our business. We believe leadership is part of every employee’s job, at all levels of the organization. Therefore, we attract, develop and retain highly motivated leaders with a passion for learning and continuous improvement who also share our commitment to openness, accountability and excellence.

Working together in a fast paced environment that encourages and supports innovation and collaboration, our employees excel at delivering valuable service to our clients, partners and stakeholders.  In return, we offer a competitive salary and a full range of benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan (Public Service Superannuation Plan).

Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Senior Manager Commercial, the Sr. Commercial Assessor, in accordance with legislation and internal policies and procedures, is responsible to ensure a fair, accurate and equitable real property tax base within the Province of Nova Scotia by determining and defending the market value of designated properties.  This includes the assessment, valuation and defense of complex commercial properties as determined by management.   The incumbent will also lead assigned special projects and is responsible for the mentoring of PVSC assessor staff.

Employees are required to assist the CEO, PVSC with provision of assessment services at a level appropriate for their particular position.

Summary of Duties

Determines market value assessments for a portfolio of complex and sensitive commercial properties by using accepted valuation practices (cost, market, income) and mass appraisal standards in compliance with the International Association of Assessing Officers and in accordance with the N.S. Assessment Act and generally accepted appraisal principles.
Investigates and analyses market transactions through sales ratio studies to measure the degree of activity, to determine market changes and/or fluctuations by specific neighborhoods, and to identify and correct valuation deficiencies which impact on the assessment base.
Investigates, analyses and disseminates relevant data to all PVSC offices so that Commercial Assessors can apply these factors in the valuation of complex properties for which they are responsible.
Reviews documentation and reports prepared by Commercial Assessors on all valuations pending before the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, consulting extensively with legal counsel, and provides the necessary expertise, guidance, direction and/or participation as required in order to prepare the Commercial Assessor to effectively appear before the Board.
Develops and maintains effective relationships with high-level stake-holders, such as municipal CAOs and owners/representatives of complex commercial properties, for the purpose of efficiently and effectively carrying out the property assessment function within the province.  Relationship building with stakeholders is key to ensuring the success of initiatives.
When required, provides functional supervision of Field and Commercial Assessors which includes technical guidance, instructing, directing, monitoring and evaluating work assignments, and mentor by acting as a resource person in the interpretation of valuation principles and the NS Assessment Act, as well as assisting in their orientation and training and providing input to the performance management process.
Will establish and maintain a national network of industry professionals in order to stay current with valuation practices and issues which will help to facilitate the resolution of potential appeals.
May act as the main contact for industry professionals for energy, manufacturing and processing and renewable resource sectors.
Makes presentations to senior executives in industry and government (local, provincial and federal) on PVSC initiatives.
Develops or assists in developing training programs on new technologies for PVSC staff.
Assists in the technical training of all provincial Commercial Assessors in such areas as, but not limited to, theoretical and practical applications used in the valuation process, use of costing manuals, collection and analysis of data, use of statistics, application of micro-computers, determination of capitalization rates, etc.
Conducts appeal inspections for complex commercial properties, prepares valuation reports and provides expert testimony in defense of valuations in appearances before the Nova Scotia Assessment Appeal Tribunal and the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board by reviewing notices of appeal and submissions, both oral and written, made by the ratepayer or representative, consulting extensively with legal counsel.
Reviews and recommends revisions to existing policies and procedures as they relate to the assessment of complex commercial properties.
Conducts research on industry trends, plus reviews and recommends revisions to existing policies and procedures as they relate to the assessment of complex commercial properties.
Ensures changes regarding current trends, theories and practices in the industry are incorporated into valuation practices and policies and are disseminated to all PVSC offices.
Leads, manages and/or provides expertise on various complex valuation projects which examine trends and methodologies to ensure a fair, accurate and equitable real property tax base.
Leads special projects and mentors staff in development opportunities by assisting in orientation and training plus directing and evaluating work assignments.
Performs other related duties.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s degree, plus
Six (6) years’ experience in mass appraisal valuation
The Appraisal Institute of Canada’s Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute (AACI) designation, the International Association of Assessing Officers’ Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) designation, or equivalent accreditation in another recognized stream is required.

Or

An acceptable combination of relevant training and work experience

Demonstrated Skills

Extensive knowledge and expertise in the appraisal process, including valuation methods, appraisal report writing and court presentation.
Thorough knowledge of the provincial Assessment Act, costing manuals, case law, assessment principles and practices and corporate policies and procedures are necessities.
Comprehensive knowledge of financial accounting and real estate investment analysis.  The incumbent must be able to analyze market sales data, determine market trends, and anticipate future changes in the real estate market.
Proven experience in using micro-computer technology in the analysis of data and information and must be experienced with relevant software and commercial costing programs.
Must have the ability to perform quantitative methods.
Experience in mediation is an asset.
Familiarity with real estate conveyance practices in assigned region.
Proficient in the principles and practices of real estate appraisal and understand local market conditions.  Accuracy and integrity of data entered into or transferred through computer systems must be ensured.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including effective presentation skills are essential, as is the ability to speak positively and persuasively about unpopular decisions or initiatives and the ability to serve as an expert witness.
Excellent research and analytical skills are necessary in preparing and presenting appraisal valuations, especially in the areas of special purpose properties and the impact caused by economic conditions.
Familiarity with computers and windows based software applications

In addition, PVSC expects all employees to demonstrate the following leadership competencies:

Communication
Relationship Building
Decision Making
Client & Stakeholder Partnerships
Performance Excellence
Business Acumen
Pride & Ownership

For more information about Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC), please visit our website www.pvsc.ca.

Competition: 2015 – 036-CB
Classification Range: PR 17 ($73,527.22 – $86,356.92)
Closing Date: Friday, January 15, 2016

All applications may be sent by email to: PVSC-Careers@pvsc.ca. Submissions must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date.