Appraisal Trainee

 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 12, 2026 at 3pm
Location: Kingsburg or Hanford, CA

Salary Range: Grade 12 ($63,472 – $95,754)

In addition to salary, the Association has a team based incentive program that provides an opportunity for up to 15% payout of base salary based upon Association performance.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Appraisal Trainee reviews and helps prepare appraisals for internal and external clients by inspecting, researching, analyzing, and valuing property. Concurrently, the Appraisal Trainee works towards obtaining a Certified General Appraisal license by completing all required qualifying education, work experience hours, and successful passing of the licensing exam.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Appraisal Services (65%) 

• Meets with customer and helps complete physical inspection of the subject property with experienced appraisers including buildings, land, permanent plantings, water systems/resources, and other property characteristics
• Completes physical inspections of comparable sales
• Assists in collecting and analyzing specific property and general market data
• Helps research, confirm, analyze, inspect, and enter sales and rental information in the Association’s database
• Helps determine the highest and best use of the subject property
• Helps select the market data that is most appropriate for the valuation of the subject property
• For simple appraisals may provide a draft summary of the subject property’s physical characteristics, valuation process, and value conclusion in a written report
• Begin to understand and review the appraisal for conformity to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)and company expectations and guidelines
• Helps review preliminary title report and helps determine if the legal description is correct and describes the property accurately
• Learns how to determine if there are exceptions to the title that impact the subject’s value
• Works with experienced Appraiser to correct title company errors if necessary

Education (20%)

• Completes required qualifying appraisal education through an approved national provider (e.g., basic appraisal principles, procedures, and 15-hour USPAP course)
• Progresses toward advanced coursework required for state licensure (300 hours for Certified General Appraiser level)
• Attends online and in-person training sessions to support professional development
• Attends educational offerings to stay informed of trends influencing various commodities, farming practices, and other pertinent topics

Communication (15%) 

• Works closely with experienced Appraiser by providing written and verbal communication
• Coordinates and assists throughout the appraisal and lending process to gain further experience and understand the process
• Learns how to identify areas of concern specific to the subject property and consults with loan officers and loan documentation specialists as needed

Data Security and Confidentiality

• Appropriately protects the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the Association’s systems and data and clients’ data

Commitment and Support of Association Mission

• Understands, applies, and supports the Association mission and vision statement in a positive, professional manner at work and with customers in all settings

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, computers, current appraisal-related software, and other office tools.
• Ability to effectively read, write, and communicate in the English language.
• Skill in serving and working effectively in a professional, respectful manner.
• Skill in analyzing information and problem solving to formulate logical and objective conclusions.
• Knowledge, understanding, and application of appropriate industry expectations and guidelines in the valuation of chattel and real property.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Business, or Agricultural Science.
• Background or experience in agriculture or real estate appraisal is preferred.
• Must demonstrate an interest and desire for a career in appraising agricultural producing properties and be in the process of obtaining a Certified General Appraiser License.

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Positions in this class requires:  typing, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.  May be required to lift up to 20 pounds, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects while completing essential functions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position most of the time. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, understand information communicated via a computer screen, and/or written text. Also requires:  climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, grasping, measuring, photographing, walking on uneven surfaces and/or confined areas.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is subject to office and outdoor working conditions.  Indoor Office Conditions:  Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Outdoor Conditions:  Employees may be subjected to environmental conditions and atmospheric conditions, including: dusts, fumes, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, and intense noises. This position requires approximately 40% travel time. In both environments employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. Golden State Farm Credit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to: race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), relation (all aspects of religious belief, observances and practices including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, identity, gender expression, actual or perceived sexual orientation, marital status, military and veteran status, civil air patrol status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or medical condition, except where physical fitness is a valid occupational qualification or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, status or local laws. Applicable law also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of the foregoing characteristics. “National origin” also includes discrimination against an individual because of their primary language or because that person holds or presents the California driver’s license issued to those who cannot document their lawful presence in the United States, as well as discrimination based upon any of the following: an individual’s’ or the individuals’ ancestors’ actual or perceived physical, cultural, or linguistic characteristics associated with a national origin group; marriage to or association with individuals’ of a national origin group; tribal affiliation; membership in or association with an organization identified with or seeking to promote the interests of a national origin group; attendance or participation in schools, churches, temples, mosques or other religious institutions generally used by persons of a national origin group; or a name that is associated with a national origin group An applicant’s or employee’s immigration status will not be considered for any Association employment purpose except as necessary to comply with federal, status or local laws. California law also prohibits discrimination against individuals providing services in the workplace pursuant to a contract, unpaid interns and volunteers on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, genetic information or age. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.