Certified Appraiser

AgWest Farm Creditis a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System - the leading provider of credit to American agriculture.

AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West.

We are in search of a Certified Appraiser II or Certified Appraiser III to join our Appraisal department in Bakersfield, California. This full-time position reports to the VP, Appraisal and is responsible for completing appraisals within an assigned area.

After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend. Employees are expected to continue working from their office location a minimum of 60% of the time.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Bakersfield California is:

Level II:
Typical starting range: $78,000 - $107,500
Full base salary range: $78,000 - $134,400
Annual performance-based incentive target is 15% of base salary.

Level III:
Typical starting range: $96,400 - $134,100
Full base salary range: $96,400 - $186,700
Annual performance-based incentive target is 20% of base salary.

Job Requirements

• Complete appraisals and evaluations of loan collateral following sound appraisal principles, valuation techniques, and organization procedures. This involves physically driving to and visually inspecting and valuing real estate, improvements, fixtures, machinery and livestock.
• Collect, verify and document sales information maintained in organization sales books.
• Develop and maintain accurate market, assessed value, and lease studies. This involves traveling to selected areas to determine the value of various types and quality of similar properties.
• Develop, maintain and provide information required for organization appraisal reports.
• Effectively work with customers and other Farm Credit employees and outside parties. This may involve traveling to farms or other locations to meet with customers.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or ag-related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Current state appraisal certification and related continued education
• Completion of organization training requirements or other training/experience in lieu of
• Knowledge of appraisal principles, techniques and organization procedures
• Knowledge of local agricultural practices and crop and livestock production
• Knowledge of common agricultural practices and agricultural economics
• Ability to understand and interpret complex financial information
• Ability to travel to perform certain required duties
• Valid driver's license

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company)
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 11 holidays and 3 volunteer
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest!

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.

Details about insurance and retirement benefits are available at: https://www.farmcreditfoundations.com/fcfbenefits

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Job level and starting annual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, education, certifications/licensure, internal equity, location, business needs and market demands. The listed compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the posting date. AgWest reserves the right to adjust compensation for all positions and modify or discontinue benefits programs at its sole discretion, subject to applicable law.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender orientation, national origin, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.