General Real Estate Appraiser

About the Department

Are you searching for a career where you can apply your appraisal expertise to projects that help improve transportation across Pennsylvania?  As a General Real Estate Appraiser with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), you will have the exciting opportunity to complete detailed appraisals that support public projects.  This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy analytical work, meeting deadlines, and reviewing property information.  You will work with staff across the Commonwealth to support right-of-way acquisition needs.  Take pride in knowing that your work will help ensure that PennDOT projects move forward with accurate and reliable property valuations!

Position Duties

This role provides technical real estate appraisals for properties statewide to support right-of-way acquisition for transportation projects.  As a General Real Estate Appraiser, you will perform the following duties:

• Property Appraisal: Develop certified appraisals and estimate damages for a wide range of property types
• Report Preparation: Complete appraisal reports and problem analyses following Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and agency standards
• Value Determination: Prepare valuation forms for property disposition using established approaches to value
• Site Evaluation: Conduct neighborhood analysis, land sale reviews, and zoning assessments for waiver valuation
• Issue Identification: Recognize property issues, document claimant contacts, and follow required procedures
• Professional Participation: Provide testimony, attend meetings, and complete trainings relevant to appraisal work 

Interested in learning more?  Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. 

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• This position may be headquartered in the district or county office closest to the selected candidate’s home, based on available office space.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time.  In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.  If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the district or county office closest to your home, subject to available office space.  The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.  Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email.  Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Certified General Real Estate Appraiser certification.
• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement.  For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.  Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements.  Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date.  Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work.  Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.  Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted.  Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans: 

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs.  To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.  The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.  The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.  All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Other Qualifications

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position.  No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov