VP Appraisal Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Appraisal Manager is responsible for the administration, oversight, and ongoing effectiveness of the Banks real estate valuation program. This position ensures compliance with Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines, FIRREA, USPAP, and all applicable regulatory requirements governing real estate collateral valuations. The Appraisal Manager oversees appraisal and environmental report ordering, vendor management, quality control processes, policy adherence, and appraisal independence while supporting prudent credit risk management practices. The Appraisal Manager serves as the primary liaison between lending, credit administration, regulators, appraisal and environmental report vendors, and executive management regarding appraisal-related matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Ensure timely ordering, tracking, and delivery of real estate appraisals, evaluations, and environmental reports to support credit administration and loan production.
• Oversee or conduct risk-based independent reviews of commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential appraisals to verify compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and Bank quality standards. Resolve deficiencies and quality concerns.
• Resolve valuation disputes, review rebuttals from loan officers or borrowers, and coordinate revisions or second appraisals when material deficiencies are identified.
• Review, update, and implement appraisal and environmental report policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and alignment with Bank credit standards.
• Recruit, vet, onboard, and continuously monitor an independent panel of third-party contract appraisers. Annually review panel performance for quality, timelines, and competitive fees and present for management credit committee approval.
• Manage audits and regulatory examinations, including coordinating responses, providing required documentation, and ensuring identified deficiencies are remediated.
• Monitor regulatory developments affecting valuation practices.
• Monitor real estate market trends in the Banks footprint and advise management on emerging property valuation risks.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs the work of subordinate appraisal staff members. Must be able to determine priorities for self and staff towards the increased effectiveness of all administratively assigned personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position.

• Certified General Real Property Appraiser License required; MAI designation or other professional designation desirable.
• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, and a minimum of seven years of appraisal, appraisal review, collateral risk management, or valuation experience, preferably working at a financial institution and managing appraisal panels.
• Comprehensive knowledge of appraisal regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to, FIRREA, USPAP, Interagency Appraisal, and Evaluation Guidelines.
• Strong understanding of commercial, agricultural, construction, and residential real estate valuations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with no supervision while performing duties. Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Advanced personal computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exercises awareness with regard to possible suspicious activity, money laundering, or fraudulent behavior.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Bank of the Sierra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.