Entry Level Policy Analyst Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Pay Range:
$32.88 - $40.45 Hourly
Department:
Department of County Management (DCM)
Job Type:
Regular Represented
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
September 06, 2026
The Opportunity:
This recruitment will close when 150 applications are received OR until September 6, 2026, whichever comes first. Please apply without delay as this announcement may close at any time.
Are you looking to launch a career in the specialized field of real estate appraisal? We are seeking a detail-oriented, analytical individual to join our team as a Property Appraiser 1. In this entry-level role, you will work under the close mentorship of experienced appraisers and managers to gain expertise in the complexities of commercial and office / auto property valuation for ad valorem taxation.
This position is designed for growth. Unlike the Appraiser 2, who works with high independence, the Appraiser I receives comprehensive training and "on-the-job" monitoring to ensure all work aligns with Oregon Department of Revenue rules and procedures.
Key Responsibilities ~

• Research & Market Analysis
  
  • Data Collection: Gather and analyze sales data for commercial, multifamily, and other land types to support market value appraisals.
  • Site Analysis: Research zoning regulations, land use restrictions, utility availability, topography, and ingress/egress.
  • Fact-Finding: Interview owners, agents, and tenants to compile rental/lease information and pertinent appraisal facts.
  • Compliance: Research real property exemptions and perform audits of assessment data and value change reports.

• Valuation & Appraisal
  
  • Three Approaches to Value: Learn to apply the Market, Cost, and Income approaches to estimate the value of commercial and multifamily properties.
  • Oregon Standards: Ensure all valuations meet Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Code (OAC) requirements.
  • System Maintenance: Collaborate with supervisors to update trending, pricing, and valuation tables within the computer-assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) system.

• Field Inspection & Technical Drafting
  
  • Site Visits: Inspect improved properties to determine use, condition, and quality of construction.
  • Technical Documentation: Measure buildings, interpret blueprints, and prepare scale drawings to determine size and construction features.
  • Highest and Best Use: Analyze property data to determine the most productive use of the land.

• Appeals & Public Consultation
  
  • Public Interaction: Explain appraisal procedures, tax policies, and appeal rights to property owners and their representatives.
  • Appeal Support: Review appealed accounts for errors and assist in preparing the County's response for cases before the Property Value Appeal Board (PVAB) and Department of Revenue.
  • Roll Maintenance: Initiate changes to the assessment roll to correct clerical errors, omitted property, or double assessments.

The Idea Candidate ~
We are looking for a candidate who is eager to learn and possesses:

• Strong Analytical Skills: Ability to synthesize complex data from multiple sources.
• Technical Aptitude: Proficiency in reading blueprints and using scale drawings.
• Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex tax and appraisal concepts to the public with empathy and clarity.
• Integrity: A commitment to maintaining an accurate and equitable assessment roll for the community.

Who We Are & What We Do: At the Department of County Management (DCM), the public service we carry out is essential to the operation of Multnomah County as a government, as well as an employer. The Division of Assessment, Recording, and Taxation (DART) strives to ensure the stability and quality of life for our community by providing local government with the revenues necessary to fund essential services. We pride ourselves on providing reliable, responsive, personal service to the public and our co-workers. As a team, we are committed to being good stewards of public resources while creating a safe and inclusive environment for employees, customers, and the communities we serve.
"The primary role for all staff members is to carry out the functions of the Division of Assessment Recording and Taxation in a manner that is friendly, respectful, resourceful and willing in order to create an environment of safety, trust and belonging for all."
To Qualify
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Associate's degree or equivalent
• One (1) year of real estate experience in the fields of real estate appraisal, construction, real estate finance, property management and/or accounting
• A valid driver's license
• This position requires the appraiser to use their own vehicle to perform field inspections and to be property insured
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire or as soon as reasonably possible an Oregon State Appraiser Registration (annual certification required) as outlined in ORS 308.010

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn, real property appraisal principles, practices, and procedures
• Experience with or understanding of income, cost, and sales comparison approaches to determine market value
• Ability to read building plans and understand building architecture and construction components
• Understanding of Oregon Measures 5 and 50 and Department of Revenue Administrative Rules
• Familiarity with vacancy rates, land use regulations(zoning), affordable housing programs and finance arrangements
• Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite; Google Suite preferred and GIS software skills.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets skills
• Ability to research, compile, analyze and summarize data.
• Experience with Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) software systems and third party online databases like Costar and RMLS

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.
Screening and Evaluation
The Application Packet: Your completed application must include the following items:

• A completed online application.
• A resume that contains your relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, and if applicable the number of employees under your supervision.
• A cover letter that expands on your resume and addresses
  
  • why you are interested in this position and;
  • demonstrates how your experience and skill set aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed.

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, addressing how you meet the minimum and any preferred qualification listed, as these materials may be scored and determine if you move forward in the process.
Internal Applicants: After you have submitted your application, please check your Workday inbox and complete the Veterans' Preference Questionnaire prior to the application deadline.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference for this recruitment. Review our veterans' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply. The recruiter as listed on the job announcement must receive all required documentation by the closing date of the recruitment.
The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications: We may do an additional preferred review, phone screen, and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified.
• Consideration of top candidates: We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing to determine the best candidates for a position.
• Background check and reference checks: All finalists must pass reference checks and some departments may require a criminal records check.

Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website.
Equal Pay Law:
Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, education seniority, training, and/or tenure. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters:
Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
Additional Information:
Type of Position: This is an hourly, represented position that is eligible for overtime.
Schedule: Monday - Friday; There may be some flexibility with scheduling, and daily start and end times.
Hybrid Work: Multnomah County is transitioning to a Hybrid Workplace with employees working in-person at least three (3) days a week. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the County cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. The onsite work location for this position is Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214.
In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference. Review our veterans' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Prudence Veach
Email:
prudence.s.veach@multco.us
Phone:
+1 (971) 4908656
Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute eit