Senior Real Estate Appraiser

Overview

Overview

MSA Professional Services is seeking a Senior Real Estate Appraiser to join our Real Estate team and help grow our appraisal services. This is an opportunity for a highly experienced appraiser to bring deep valuation expertise to transportation and public improvement projects while helping shape and expand a growing service at MSA.

You’ll independently complete complex appraisal assignments involving eminent domain and right of way transactions, including complex commercial properties. As a senior technical resource, you’ll work closely with MSA’s real estate professionals, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders while providing guidance and mentorship to less-experienced appraisers. 

For someone interested in helping build something, there is significant opportunity here. Appraisal is a growing service within MSA’s established Real Estate practice, providing an opportunity to influence how the service develops as we expand our capabilities and team.

MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a multidisciplinary network of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play. 

Come join the ownership team here! 

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners." -Project Engineer - Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Responsibilities

Complex Appraisal & Valuation

• Independently perform complex real estate appraisals for transportation and public improvement projects in accordance with WisDOT standards and federal regulations
• Prepare detailed, defensible appraisal reports for municipal and WisDOT property acquisitions, including complex, high-risk, and commercial properties
• Determine appropriate valuation approaches, resolve complex valuation issues, and complete appraisal reviews in accordance with WisDOT and FHWA requirements
• Complete Sales Studies, property inspections, and appraisal reports ranging from Short Format and Standard Abbreviated to Before and After reports Senior Real Estate Appraiser

Right of Way Expertise

• Apply advanced knowledge of the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, Wisconsin Statute 32, and other eminent domain principles
• Serve as a key valuation resource to MSA’s real estate professionals, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders on complex or sensitive property matters
• Maintain current knowledge of real estate market trends, valuation methodologies, appraisal standards, and regulatory changes affecting transportation appraisal work
• Manage multiple appraisal assignments while maintaining project schedules, quality standards, and defensible work products

Team & Client Leadership

• Collaborate with project teams and clients on complex appraisal and valuation matters
• Participate in client discussions and help develop ongoing client relationships
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced appraisers
• Help strengthen and grow MSA’s appraisal capabilities as part of our broader Real Estate practice

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• High school diploma or GED required
• Active Wisconsin Certified General Appraisal license required
• Completion of sufficient IRWA and related coursework to be accepted on the WisDOT list of approved real estate appraisers

Experience

• 15+ years of professional appraisal and right of way experience
• Extensive experience with eminent domain and right of way appraisal assignments
• Demonstrated experience preparing appraisals and appraisal reviews for complex commercial properties Senior Real Estate Appraiser

Skills

• Advanced understanding of real estate principles, valuation methodologies, appraisal standards, and regulations
• Strong understanding of federal and state requirements governing public right of way acquisition
• Ability to independently evaluate complex valuation issues and develop well-supported conclusions
• Excellent technical writing skills with the ability to prepare clear, thorough, and defensible appraisal reports
• Strong client communication, interpersonal, organization, and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex assignments while serving as a technical resource and mentor to others

Why MSA

• 100% employee‑owned firm with 100+ years of community impact
• Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
• Flexible work‑life integration
• Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
• Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
• Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years

Pay & Benefits

• Compensation Range: $79,000 - $126,500 (commensurate with experience)
• Flex Time: Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future
• ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
• Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
• At least 17 days PTO (higher pending experience) + 8 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Short‑term incentive program for annual bonus opportunities 
• Company‑paid life & disability insurance

*Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@msa-ps.com

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer