• Contact and select appraiser for appraisal engagement as it relates to time frame and fee.
• Engage appraiser utilizing the standard Stearns Bank engagement letter.
• Review appraisal reports completed by independent appraisers. Make recommendations regarding the validity of these reports. Challenge appraisal assumptions when appropriate.
• Complete appraisal review for the Banks credit file.
• Conduct commercial and residential internal evaluations.
• Monitor appraisal process from engagement to review completion.
• Consult and assist lending personnel regarding property values, marketability, and economics related to real estate.
• Maintain current knowledge of real estate values and property developments to ensure that valuations confirm with current market.
• Analyze market trends in real estate development, valuation, and appraisal techniques.
• Maintains a working knowledge of all legal and regulatory compliance issues as they pertain to this position.
• Loss prevention and security as applicable for this position.
• Complete required training.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient operations of the department and organization.

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions in English.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time, twist, bend, sit, walk use hands to twist, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, such as computer mouse, computer keyboard, calculator, stapler, telephone, staple puller, etc., reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, talk, or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university or equivalent field experience.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize work to maximize efficiency.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Highly motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

• 3+ years of experience in residential and commercial real estate appraisals.
• Licensed to perform commercial and residential real estate appraisals.

THE COMPANY

Founded in 1912, Stearns Financial Services Inc. (SFSI) is a $2.4 billion well-capitalized, independent financial holding company based in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Specializing in nationwide small business lending and equipment financing, Stearns has maintained outstanding customer service, fast decisions, and customized finance solutions to their customers for decades.

Stearns Bank has earned itself a stellar reputation amongst customers and competitors alike. This reputation goes beyond just word-of-mouth, as Stearns has been recognized by the Independent Community Banker’s Association (ICBA) as a top-performing bank in the nation based on a 3-year average Return on Assets for banks $1 billion or more. Stearns has also been recognized by American Banker as a top-performing bank in the nation over a 3-year period for Return on Equity for banks from $2 billion to $10 billion.

As a Star Tribune Top Workplaces award recipient and an award recipient of the Minnesota Business Magazine 100 Best Places to Work in Minnesota, Stearns takes pride in their team and holds their employees in extremely high regard. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package including our Employee Stock Ownership Program-one of the best long-term incentive programs in the nation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, or creed, religion, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other class protected by Federal, State, local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.