Senior Property Tax and Valuation Specialist at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

JOIN US IN ENABLING TRADE THROUGH CANADA'S LARGEST PORT.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is an arm’s-length federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Our mandate, as outlined in the Canada Marine Act, is to enable Canada’s trade objectives on behalf of all Canadians, ensuring the safe movement of goods through the Port of Vancouver while protecting the environment and considering local communities.

As an organization with a significant impact on communities and businesses across Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. We strive to create a workplace that mirrors the richness of our community, empowering all employees to achieve their full potential.

The senior property tax & valuation specialist is responsible for providing senior tax advisory services relating to port authority lands and coordinating real property valuation activities. Additionally, there will be some property management functions assigned as required.

Tax Advisory Services Include

• providing legislative guidance
• supporting policy development
• liaising in relation to port authority related property taxation in relations to the VFPA’s Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and the provincial Ports Property Tax Act
• administering PILT including recommending payments
• supporting policy development and resolving payment on disputes associated with PILT together with similar activities for VFPA’s non PILT-eligible properties

Real Property Valuation Activities Include

• market research
• supporting pricing policy
• guideline and process development
• assisting in valuation disputes in support of tenure agreements
• property transactions in collaboration with department staff.

What You Do

• Prepares valuations and reconciliation of municipal PILT applications.
• Completes PILT application inventory for municipalities and valuation audit strategies.
• Coordinates and verifies VFPA’s PILT inventory in its property management system.
• Prepares and verifies changes in land use, occupancy boundaries, improvements and improvement exemptions, roads and services, tax rates and other criteria.
• Liaises with representatives of surrounding municipalities and BC Assessment Offices.
• Rationalizes and negotiates VFPA property valuations with BC Assessment.
• Develops strategy and coordinates external PILT valuation appraisals for select properties.
• Prepares submissions and ensures PILT payments to all municipalities in a timely manner.
• Coordinates and represents VFPA in PILT dispute processes
• Maintains and improves departmental processes and tools to ensure accurate and timely advice to BC Assessment on tenure agreements, boundary changes, property transactions and continued data integrity for its PILT eligible property inventory Property Tax
• Verifies property tax payments for VFPA’s non PILT-eligible properties.
• Advises appropriate collection levels for property tax from tenants of VFPA’s non PILT-eligible properties
• Tracks and makes recommendations on policy and legislative changes related to taxation of port property including but not limited to PILT, Ports Property Tax Act, property tax and assessment. Conducts research including liaising with VFPA tenants, BC Assessment, municipalities, provincial ministry representatives, and other port authorities in North America, as appropriate, and prepares analysis and recommendations in collaboration with other VFPA staff as appropriate for presentation to senior management Property Valuation
• Conducts market research in the region and in external indicative markets and prepares property and rental valuations. Commissions and reviews independent appraisal reports on behalf of the department and others.
• Develops and recommends rental pricing policy and guidelines and provides valuation analysis and guidance to department for rental ranges generally and specifically for higher value lease and property transactions
• As required, performs property management and negotiation functions including acquisitions, dispositions, exchanges, rental reviews, lease management, negotiation and inspections.
• Reviews property agreements for completeness and accuracy. Prepares analysis and submissions in support of land transactions and rent review proposals
• Prepares annual expense budget for PILT and property tax as part of corporate operating budget, together with expenses for external appraisal
• Contributes to capital plan preparation for acquisitions and other property transactions for the department and others.

What You Bring

• Appropriate university degree plus an AACI, MRICS (Registered Valuer) or equivalent specialized real estate valuation designation.
• A minimum of five (5) years related to appraisal, negotiation and assessment experience.
• Practical understanding of the inter-relationships between the PILT Act, the Ports Property Tax Act, the B.C. Assessment Act, the Local Government Act and other relevant legislation would be an asset.

What We Offer

• Market-competitive base salaries and variable incentive plan
• Generous and inclusive benefits offering including retirement benefits plan
• Hybrid work program
• Earned time off program
• Paid vacation and personal care leave
• Learning, development, and advancement opportunities
• Onsite gym with towel service in a national landmark in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront
• Friendly, unique, and respectful workplace

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Job type: Bargaining Unit, Full-Time, Permanent, Hybrid

Working environment: VFPA flexible work program including normal office conditions with some outside site inspections.

This is Canadian-based employment, and it is expected that all employees maintain legal entitlement to work in Canada. Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be subject to background checks, including but not limited to criminal record, credit, and/or reference checks.

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our port community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and members of visible minorities. Reasonable accommodation can be provided in the selection process and while working with the port authority. If you require support applying to our openings, please contact us at [email protected].

We recognize and acknowledge that we are located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. To learn more about our indigenous relations and commitment to reconciliation, please visit our website.