Appraiser Apprentice Program

The Appraisal and Valuation Services Office (AVSO) supports an apprentice program that gives aspiring federal appraisers an opportunity to achieve a state Certified General Appraiser license while learning the fine points of the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA). Open to both federal and non-federal staff, the AVSO Appraiser Apprentice Program is a three-year program that focuses on classroom participation and fieldwork, completing appraisal assignments that support the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A four-year degree from an accredited university is required for admission, and while appraisal experience and training are not required, they are highly desirable in this traditionally very competitive program. AVSO apprentices are assigned duty stations throughout the U.S., and apprentice position openings are advertised through usajobs.gov. 

Program Highlights

• Classroom and on-the-job training
• Assigned mentor
• Experienced network of staff and review appraisers
• Structured and comprehensive training program
• Promotion potential during training program
• Unique training assignments

As an employee of the Federal Government, you will receive a generous benefit package, including the following:

• Competitive starting salary
• 11 paid holidays each year
• 13-26 vacation days, depending on length of service
• 13 sick days each year
• 401(k) style savings and investment plan.
• Shared-cost health insurance
• Optional life insurance
• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

Supportive Team

• Flexible work schedules 
• Family-friendly environment
• Employee assistance programs
• Assistive services and technology
• Lifelong learning: training and career development
• Career advancement opportunities

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Rewarding Opportunities and Experiences

The Appraisal and Valuation Services Office works in all 50 states. Examples of AVSO casework includes the following:

• Expansion of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Texas, protecting endangered ocelots and other coastal wildlife.
• Expansion of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge in Kentucky, supporting conservation, hunting, fishing, and economic growth.
• Trail expansion for the Colorado Monument Trail near Grand Junction.
• Riverfront acquisitions for restoration and habitat protection of the Trinity River in California.
• Protection of critical habitat for panthers and crocodiles in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
• Expansion of buffer zone for the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.
• Protection of sharptail grouse habitat in Idaho.
• See more examples of where AVSO has worked in our project gallery!

To learn more, contact us using our web form.