Job Description

We are seeking a Property Damage Claims Appraiser to join our Building Consulting team in Chicago, IL. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, highly driven individual with a well-rounded skill set whose responsibilities extend beyond those of traditional project managers and estimators. The ideal candidate for this role will need to have a strong grasp of property damage evaluation, be flexible, a strategic thinker, and able to manage a wide range of tasks.

While this position is part of our broader Building Consulting practice, the primary focus will be on Appraisals. The candidate will be responsible for evaluating disputed property claims, preparing and reviewing repair cost estimates, and representing clients in the appraisal process.

The ideal candidate for this position possesses a minimum of 5+ years of estimating or property claims experience, preferably within the restoration, insurance, or appraisal field. Prior experience in large commercial and/or residential loss assignments is strongly preferred. Independent insurance adjusters, consultants, or construction professionals with appraisal experience will also be considered. Candidates with expertise in reconstruction projects, mitigation, restoration, roofing, or equivalent fields are encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Interface with clients and project representatives including adjusters, brokers, attorneys, insurers, and policyholder appraisers throughout the appraisal process.
• Schedule and perform field inspections and site visits to evaluate the scope of property damage.
• Prepare, review, and defend repair cost estimates for disputed claims using Xactimate, Cotality, RS Means, or other estimating software.
• Serve as an appointed appraiser in property claim disputes, providing clear, defensible analyses and documentation.
• Document, review, and analyze project-related materials, including schedules, contracts, change orders, correspondence, reports, and appraisal awards.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other consultants involved in related appraisal or property damage assignments.
• Collaborate with Business Development Managers and colleagues to support client relationships and identify opportunities for growth in appraisal services.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of demonstrable experience in property damage claims, appraisal, estimating, or insurance adjusting (relevant experience may substitute for a degree).
• Strong background in restoration, insurance, or construction fields with responsibilities tied to appraisal, claims evaluation, or estimating.
• Proficiency with estimating platforms such as Xactimate, Cotality, RS Means, or other software.
• Familiarity with appraisal processes and experience serving as an appraiser, umpire, or consultant in disputed claims is highly valued.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to provide clear, defensible conclusions.
• Independent work ethic with the ability to manage multiple files under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional client service skills to support adjusters, insurers, and other claim professionals.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Prior experience specifically as a property damage claims appraiser and/or umpire.
• Certified Property Insurance Appraiser (CPIA), Certified Property Insurance Umpire (CPIU), and Certified Property Appraiser and Umpire (CPAU) designations.
• IICRC-related credentials or certifications.
• RRC, PMP, or other relevant professional certifications.
• Experience with large loss commercial or residential claims.

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required by the work site.
• Physically able to conduct inspections and carry equipment used for inspections.
• Ability to climb ladders to access roofs or other elevated areas.
• Must be able to write reports of findings after inspections (approximately 50% of day-to-day duties).
• May be exposed to outdoor conditions, including UV radiation, radon, or other forms of air pollution.
• Must be available for occasional on-call work, including nights or weekends.
• Willingness to travel locally, regionally, and for CAT response when needed.

Additional Information

Some of the benefits we offer include:

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people, and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs.

• Flexible work environment, including the ability to work remotely when needed.
• Flex Time Off.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) Match.
• Commuter Benefits.

A reasonable salary range estimate for this role is $100,000 - $125,000. Any offered salary is based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of the role, and level of responsibility.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.

Please explore what we’re all about at www.jsheld.com.

EEO and Job Accommodations

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal!

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email jobs@jsheld.com and include “Applicant Accommodation” within the subject line with your request and contact information.

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