HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Manatee County (FL)•Bradenton, FL

48d•$28 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

This classification performs a variety of duties involving directing and coordinating construction and repair projects for Manatee County's US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Housing and Rental Recovery programs in accordance with established policies and procedures. This position will serve as CDBG-DR regulatory expert to staff, contractors, and vendors; Supervises day-to-day activities of contractors. Performs and reviews construction estimates for assigned projects; read and interpret blueprints, drawings and/or sketches related to construction projects; makes worksite visits and inspections, which may involve working outside in variable weather conditions; monitors compliance including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the Copeland Anti-kickback Act, acquisition/relocation documentation, and risk assessments; oversees infrastructure planning, environmental reviews, and study efforts; and addresses and documents complaints. This position is funded by a six-year CDBG-DR grant from Housing and Urban Development and is subject to the availability of those funds. Employment in this role is contingent upon the successful continuation of the grant. This position is expected to last for the duration of the grant project, which is currently scheduled to end on August 17, 2031. This classification is responsible for administrative and professional inspections work associated with housing and community development activities of the department.

Requirements

High school graduate/equivalent.
A minimum of verifiable five (5) years of experience gained as/or under a registered state-certified general, building or residential contractor.
Basic computer skills required.
Valid drivers license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in planning, public administration, or a closely related field desired.
Knowledge of current state and local building and housing codes.
Knowledge of residential construction, including all materials and trades to include: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, air conditioning, roofing and other building trade practices.
Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn, current federal and state grant programs and regulations associated with housing rehabilitation and new construction programs.
Knowledge of regulations and laws relating to building construction and zoning, with ability to recognize possible defects and flaws in construction and workmanship, ascertain the stage of construction when defects are most easily found and remedied, and take effective corrective measures.
Knowledge of permitting process, to include review and issuance of permits.
Knowledge of unsafe structure, unlicensed activity and stop work orders.
Ability to operate digital cameras, hand tools and other related equipment.
Ability to read and understand, to operate a computer proficiently and use or quickly learn to use construction specification software.
Near vision; visual color discrimination, auditory attention.
Ability to climb, bend, stoop and reach; stand for long periods of time; ability to work outdoors under variable weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Analyzes and interprets blueprints and other drawings to determine or measure specifications, where necessary.
Performs initial inspections of units considered for financial assistance under the County's housing programs and determines structural soundness to ensure compliance with codes and approved building permits; where appropriate, renders final approval of permits upon completion of construction.
Detects and locates defective workmanship, materials, and establishes corrective measures; completes inspection reports detailing code violations and other needed repairs.
Coordinates rehabilitation and replacement housing services for eligible clients.
Participates in various educational components of housing relative to state and federal program requirements.
Conducts inspections on all phases of the reconstructive and construction process to ensure compliance.
Confers with and advises contractors and owners on general scope of work to be performed in accordance with code and program requirements.
Serves as liaison with County Building Department and Code Enforcement and serves as primary liaison with contractors; works with non-profit organizations under contract with the County to provide housing.
Explains programs to families; responds to requests for information and complaints; performs work write-ups; and counsels homeowners on home maintenance.
Develops work specifications for project work to be completed to address code related repairs and housing reconstruction.
Performs onsite progress and final inspections to monitor quality of contractor's work; approves change orders and payment requests.
Participates in educational workshops for contractors, monitors neighborhoods for eligibility of state and federal grants.
Maintains accurate records on work specifications and keeps current costs on construction materials to determine construction costs reasonableness.
Performs lead-based paint reviews for state and federally funded projects.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, craftsmen, building owners, contractors and the general public.
Communicates clearly, effectively, and tactfully, orally and in writing; enforces regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.