HOUSING REHABILITATION SPECIALIST

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

Under the direction of the Housing Rehabilitation Manager, the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for providing technical assistance and oversight for housing rehabilitation projects being carried out through the Department of City Development’s Housing Rehabilitation Programs.  This includes conducting inspections, preparing cost-estimated scopes of work identifying items required to ensure compliance with building code and program requirements, assisting homeowners with bidding and contractor selection, monitoring construction and approving payments to contractors.

• Inspect properties to determine the improvements required to achieve program standards.       
• Create rehabilitation specifications (scopes of work) and drawings that assure compliance with federal, state, and local housing codes and program requirements, including lead safety and energy efficiency.
• Conduct preconstruction conferences, perform interim and final inspections during construction, and approve payments to contractors.
• Coordinate with Housing Program Specialists to advise homeowners on rehabilitation projects and determine eligibility for loans and assistance under City of Milwaukee's housing rehabilitation programs. 
• Assist clients with obtaining and reviewing bids or proposals.
• Mediate problems which may occur during the term of construction, including resolving disputes between homeowners and contractors.
• Prepare and present rehabilitation plans and technical reports for review and approval by the supervisor and internal loan committee.
• Prepare contract documents for owners and contractors.
• Complete documentation from the field including inspection notes, updates to project tracking database, and compiles other documentation required for compliance with program requirements.

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

 

 1. Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, building construction or a related field from an accredited college or university AND two years of relevant experience in the residential construction industry including, but not limited to, carpenter, site superintendent, or building trades inspector.

OR

Associate's degree in architecture, engineering, building construction or a related field from an accredited college or university AND four years of relevant experience in the residential construction industry including, but not limited to, carpenter, site superintendent, or building trades inspector.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

2. Valid driver's license and the availability of a properly-insured personal vehicle for use on the job at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Automobile allowance is provided.

IMPORTANT NOTE: college transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. Transcripts should be attached to your online application. Applications without transcripts attached will be considered incomplete and will be rejected. Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date completed.

 

• Experience administering federally funded housing rehabilitation programs.  
• Bilingual in Spanish or Hmong.
• Familiarity with regulations of government programming, contracts, and proposals.

• Knowledge of building, construction and rehabilitation principles and design standards, including knowledge or interior and exterior finishes.
• Knowledge of codes related to fire, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, real estate and zoning.
• Knowledge of regulations governing programming.
• Knowledge of contracts and proposals.
• Oral communication skills; the ability to convey technical information in an understandable manner and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people (e.g. property owners, contractors, co-workers and community organizations) in person, on the telephone and in a public setting.
• Customer service skills to ensure exceptional service is provided to the public to meet their needs.
• Written communication skills; the ability to create rehabilitation plans accurately and create clear and concise business correspondence.
• Interpersonal skills; the ability to handle a variety of interpersonal situations such as, volatile or tense situations requiring mediation, handle angry persons, be persuasive, empathetic and treat all persons the same, providing uniform enforcement and work collaboratively.
• Computer skills; the ability to learn proprietary software, use spreadsheets, word processing software and e-mail.
• Problem solving skills to recognize and recommend solutions.
• Ability to work effectively with people from all cultural, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to accomplish program goals.
• Ability to inspect properties, apply codes, recognize non-compliance and make suggestions for improvements are needed to meet program guidelines.
• Ability to read and interpret technical material and building codes.
• Ability to take onsite measurements, perform mathematical calculations, track project budget and record data accurately.
• Ability to understand financial information to perform accurate calculations.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as square footage, roof pitch, floor area, window area, and site perimeter.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently, and exercise sound judgment to make decisions. 
• Ability to plan and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines and adjust priorities as necessary.
• Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for handling confidential information and politically sensitive issues.

The starting salary (Pay Range 2GN) for City of Milwaukee residents is $62,152 - $73,930 annually, and the non-resident salary range is $60,627 - $72,116.  Recruitment above minimum is allowed commensurate with experience and credentials with DER approval.

Career Ladder Position: Employees will advance to the next rate in the following range upon certification by the Commissioner-City Development having attained and maintained the required skills, job performance and demonstrated competencies.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits2018.  

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations and the Department of City Development reserve the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after Thursday, September 13, 2018 extended until Thursday, September 27, 2018. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting http://city.milwaukee.gov/jobs.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.