Design and Construction Specialist

RIHousing – Design & Construction Specialist

Salary Range - $64,264.25 - $92,994.15

RIHousing is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

What it’s all about: 

This position is accountable for ensuring that all development financed through the Rental Production and Preservation Programs or other assigned programs is designed and constructed in accordance with all local, state, and national building codes and the design standards established by RIHousing.

What you’ll do on a daily basis:             

This position reviews and approves architectural drawings and specifications for all assigned development proposals to ensure they meet code/standards and/or zoning requirements. The incumbent also evaluates and approves detailed construction cost estimates to ensure quality construction is provided at a reasonable and fair market cost. At any given time, the incumbent works on 15 proposals with an average total development cost between $1,000,000 and $20,000,000, including Leased Housing requests for oversight of replacement reserve-funded repairs.

Once a development is approved for funding, this position reviews periodic requests for loan disbursements to ensure monthly requisitions are funded according to the percentage of work completed and /or services rendered. This includes conducting site inspections and approving construction progress and change orders, collecting lien waivers and affidavits, and evaluating all affirmative action reports and prevailing wage data, as needed. In addition, they coordinate construction closeout, including punch lists, final inspections, receipt of environmental clearances, Certificates of Occupancy, and Permission to Occupy forms.

The incumbent attends construction meetings and prepares Housing Quality Standards (HQS) reports to ensure the development is being constructed according to the architectural drawings and specifications approved by RIHousing. They also review and approve all contractual agreements entered into by the owner to ensure that they are in accordance with RIHousing’s standards and cost limits.

The Design & Construction Specialist is responsible for determining the acceptability of all construction-related activities, including acceptability for resolution of environmental matters (including remediation activities) in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements, identifies issues/concerns throughout project construction and facilitates timely resolution.

Throughout the construction process, this position reviews contractual field orders and change orders to ensure that modifications to the original scope of work are necessary and can be provided within the development’s budget. In this regard, the incumbent works closely with the developer and provides technical assistance as needed.

The incumbent must be detail-oriented, have a strong work ethic, and be able to work both in a team and independently. In addition, the incumbent performs special projects and duties as assigned. 

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Review architectural drawings and design specifications of assigned development proposals to ensure they meet RIHousing guidelines and code/zoning requirements.
• Provides essential risk management contributions to the Agency’s underwriting process by being tasked with reviewing and advising on design, construction and environmental matters on proposed construction loans and permanent mortgage loans.
• Responsible for determining acceptability of construction-related due diligence documents and coordinating with underwriting team prior to loan closing.
• Provide technical expertise on various contracts, including construction contracts and related exhibits, architect contracts, clerk of the work contracts and ensures compliance with RIHousing standards. 
• Evaluates cost proposals for alignment with comparable projects and accounting for special conditions that may contribute to extraordinary costs. 
• Analyzes third party engineering reports, including environmental site assessments and reviews in compliance with various regulatory requirements, including the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Additional third-party engineering reports include structural reports and geotechnical reports and incorporating findings and conclusions into contract documents. 
• Evaluate and approve preliminary and final construction cost estimates to ensure quality construction is provided reasonably priced and in compliance with RIHousing standards. Provide high-level oversight during construction including site inspections, preparing field reports, and approving requisitions and change orders to ensure the appropriate expenditure of funds and work is in compliance with approved plans and specifications.
• Provide technical assistance to other departments and perform special duties as assigned.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Associate degree in architecture, construction management, civil engineering, or related field (bachelor’s degree preferred) or equivalent work experience.

• Minimum three years of construction industry experience with demonstrated knowledge of construction management, including methods, techniques, specifications, materials, and equipment.

• Must be able to read and interpret design drawings and specifications for all housing types.

• Familiarity with code and regulatory requirements, AIA documents, and basic mortgage lending principles and procedures
• Working knowledge of construction cost estimating and accounting
• Strong analytical, communications, technical report writing, computer, and organizational skills.
• Use of personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance is required.

Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! 

Why RIHousing:

• Mission-Driven Organization
• Dedicated Workforce
• Competitive salary
• Parking Stipend
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off 
• Retirement Options
• Flexible Work Hours
• If Position Eligible, Future Hybrid Work May Be Available
• Education Reimbursement
• Onsite Fitness Classes
• Volunteer Days
• Winner of “Best Places to Work” 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024
• PBN’s Worksite Health Award 2013-2024
• PBN’s Diversity Equity Inclusion Award 2023 

RIHousing strives to ensure that all people who live or work in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs.  A good home provides the foundation upon which individuals and families thrive, children learn and grow, and communities prosper.

 To achieve our mission, we:

• Offer fair, affordable, and innovative lending programs.
• Provide housing-related education to consumers and others.
• Promote and finance sensible development that builds healthy, vibrant communities.
• Provide housing grants and subsidies to Rhode Islanders with the greatest need.
• Team up with partners to improve everything we do.

RIHousing uses its resources to provide low-interest loans, grants, education, and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build, and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a privately funded public purpose corporation. RIHousing requires its employees to be highly motivated and knowledgeable, have a sound understanding of the changing needs of Rhode Island's housing market, be willing to work within and toward a smoothly integrated operation, demonstrate a commitment to serve the people of Rhode Island, especially those with low and moderate incomes in need of safe and affordable homes, and possess a high level of integrity and deep respect for all Rhode Islanders, including customers, partners and fellow employees.