Economic Development Assistant Jobs in Connecticut

Architectural Design Reviewer 2

ABOUT THE CONNECTICUT HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY:

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority ("CHFA") is a self-funded, quasi-public organization. Its mission is to alleviate the shortage of housing for low- and moderate-income families and persons in the state of Connecticut ("State") and, when appropriate, to promote or maintain the economic development of the State through employer-assisted housing efforts. CHFA is a mission-driven leader in creating affordable housing opportunities for families and individuals in Connecticut. We believe in the power of the diverse and inclusive communities we serve. We provide a challenging, progressive, and supportive environment that encourages and promotes employee development. We offer competitive salaries; tuition reimbursement; 457 deferred compensation, state-sponsored pension plan, comprehensive health, dental, life, and disability plan, paid vacation, sick, and holidays, hybrid work schedule, ongoing training, career development, and, if qualified, employee may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under Federal Loan assistance program.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The position is responsible to assist the Multifamily Department by serving as a part of the Architectural & Construction Services team in the review of funding and LIHTC applications with a focus on the review of construction costs, environmental reports, and environmental remediation/abatement, capital needs assessments, threshold requirements such as planning and zoning approvals, state and/or Federal historic preservation, and architectural design and construction drawings and specifications for proposed new construction and rehabilitation projects, including the review of capital improvements of existing properties in the CHFA and SSHP portfolio. Review and ensure all proposed construction costs for projects financed by CHFA or with LIHTC are acceptable, accurate, and within published CHFA Standards. The position will impact the production of increasing and/or improving the inventory of safe, healthy, and quality multifamily affordable housing units within the State of Connecticut.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives direction from the Senior Program Officer or a position of a higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

POSITION SUMMARY

• After completion of construction, review CPA certified construction cost information to determine the amount of construction costs that will be recognized by CHFA in the Contractor's Cost Certification Process.
• Review construction documents and compare proposed hard costs against industry cost data and comparable developments in CHFA's portfolio. Conduct division line item and per square foot construction cost analysis on all development proposals. Pre-screen development cost proposals prior to and during the loan application process.
• Review and evaluate applications and construction documents related to Sustainable Design Measures as outlined in the CHFA Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and conduct analysis and provide feedback on the proposed design and energy efficiency measures. Review hard and soft costs related to these energy efficient measures and oversight including measurement, verification, commissioning, and certification, and evaluate these costs for adequacy and reasonableness given the measures proposed.
• Review contract and other legal documents related to the design and construction for both initial and final Closings. Review Capital Needs Assessments to determine if the scope of proposed work is reasonable for adaptive reuse and rehabilitation projects, and that the proposed budget is adequate to cover the proposed items of work. Confer with asset managers, underwriters, Legal, and other assigned CHFA staff.
• Responsible for performing environmental in-house reviews and review the deficiency reports of Phase I, II and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), and Hazardous Materials Building Surveys from third-party environmental consultants. Participate in the reviews related to HUD Risk Share program 24 CFR Part 58 Environmental Review Process.
• Oversee contact with consultants for formal Third-Party Environmental Review per CHFA Procedures. Provide consultants with necessary documents from developer, request proposal, review and approve fee proposal, and submit invoices for payment.
• Review and evaluate monthly construction payment requisitions, change order requests, and review field observation reports and all associated invoices for all assigned projects.
• Consult with CHFA's field observer, external architect, and owner regarding any discrepancies that may arise.
• Other tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Bachelor of Architecture degree and an Architect's license issued by the State of Connecticut, Department of Consumer Protection Architectural Licensing Board is preferred; a minimum of five years' experience in Multifamily housing architectural design and construction, or similar housing or design experience is preferred. Continuing education/professional development with a minimum of twelve CEU's annually is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Requires the ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications, and respond in writing with the design and construction professionals. Must be able to evaluate undeveloped land and/or inspect an existing structure. Must be able to interpret Construction Documents to evaluate estimated construction costs. Must have strong analytical skills and broad experience in architecture, engineering, construction, and accounting to determine accuracy and completeness of cost certifications and support information. Requires decision-making abilities when reviewing and accepting construction methods and practices, and solving various design and construction problems. Must be able to prioritize and multi-task in a timely and correct manner, and integrate multi-discipline input from other departments within CHFA.

Professional knowledge of issues such as, but not limited to federal, state, and local building and fire codes, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), building and site design, environmental requirements including Phase I, II, and II ESA's and hazardous materials reports, roadway access, drainage, sewer, water, parking, and landscaping, structural mechanical, and, electrical systems, environmental issues, energy conservation materials, material construction methods, general code requirements, and contract administration is required. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word™, Excel™, and PowerPoint™ software is required. Strong written and verbal communication, public speaking skills, and interpersonal skills is needed, with the ability to adapt to quickly changing priories and work assignments. Excellent customer service skills and demonstrated good judgment and a high degree of professionalism needed to effectively handle challenging situations involving both internal and external customers.

Familiarity and/or exposure to NEPA, HUD Risk Share Part 58 Environmental Review process a plus. Knowledge and experience with sustainable design and energy efficient measures and initiatives including but not limited to Passive House, Zero Energy Ready Home, Living Building Challenge, National Green Building Standards is also preferred. Prior experience and involvement in construction cost estimating and hard cost budget development also beneficial.

ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

This is not an exclusive list of all job functions, and the employee is expected to complete all duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally. This job description in no way constitutes an employment contract or agreement.

CHFA EOE