Housing and Community Development Construction Specialist - Bradenton - Manatee County, FL

Description

Salary: $ $41.41 Hourly
Location : Bradenton, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Hourly)
Job Number:
Department: Government Relations
Opening Date: 02/02/2026
Closing Date: 2/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Information
Work Location: 1112 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Expected Starting Hourly Range: $ $34.51
This classification is responsible for administrative and professional inspections work associated with housing and community development activities of the department.
Working conditions
Indoor/outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Area of Assignment: Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery
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.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
More
Associate's degree in planning, public administration, or a closely related field desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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.
Veterans Preference
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
EEO/ADA Statement
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at x 3865.
Drug-Free Workplace
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Full Time Positions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regulary sceduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
days
days
days

• Earn an additional day of vacation every six (6) consecutive months of no sick leave.

Insurance:

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.

• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation

• Training/Seminars

• Fitness Center Access for employee only

• FRS options

• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders

• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions

• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

• Three (3) Personal Holidays

• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
01
VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.
Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.
Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

• I acknowledge the above statement

02
If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility

• A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense
• The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
• A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
• An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
• A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
• Not claiming Veteran's Preference

03
Which level of education have you achieved?

• No high school equivalency
• High school graduate/equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

04
How many years of experience gained as/or under a registered state-certified general, building or residential contractor do you have?

• None
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

05
Do you possess a valid Florida driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

06
What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?