The primary tasks of the Home Improvement Program Specialist is to inspect homeowners' property, identify construction improvement projects, creating specifications for home improvement work funded by CDA funds, assist homeowners in obtaining contractor bids, ensure the acquisition of required building permits, oversee the successful completion of construction projects through final building inspections, and maintain essential control systems, including HUD-led forms and lien waivers.

Recruitment Type: This position is open until Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Hiring Range: $31.55 - $39.44 per hour (Depending on Qualifications)
Benefit package includes: Medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, paid holidays, and paid time off.
Work Hours & Location: Monday - Friday flexible schedule (start time between 7-9) with the ability to work up to two days remote upon completion of probation.

This position is part of the Community & Economic Development team at the CDA and works closely with the Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator and the Home Improvement Program Specialist II. The Community & Economic Development Department assists private and non-profit developers of affordable housing with a variety of financing tools that are available through the Community Development Agency and works with Dakota County cities on a variety of activities that promote economic development, revitalize housing, redevelop blighted areas, renovate commercial buildings, and strengthen local services and economies. The department also assists homebuyers and homeowners with home improvement loans, weatherization grants, homebuyer education, pre-purchase counseling, and foreclosure prevention.

The Dakota County CDA's mission is to improve the lives of Dakota County residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing and community development. To learn more visit www.dakotacda.org

Manage Home Improvement Loan Projects

Schedule and conduct property inspections and advise homeowners on necessary repairs and eligible improvements.
Prepare visual and written documentation of existing conditions.
Prepare a detailed work specifications for rehabilitation projects for bidding purposes; develop cost estimates for work to be completed.
Advise homeowners and contractors on HUD's lead-based paint and radon regulations; coordinate with contractors and homeowners to obtain lead-based paint and radon risk assessments and clearance tests.
Coordinate the competitive bid process; conduct informal bid openings, and review bids with borrowers.
Assist homeowners with selection cost-reasonable bid from a qualified contractor.
Prepare contract documents, conduct preconstruction meetings, and ensure that contractor and homeowner comply with program procedures prior to initiation of work.
Send out Proceed to Work Orders and Work Agreements to selected contractors.
Ensure contractors obtain all required permits from relevant regulatory entities.
Monitor work in progress, approve necessary change orders, and resolve conflicts between contractors and homeowners.
Review contractor payment requests for accuracy.
Conduct final inspections, obtain lien waivers, obtain final approvals from homeowners and building officials, and recommend payment for completed work.
Ensure that project file documentation is complete and files are audit ready.

Perform administrative tasks and complete special assignments for the Community and Economic Development Department

Assist with implementation of other specialized programs such as those provided by Minnesota Housing (Fix-Up Fund, Community Fix Up Fund, and Rehabilitation Loan Program), and other Rental Rehab Programs.
Assist Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development with the implementation of other department programs and functions as requested.
Assist with special rehabilitation projects as assigned by the Department Director and/or Executive Director.

Act as a positive representative of the CDA

Promote a positive image of the CDA to clients.
Develop and maintain a good working relationship with CDA employees, vendors and contractors working with the CDA.
Answer calls and emails within 24 business hours.
Handle calls or meetings with irate parties in a professional manner to diffuse the issue/conflict.

Minimum Qualifications (all of these apply):

A combination of related education and experience to total three (3) years (Associate Degree or higher).
Knowledge of basic structural, residential mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Knowledge of residential construction, building materials and techniques and building codes and requirements.
A valid Minnesota driver's license or equivalent out-of-state driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
Ability to use a personal computer and software (i.e. Microsoft Office suite products).

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in architecture, civil engineering, construction management, or a related field.
Two years of experience in building construction including construction contracts, building code and inspections, and/or direct rehabilitation work.
Ability to evaluate and identify improvements needed to residential properties, to write specifications and determine cost estimates.
Ability to review and interpret bid proposals.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and keep accurate records.
Working knowledge of:
- The Minnesota State Building Codes, municipal building codes, and/or ordinances applicable to the building trades.
- Rehabilitation labor, material costs, and construction methods.
- Rehabilitation construction plans and specifications.
- The techniques and methods of housing inspection.

Desired Skills:

Knowledge of federal, state, and local legal requirements related to bidding and contracting.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local processes and laws related to real property ownership and records.
Knowledge of income and property ownership verification processes.
Knowledge of basic accounting systems; ability to perform mathematical functions with accuracy.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to lead-based paint hazards and radon hazards.
Ability to effectively relate to and obtain accurate information from persons of diverse ethnic, economic backgrounds and who may be elderly or have language barriers.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain control systems.
Ability to understand legal procedures and forms.
Ability to make and document specific technical decisions when advising program applicants.
Ability to initiate work projects and make independent decisions.
Ability to maintain applicant confidentiality.
Ability to analyze problems and make objective and unbiased decisions based on fact.

Working Conditions
Assigned tasks are carried out while seated at a desk in an office environment or in the field of performing property inspections and working with clients in their homes. During property inspections some physical dexterity is required as these may require climbing ladders, entering attics, basements, and other confined spaces. Driving and the ability to maintain a clean driving record are required. Use of personal vehicle is required. The CDA reimburses for use of personal vehicle at the mileage rate stipulated by the Internal Revenue Service.

Dakota County Community Development Agency is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other basis protected by law.

Dakota County Community Development Agency accommodates qualified persons with disabilities in various aspects of employment, including the application process. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact Human Resources at 651-675-4431.

Applicant Data Practices Advisory

According to Minn. Stat. § 13.04, Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) must advise you of the following.

Purpose and intended use of the data:

The CDA collects this information for recruitment purposes. Your data will be used to screen and select applicants for employment. In the event you are selected for hire, your data will be used to perform a criminal background check through a trusted third party agency, which may include the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Consultant, CDA and/or officials involved in the hiring process will have access to the data provided. Data may be shared upon court order or provided to the state or legislative auditor, upon request.

Whether you may refuse or are legally required to supply this data:

Application for employment as well as supplying any data in application for employment is voluntary.

Consequences arising from supplying or refusing to supply this data:

We take pride in hiring the best candidates, but we can’t do this without a complete application. Filling out the application is voluntary, and the more complete the application, the better your chances of conveying to the CDA you are the best candidate for the job. Except for explicitly optional requested information, refusal to provide a complete application may result in disqualification from consideration for a position.

Dakota County CDA

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