CDBG Disaster Recovery Construction Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Plexos Group is seeking a qualified Construction Specialist to support the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program’s New Mexico Home Recovery Program (HRP). The HRP provides housing rehabilitation, reconstruction, new construction, and Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) installation for eligible households affected by 2024 natural disasters in New Mexico.

This role is responsible for coordinating day-to-day construction activities, conducting field-based observations, and supporting communication, documentation, and compliance tracking across applicants, contractors, inspectors, and program staff. The Construction Specialist plays a key role in maintaining project momentum, identifying issues early, and ensuring all activities are properly documented and aligned with program requirements.

Location: Candidates must be local to the State of New Mexico or be willing to deploy 75% of the time (6 weeks on, 2 weeks off) to New Mexico.

RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Coordinate day-to-day housing construction activities for rehabilitation, reconstruction, new construction, and MHU projects

·         Schedule and coordinate site visits, contractor meetings, and inspection activities

·         Conduct site visits to observe project conditions and document progress; support coordination of assessments related to damage, feasibility, and scope of work to observe progress and document field conditions; report findings to Construction Supervisor and Inspection team

·         Conduct post-inspection field observations, as assigned, to document project conditions and verify alignment with reported inspection outcomes and flag discrepancies or concerns to the Inspection Supervisor and Construction Supervisor for further review

·         Track project milestones, timelines, and deliverables in program systems to support timely project completion

·         Maintain accurate and complete project files, including site visit notes, photographs, correspondence, and compliance documentation

·         Make project assignments to contractors based on performance/capacity ratings

·         Review contractor requests for extension

·         Serve as a primary point of contact for applicants during construction; provide updates, explain timelines, and address general inquiries

·         Coordinate with Disaster Case Managers, environmental review team, inspection staff, and program personnel to support project progression

·         Facilitate communication between applicants, contractors, and program staff to resolve routine issues and maintain project flow

·         Track and document contractor progress; identify potential delays, risks, or concerns and escalate to the Construction Supervisor as appropriate

·         Review scopes of work, contractor invoices, change orders, work write-ups, construction specifications, and draw requests for completeness and consistency; submit recommendations for further review and approval

·         Perform administrative quality control checks by cross-referencing contractor invoices, change orders, and draw requests against approved bids, contracts, and scopes of work to identify inconsistencies, cost deviations, or potential compliance concerns; escalate findings as appropriate

·         Maintain clear documentation linking approved scopes of work, contractor bids, and payment requests to support audit traceability and program compliance requirements

·         Support coordination of Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) delivery, installation scheduling, and site readiness activities

·         Track MHU inventory, delivery timelines, and installation progress in coordination with program teams

·         Support project closeout activities, including coordination of final inspections, punch list tracking, and documentation completeness

·         Track and follow up on warranty-related items to support timely resolution by contractors

·         Ensure all project documentation is maintained in accordance with HUD, CDBG-DR, and program requirements to support audits and monitoring

·         Maintain accurate and timely data entry in program tracking and case management systems

·         Assist in training and program briefings (HUD/CDBG-DR updates) and stay current on program procedures, HUD guidance, and applicable policies

·         Perform other duties as assigned to support housing program operations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·         High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

·         2–5 years of experience in residential construction, housing programs, construction coordination, or disaster recovery housing operations

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

·         Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

·         Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred:

·         Degree in construction management, engineering, public administration, or related field

·         Experience with HUD-funded programs (CDBG, HOME, CDBG-DR, etc.)

·         Experience with Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs) or modular housing

·         Experience with project management or case management systems

·         Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

·         Working knowledge of residential construction processes and terminology

·         Understanding of housing rehabilitation and reconstruction workflows

·         Familiarity with HUD CDBG-DR program requirements and documentation standards

·         Strong organizational and project tracking skills

·         Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with disaster-impacted populations

·         Ability to review and interpret SOWs, cost estimates, and technical docs

·         Knowledge of manufactured housing standards, site prep, utility connections, permanent installation

·         Ability to identify issues, track progress, and escalate concerns appropriately

·         Ability to travel frequently within the program service area

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to program safety and compliance requirements

Plexos Group LLC is an Equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Plexos Group recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce that considers the needs of the communities we serve, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace environment free from discrimination. 

The Plexos Group, LLC employs the most experienced and innovative professionals in the field of disaster recovery management who have completed similar work for municipal, state, and federal agencies. Our project team has more than 100 years of combined experience in managing disaster recovery and has led disaster recovery programs in excess of $25 billion.

Company Description

The Plexos Group, LLC employs the most experienced and innovative professionals in the field of disaster recovery management who have completed similar work for municipal, state, and federal agencies. Our project team has more than 100 years of combined experience in managing disaster recovery and has led disaster recovery programs in excess of $25 billion.