Architect 1

Possible Hybrid Workplace Opportunity

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The Office of Multi-family Finance & Development manages HCR's multi-family and single-family housing programs and bond offerings. HCR has been the most active housing bond issuer in the country over the past four years, funding initiatives ranging in scope from mixed income rental developments to single family mortgages. The Office actively engages with a range of partners including for-profit and not for profit borrowers, municipalities, lenders, investors and other funding entities to leverage the State's Low Income Housing Tax Credits, tax exempt bonds, single family lending programs, and State funded programs. The Office is also responsible for implementing many of the initiatives under the State’s unprecedented 5-year, $20 billion Homelessness and Housing Plan to create or preserve more than 100,000 affordable homes and 6,000 supportive homes for New Yorkers.

HCR’s Design, Construction & Environmental Unit is responsible for the architectural, environmental, and construction oversight of projects funded through various HCR financing program. This oversight involves environmental and architectural reviews of projects seeking funding from, and subsequently funded by HCR, as well as the implementation of HCR Design Guidelines to ensure affordable housing projects financed by HCR address appropriate standards of safety, functionality, efficiency, and durability. In addition, the unit provides support to projects that make capital improvements within HCR’s Office of Housing Preservation portfolio. The unit also monitors construction to ensure that all construction schedules and approved plans are properly executed on funded projects.

Job Description:

The Architect 1 position involves objective technical reviews on proposed projects prior to the submission of an application for funding, involves extensive oversight through construction completion, and continued technical analysis during a project’s regulatory compliance period, when occupied and operational.

Relevant Duties:

• Technical assistance to help improve a proposed project's viability and cost effectiveness.
• Review of technical design and construction aspects of applications submitted for funding.
• Technical construction document review of projects selected for funding to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, accessibility requirements, Agency sustainability requirements, and Agency design requirements.
• Coordination with other Agency staff to ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Oversight during construction to ensure that all design and construction requirements are met.
• Granting final approval to occupy completed housing projects.
• Technical oversight of completed projects during the multi-year regulatory period.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidate must be a Registered Architect licensed to practice in New York State.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in building design and construction.
• Demonstrated ability to work with non-technical staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with residential codes and standards is highly preferred.
• The position will require travel to parts of the state on an on-needed basis.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, and employee will also perform reasonable related business duties as assigned. The primary working location will be in NYC, but occasional travel to other locations in New York State will be required.

What we offer at NYSHCR:

• Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals
• Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays
• Opportunity for compressed scheduling
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Family Leave
• Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling
• As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer.

Additional SONYMA/HFA/AHC Benefits:

• Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals.
• Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job related courses
• Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange)
• Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more!
• Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to the next year for a maximum of $1300

About New York State Homes and Community Renewal:

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low and moderate income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction. finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.