PROJECT MONITOR I
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER
The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for a Project Monitor I (Staff Assistant I) position for the Division of Neighborhood Development within the Department of Economic Development. Under the direction of the Director of Neighborhood Development, the position is responsible for overseeing and monitoring Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services and Public Facility Improvement projects. The Project Monitor I will track grant progress and provide reports; develop and establish grant contracts, deliverables, and measurable and impactful outcomes in conjunction with grant sub-recipients and their staff; and provide statistical analysis, reports, mapping etc., to the Neighborhood Development Division. The Division annually administers several million dollars of grants, projects, and programs that support low-to moderate income residents of the City of Worcester, as well as built environment projects in various neighborhoods. This is a great opportunity for candidates interested in helping support impactful and meaningful initiatives in a large urban setting.
Bilingual and multilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Responsible for monitoring Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service and Public Facility Improvement projects in accordance with local, state, and federal laws/regulations.
- Track grant progress and provide regular reports to HUD concerning disbursements and CDBG funded activities through the Federal Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).
- Maintain communication with and provide support to agencies, organizations, contractors, and vendors concerning the status of CDBG supported projects and their grant performance and compliance.
- Complete Environmental Review Records in accordance with regulations outlined by HUD.
- Conduct project labor compliance reports and analysis for federally funded projects in conformance with federal labor regulations.
- Develop and establish grant contracts, deliverables, and measurable and impactful outcomes in conjunction with grant subrecipients and their staff.
- Assist in special initiatives undertaken by the Neighborhood Development Division; contribute to projects and programs that advance neighborhood revitalization and improvement efforts.
- Assist with monitoring large, complex projects involving construction of public facilities and City capital improvements that have multiple milestones, phases, and compliance requirements.
- Exercise and apply principles and best practices of project management skill set to effectively monitor and position projects for successful, timely, and compliant completion.
- Provide statistical analysis, reports, mapping etc., to the Neighborhood Development Division.
- Assist with preparation of annual entitlement funding plans and reports, including the Consolidated Annual Plan for Submission, the Annual Action Plan, the CAPER, and other reports as needed.
- Provide staff assistance to the Community Development Advisory Committee and other relevant City Boards and Commissions.
- Maintain communication with and provide support to agencies, organizations, contractors, and vendors concerning the status of CDBG supported projects and their grant performance and compliance.
- Attend training seminars and meetings to maintain required licenses and certifications as well as stay abreast of latest regulations, practices and techniques associated with the administration of federal community entitlement and neighborhood development grants.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of common policies, practices and procedures of the department and office operations including all laws and regulations that are pertinent to position functions.
- Working knowledge of office software (word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications) and the Internet in support of department operations.
- Ability to become knowledgeable in all aspects of applicable Federal or State regulations, procurement, and municipal budgeting standard operating practices as they pertain to grant administration and other projects as assigned.
- Ability to work independently and to interact effectively with members of the public, local officials, and department personnel.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and organized manner.
- Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, both orally and in writing, with department employees, and state officials.
- Ability to prepare detailed, and accurate reports.
- Proficient skill in the operation of a personal computer and the application of office software including word processing, spread sheet, and data base management applications as well as the Internet and web sites, customer service skills.
- Proficient written and oral communication skills, as well as data analysis and report writing.
- Effective organizational skills.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Project Management, Community Development, Urban Planning, or closely related field
o An equivalent combination of education & experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the required duties of the position will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements.
- Six (6) months of experience in grant or community development project monitoring; successful monitoring of non-profit or community development projects or programs involving social and human services or public facility improvements, or very closely related or transferable work experience.
- Experience with creating, reviewing, and processing project financial and/or statistical reports.
- Excellent communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- One (1) year of experience in grant or community development project monitoring; successful monitoring of non-profit or community development projects or programs involving social and human services or public facility improvements, or very closely related or transferable work experience.
- One (1) year of experience with creating, reviewing, and processing project financial and/or statistical reports.
- One (1) year of experience with GIS mapping or analysis
- Prior work experience in a municipality or other government setting
SALARY RANGE: $24.90 - $30.03 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.
To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.
