Labor Standards and Wage Compliance Manager

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.

This position is with HCR's Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC). This is not a civil service position and does not require a civil service exam. 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.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Labor Standards and Wage Compliance Manager to lead and oversee labor standards, Davis-Bacon, prevailing wage, and related regulatory compliance across a portfolio of construction projects involving federal, state, and local funding.

The primary responsibility of this position is to ensure compliance with the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), prevailing wage requirements, federal labor standards, and other applicable construction labor laws and regulations throughout the project lifecycle. The Manager will oversee the review of contracts, wage determinations, worker classifications, certified payroll reports, fringe benefit documentation, labor standards provisions, and other required compliance records.

The Manager will work closely with HCR staff and the legal department in the event of any non-compliance and will identify necessary correctional activities and will serve as the primary point of contact for developers, contractors, subcontractors, and HCR staff, providing expert guidance and enforcement throughout the project lifecycle. The Manager will also develop and implement compliance procedures, conduct audits and monitoring activities, provide training and technical assistance, prepare compliance reports, and monitor changes in applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Onboarding support will include structured training on Davis-Bacon compliance, certified payroll, and prevailing wage standards, alongside official USDOL and NYSDOL seminars.

As a secondary responsibility, the Manager may provide construction cost and estimating support as needed and based on the Manager's experience. This may include reviewing construction cost estimates, project cost changes, historical cost data, and design documents for reasonableness and consistency with project requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review contracts, payroll, and worker classifications for DBRA and regulatory compliance.
• Determine and/or verify correct wage rates and classifications for each project.
• Ensure all required documentation is submitted and maintained.
• Comply with all HUD requirements concerning statutory, program, and/or other requirements and prepare and submit Federal labor standards enforcement reports as required.
• Review certified payroll reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Identify discrepancies and work with contractors to resolve errors.
• Provide on-the-ground support for real-time compliance verification and issue resolution.
• Assist with obtaining final compliance certifications from relevant authorities.
• Prepare compliance reports summarizing audit findings and all other required reports.
• Train contractors and staff on Davis-Bacon and regulatory compliance requirements and payroll reporting.
• Provide ongoing updates on changes to relevant labor laws.
• Provide guidance to programs on DBRA compliance and requirements.
• Utilize data from HCR projects and the housing and construction industry to establish a baseline cost expectation for project types constructed with financing from HCR.

WHO YOU ARE: 

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience required.
• Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
• Must be a New York State resident or able to relocate to New York State.
• Some experience with DBRA, including wage determination, fringe benefits, and record-keeping requirements.
• Familiarity with other relevant federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations applicable to construction projects.
• Knowledge of construction project lifecycles and common industry practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in building design and construction.
• Demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional programmatic teams.
• Ability to work in a flexible, fast paced, mission driven environment.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

APPLICANTS MUST INCLUDE A RESUME

WHAT WE OFFER AT NYS HCR: 

• Extensive benefits package including participation in New York State’s Health Insurance Program and New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunities for dedicated professionals.
• Work-life balance benefits including a 37.5-hour work week, opportunity for compressed scheduling, and paid time off benefits (vacation, sick, personal days, and federal holidays).
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• Paid Family Leave.
• 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.

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.

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)