Jobs are returning to the construction industry through the $425 million Encore mixed-use development planned for downtown Tampa. And the first crack to land one of those jobs will take place this week.

ZMG Construction is looking for qualified infrastructure contractors to visit during an Encore Contractor Job Fair planned for Feb. 19 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Encore site, located on Cass Street and Nebraska Avenue.

The company didn't say specifically how many people it is looking to bring in but advertised the event as "hundreds of jobs” available.

Contractor Job Fair attendees should bring qualifications statements along with licenses and other certifications. Individuals can bring resumes and register for work although a separate job fair is planned for March or April.

Encore is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs during construction and 1,000 permanent jobs for the 12-block project between downtown Tampa and Ybor City. ZMG is one of the partners of Encore that also includes the Tampa Housing Authority, Banc of America Community Development Corp. and Shepard's Care.

Once completed, it's expected to be the home of 1,700 people. Many are expected to be low-income housing residents displaced from their aging Central Park homes. Central Park, known as an early home in the adult life singer Ray Charles, also has been cited as the birthplace of the dance the "Twist.”

Encore received a $38 million boost from the federal government last month through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The monies were part of $2 billion awarded nationwide and $100 million for the Tampa Bay area alone.

Encore is expected to have homes, offices, a hotel, a grocery store, various other businesses, a school, a church and a park.