Construction Estimator

Vice President / Head of Building Diagnostics, Forensics & Construction Consulting - Southern California

We are seeking a Construction Cost Estimator to join a consulting team that supports complex cost, damage, and dispute‑related matters across a wide range of property types. This role is appropriate for an experienced estimator who understands construction in the field, produces defensible estimates, and can clearly explain cost opinions to clients and project stakeholders.

The work involves evaluating damaged structures, preparing repair and replacement cost estimates, and supporting matters that may include insurance claims, disputes, or litigation. Projects cover residential, commercial, industrial, marine, and infrastructure‑related facilities and may involve large loss events or complicated construction issues.

• Conduct field investigations to document as‑built conditions and damage caused by fire, water, wind, earth movement, and construction‑related failures.
• Prepare repair and replacement cost estimates using field observations, drawings, photographs, and available documentation.
• Perform detailed takeoffs and pricing using Xactimate, RS Means, and other estimating and on‑screen takeoff software.
• Research historical pricing, material costs, and unit rates to support accurate and supportable estimates.
• Develop unit costs, general conditions, and special conditions tailored to each project.
• Evaluate construction risk, exposure, and order‑of‑magnitude impacts and incorporate findings into cost opinions.
• Identify value engineering options and practical solutions to manage risk and cost.
• Review and analyze third‑party estimates, bids, schedules, change orders, and project documents.
• Assist with preparing scopes of work, bidder instructions, and solicitation materials as needed.
• Prepare clear, well‑organized written reports explaining methodology, assumptions, and conclusions.
• Communicate with clients, contractors, code officials, and legal teams regarding scope and cost issues.
• Manage multiple active assignments while meeting schedule, quality, and budget expectations.
• Support the development and maintenance of client relationships.
• Travel nationwide as required, sometimes on short notice.

• Minimum of five years of construction cost estimating experience across public and private projects.
• Experience estimating projects valued at $5 million and above is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field preferred.
• Background in quantity surveying, cost engineering, or commercial construction estimating.
• Professional credentials such as MRICS, CPE, CCP, CEP, or equivalent quantity surveying or cost certification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and defensible estimates at both conceptual and detailed levels.
• Proficiency with Xactimate, RS Means, Microsoft Excel and Word, and on‑screen takeoff tools.
• Field or on‑site construction experience that supports sound estimating judgment.
• Experience with property loss, forensic estimating, or claim‑related work is a plus.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain cost issues to non‑technical audiences.
• Experience supporting dispute resolution or litigation matters is a plus.

Entry level

Full‑time

$90,000.00/yr - $/yr