Senior Project Cost Estimator

Duties

• Leads, manages, and contributes to the preparation of comprehensive construction cost estimates for buildings and infrastructure based on project drawings, specifications, and outlines.
• Develops and evaluates cost estimates, forms, and supporting materials required for securing State and federal grants, including school aid programs, while representing the District in related funding discussions.
• Reviews and verifies the accuracy and completeness of construction cost estimates submitted by architects and engineers, comparing them with internal District estimates.
• Collaborates with architects and engineers to reconcile discrepancies between external and District cost estimates, negotiating agreements on preliminary project cost projections.
• Conducts analyses and prepares detailed reports when contractor bids significantly deviate from agreed construction cost estimates.
• Examines contractors' cost breakdowns for contract work, recommending acceptance or rejection as a basis for progress payments.
• Evaluates and approves or rejects submitted change orders for ongoing construction projects, including additional charges or credits.
• Creates and reviews cost estimates for various construction projects to ensure accuracy and alignment with project objectives.
• Establishes and oversees procedures for approving building project plans and specifications and managing their submission for public bidding.
• Develops and maintains systems for tracking and analyzing data through records, charts, and graphs, comparing estimated construction costs with actual expenditures.
• Organizes and participates in seminars and workshops for staff and minority contractors to provide guidance on bidding procedures, contracts, and cost estimation for school construction projects.
• Prepares cost assessments for damage to District property caused by incidents such as fires, natural disasters, or vandalism.
• Establishes and monitors project budgets for school building initiatives.
• Provides assistance and consultation to other branches on related functions and responsibilities.
• Prepares preliminary and final independent cost estimates to support negotiations with designers or contractors for PM/CM teams.
• Generates change order cost estimates to assist Owner Authorized Representatives in negotiation processes.
• Offers expertise during pricing negotiations for construction projects.
• Develops analyses and cost estimates for claims and disputes.
• Reviews contractors' claims and proposals for validity, ensuring accountability and alignment with project terms.
• Performs additional responsibilities as required.

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years of full-time, professional experience in preparing comprehensive cost estimates for Type I, II, III, and V building construction, as defined by the State building code.
  • At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

• In-depth knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs.
• Proven expertise in developing and estimating scopes of work for change orders with accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to compare independent cost estimates with contractor proposals to identify and resolve discrepancies swiftly.
• Skilled in interpreting RFI/RFC responses to define scopes of work and independently estimate associated costs.

• Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members, contractors, and stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management from an accredited college or university.