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.

Required Qualifications:

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.

Technical Expertise:

• 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.

Communication Skills:

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

Required Education:

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