Facilities Project Planner & Cost Estimator

Overview

The Building People, LLC, has a position open for a full-time Facilities Cost Estimator. The Facilities Cost Estimator will provide professional cost estimating and cost engineering services supporting facility maintenance, repair, renovation, and construction projects for federal and commercial clients. The successful candidate will develop independent government estimates, prepare and develop scopes of work for facility repairs and construction projects, evaluate contractor pricing proposals, conduct facility assessments, and provide technical expertise regarding building systems, construction methods, and project execution.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed scopes of work (SOWs), statements of work, and technical requirements for facility maintenance, repair, renovation, and construction projects.
• Develop independent cost estimates for facility maintenance, repair, alteration, renovation, and construction projects.
• Perform site investigations, facility assessments, and field inspections to identify project requirements and develop accurate scopes of work.
• Define project objectives, deliverables, material requirements, and performance standards for construction and repair activities.
• Review project scopes, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Prepare quantity take-offs and pricing analyses using industry-standard estimating tools and databases.
• Develop Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) based on approved scopes of work and technical requirements.
• Evaluate contractor proposals and provide cost analysis, pricing validation, and recommendations.
• Review existing facility conditions and translate findings into actionable repair, replacement, renovation, and construction project scopes.
• Collaborate with facility managers, engineers, project managers, contractors, and client stakeholders to develop project requirements and technical specifications.
• Support project planning, budgeting, forecasting, and capital investment decision-making.
• Analyze labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead costs.
• Research market conditions, construction cost trends, and industry best practices.
• Prepare written reports, cost narratives, project documentation, and presentation materials.
• Assist with contract modifications, change order reviews, and project cost validation activities.
• Support maintenance, repair, renovation, and minor construction projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain project documentation and estimating records in accordance with client and organizational requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in construction estimating, cost engineering, facilities management, construction management, or a related field.
• Experience preparing cost estimates for building repair, renovation, maintenance, and construction projects.
• Experience developing scopes of work, technical specifications, or project requirements for facility repair, renovation, and construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and scopes of work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of construction methods, building systems, facility maintenance practices, and industry standards.
• Knowledge of building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and architectural components.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Experience using RSMeans or comparable cost estimating databases.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Federal Government, Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Public Works (DPW), General Services Administration (GSA), or other federal facilities programs.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), including Maximo.
• Experience supporting facilities operations, maintenance, and asset management programs.
• Experience developing Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) for federal projects.