Lead Project Cost Estimator

Position Summary

The Lead Project Cost Estimator is responsible for leading and supervising estimating staff while managing the preparation, review, and analysis of construction cost estimates for District building and infrastructure projects. This position provides technical expertise in cost estimating, budgeting, contract analysis, change order evaluation, grant funding support, and project procurement activities. The Lead Project Cost Estimator serves as a key advisor to project teams, architects, engineers, and construction managers regarding project costs and financial planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Supervision

• Lead and supervise a team of estimators, including assigning daily work activities and monitoring performance.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to estimating staff.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, procedures, and best practices.

Cost Estimating and Analysis

• Plan, prepare, and participate in the development of construction cost estimates for buildings and other structures using drawings, specifications, outlines, and related project documentation.
• Prepare and review conceptual, preliminary, detailed, and final cost estimates for capital improvement and construction projects.
• Develop independent cost estimates to establish negotiating positions for Project Management/Construction Management (PM/CM) teams.
• Analyze construction costs and evaluate cost impacts throughout project development and implementation.
• Conduct studies and prepare reports when contractor bids differ significantly from estimated project costs.

Contract and Change Order Review

• Review construction cost estimates prepared by commissioned architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Compare consultant and contractor estimates against District-generated estimates.
• Confer and negotiate with architects, engineers, and contractors to resolve cost estimate discrepancies and establish agreed-upon construction budgets.
• Analyze and evaluate change orders, contract modifications, extras, and credits associated with construction projects.
• Approve or recommend approval, rejection, or modification of cost proposals and change order requests.

Budgeting and Financial Management

• Establish and maintain project budgets for school construction and modernization projects.
• Monitor estimated costs versus actual project expenditures.
• Develop and maintain records, databases, charts, reports, and graphs tracking project cost performance.
• Provide cost forecasting and budget recommendations to project stakeholders and leadership.

Grant and Funding Support

• Prepare and review cost estimates, forms, and supporting documentation required for State and Federal grants, loans, and school aid funding programs.
• Represent the District in matters related to securing grant and funding opportunities.
• Assist in the preparation of financial documentation supporting reimbursement and funding requests.

Procurement and Bidding Support

• Establish and maintain procedures related to approval of plans and specifications for public construction projects.
• Support project procurement activities and public bidding processes.
• Conduct seminars, workshops, and informational sessions regarding construction bidding procedures, estimating methodologies, and contract requirements.
• Provide outreach and support to contractors, including minority and small business contractors.

Claims and Damage Assessment

• Estimate repair and replacement costs associated with District property damaged by fire, natural disasters, vandalism, or other incidents.
• Prepare documentation supporting insurance claims, funding requests, and recovery efforts.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist other departments and functional areas with cost estimating and related construction management activities.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Building Construction, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Eight (8) or more years of full-time professional experience in construction cost estimating, project controls, construction management, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading, supervising, or mentoring estimating staff or project teams.
• Experience preparing independent cost estimates for public-sector, educational, commercial, or institutional construction projects.
• Experience evaluating contractor bids, change orders, and construction claims.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting K-12, higher education, or public agency construction programs.
• Experience with State and Federal grant-funded construction projects.
• Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), or similar professional certification.
• Experience using industry-standard estimating software such as RSMeans, CostWorks, Sage Estimating, On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, or similar platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials, labor productivity, and cost estimating principles.
• Knowledge of public contracting, procurement, bidding, and construction management practices.
• Strong understanding of project budgeting, scheduling, and cost control methodologies.
• Ability to analyze plans, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports, presentations, and financial analyses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, estimating software, and construction management systems.
• Ability to lead teams, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

• Combination of office and field environments.
• May require visits to active construction sites, school campuses, and District facilities.
• Occasional travel to project locations, meetings, workshops, and training sessions may be required.