Senior Cost Estimator

Los Angeles, California

Jobot
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100% Paid Health Insurance. 401k Match. Bonuses. Come join an established construction firm.

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Luke Hoyt
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Salary: $195,000 - $205,000 per year

A bit about us:

We provide various management services to public agencies and private sectors. The company offers project construction management/construction project management, project controls, scheduling, estimating, document control, and claims analysis services. It serves federal, state, and local governments; and ports and airports, and education sectors. We were founded in 1990 and is based in Irvine, California.

Why join us?

Paid Holidays and Vacation Days
Attractive Compensation
Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
100% Employer Paid Life/AD & D & Long-Term Disability Benefits
401k
License & Certification Reimbursement Program
Employee Referral Program

Job Details
  • Prepare Independent Cost Estimates to support projects during planning, design and construction.
  • Prepare and/or review final Engineer's estimate including factors such as Phasing, Airport Operations, Shift, Resources, Time Constraints and Badging impacts.
  • Develop a detailed and Independent Cost Estimate from conceptual information and/or engineering drawings.
  • Prepare detailed estimates comprising labor hours/composite crew costs, itemized material costs and Equipment cost.
  • Provide Constructability Reports to proactively identify deficiencies and ambiguities; and actively assist the project team to develop a credible cost budget.
  • Actively reconcile independent cost estimates with those prepared by third parties; engage the third-party entities in an informative, collaborative reconciliation; and communicate the results of the reconciliation effort.
  • Ability to analyze bids from vendors, contractors and subcontractors and align with Independent Cost Estimate.
  • Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of work.
  • Having the ability to identify necessary field equipment needed by contractors.
  • Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders.
  • Lead Negotiation Meetings with contractors and subcontractors.
  • Prepare and review material take-offs from planning documents or engineering drawings.
  • Prepare detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems.
  • Accumulate, evaluate and document historical cost data for the development of future estimates.
  • Review contract documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and equitable cost allowance for scope changes.

Assist and/or lead in Change Order negotiations including:
  • Review Contractor Potential Change Order Claims for Merit and negotiate to final resolution. Review the proposal and assist with the determination of merit.
  • Conduct Weekly Estimate Review Meetings of Contractor Potential Change Notices and prepare Meeting Minutes.
  • Review the scope specified within the proposal to ensure it includes the appropriate scope.
  • Review the labor rates to ensure conformance to the contract specifications, and LAWA approved rates.
  • Become thoroughly familiar with required contractual obligations, technical aspects of all construction work including Allowances, Bid Line Items and new scope of work.
  • Review quantities and ensure there is a fair and reasonable representation of additional scope, as well as possible credits.
  • Review the material pricing and validate against R.S. Means for other pricing references.
  • Review pre-purchased material or equipment and/or equipment rental rates against fair and reasonable pricing references using contract blue book and or Cal Trans Rates.
  • Review contractor mark-ups to ensure that the correct mark-ups are being used and that any mark-up caps are not exceeded.
  • Discuss the LAWA position after the contractor established their position.
  • Determine points of disagreement and path to resolution. Adopt a reasonable, but contractual attitude.
  • Develop the record of negotiation documentation and provide an Independent Cost Estimate.
  • Provide coordination and liaison with project management and project engineering personnel throughout the estimate development.
  • Prepare required reports and correspondence.

Hardware/Software Knowledge
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Experience with On-Screen Takeoffs and Bluebeam.
  • Knowledge of Prolog and other Project Management Systems is preferred.

Professional Experience Level/Other Qualifications
  • 20 years or more of general estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects
  • Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations.
  • Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices.
  • Self-starter attitude with proved results-oriented focus.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Must possess the ability to effectively interact with various departments to maintain open lines of communication.
  • Comfortable operating in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment.
  • Produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude.
  • Must be detail oriented and highly organized.
  • Demonstrated experience working on multiple projects at the same time.
  • Experience working with outside agencies i.e., FAA, General Services division, LADBS, LADWP, etc.

Education/Training/Certification
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field. A master's degree is strongly preferred.
  • Certified estimating professional credential required.

Element-Specific Requirements/Notes
  • May assume other duties as required/needed.
  • This position offers a hybrid/telework schedule. Telework - Monday and Friday. Onsite - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply" button.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Date Posted: 09 May 2025
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