Cost Estimator – Capital Projects Facilities & Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for forecasting the expenses associated with projects by analyzing various factors such as labor, materials, and time requirements. The role involves helping determine the financial feasibility of projects and in planning budgets. The Cost Estimator will work closely with university project managers, and design and construction vendors to gather data and provide accurate cost predictions. The position is also responsible for identifying potential cost-saving opportunities to support the timely and cost-efficient delivery of projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years (24 months) of commercial construction management experience.
Demonstrated experience in cost estimation, project budgeting, and/or construction cost analysis.
Ability to read and interpret plans, blueprints, and specifications.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Knowledge of the practical application of construction technology.
Knowledge in commercial scheduling and estimating software.
Knowledge of building codes or industry standards.

Responsibilities

Analyze construction documents, project manuals, and other contract documents and prepare detailed time, cost, materials, and labor estimates for capital projects in multiple phases of project delivery (Planning, Design, Bid & Award).
Collaborate with project teams to refine and reconcile in-house cost estimates with those provided by design and construction vendors.
Collect, analyze, and document historical data and set up cost monitoring systems for project costs.
Estimate not to exceed and lump sum change orders during construction.
Recommend and estimate cost-reduction strategies for capital projects.
Monitor design and construction industry forecasts and annual reports, and local market for escalation and labor availability.
Generate quarterly and financial year reports for capital projects bidding.
Estimate and recommend bid alternates for capital project bidding.
Calculate and recommend unit costs and allowances for capital project bidding.
Estimate contractor proposals for work to be performed within a contract allowance.
Other related duties as assigned.