Cost Estimator

KDG Construction Consulting•Los Angeles, CA

8d•$70 - $80

About The Position

KDG Construction Consulting is seeking a Cost Estimator III to prepare pre-design cost estimates based on project scope and type, develop construction cost estimates from drawings, outlines, and specifications across a variety of projects, review contractor and consultant cost proposals, and negotiate change orders. The role supports projects through planning, design, and construction, and involves developing independent estimates, reconciling them with third-party estimates, evaluating bids, and presenting estimates to management and other stakeholders. The position also supports constructability reviews, cost-budget development, change-order negotiations, contract-scope reviews, and coordination with project management and engineering personnel. The ideal candidate has aviation experience, particularly with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

Requirements

At least 10 years of general estimating experience directly related to engineering and construction projects.
Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change-order negotiations.
Demonstrated experience obtaining independent estimates from vendors or contractors to check contractor proposal costs and support negotiations.
Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes and industry practices.
Self-starter attitude and a proven results-oriented focus.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to interact effectively with various departments and maintain open lines of communication.
Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
Ability to produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer-service attitude.
Detail-oriented and highly organized.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects at the same time.
Experience working with outside agencies such as the FAA, General Services division, LADBS, and LADWP.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
Certified estimating professional credential required.

Nice To Haves

Aviation experience, specifically at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

Responsibilities

Prepare Independent Cost Estimates for projects during planning, design, and construction.
Prepare and/or review final Engineer’s estimates, accounting for factors such as phasing, airport operations, shifts, resources, time constraints, and badging impacts.
Develop detailed Independent Cost Estimates from conceptual information and engineering drawings.
Prepare detailed estimates of labor hours and composite crew costs, itemized materials, and equipment costs.
Provide constructability reports identifying deficiencies and ambiguities, and assist the project team in developing a credible cost budget.
Reconcile independent cost estimates with third-party estimates, collaborate with third parties during reconciliation, and communicate the results.
Analyze vendor, contractor, and subcontractor bids and compare them with the Independent Cost Estimate.
Determine factors of production that affect the cost of work and identify field equipment contractors will need.
Present estimates to management and other stakeholders.
Prepare and review material take-offs from planning documents and engineering drawings.
Prepare detailed breakdowns of estimate components and elements for systems and subsystems.
Accumulate, evaluate, and document historical cost data for future estimates.
Review contract documents and modifications to determine work scope and equitable cost allowances for scope changes.
Assist with or lead change-order negotiations, including reviewing contractor potential change-order claims for merit and negotiating them to resolution.
Review proposals and assist in determining their merit and whether the proposed scope is complete.
Conduct weekly estimate review meetings concerning contractor potential change notices and prepare meeting minutes.
Review labor rates for compliance with contract specifications and approved rates.
Become familiar with contractual obligations and technical aspects of construction work, including allowances, bid line items, and new scope.
Review quantities to ensure additional scope and potential credits are represented fairly and reasonably.
Validate material pricing against R.S. Means or other pricing references.
Review pre-purchased materials, equipment, and equipment rental rates against fair and reasonable references, including the contract blue book and Caltrans rates.
Review contractor markups for correctness and compliance with markup caps.
Discuss the client’s position after the contractor establishes its position, identify disagreements and paths to resolution, and maintain a reasonable, contractual approach.
Develop negotiation documentation and provide an Independent Cost Estimate.
Coordinate and liaise with project management and project engineering personnel throughout estimate development.
Prepare required reports and correspondence.