Generation Development Project Estimator

Xcel Energy • Denver, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Generation Development Project Estimator creates and manages cost estimates for new power generation projects and develops and maintains estimating tools, databases of prior project costs, and related project management systems. The role supports project managers in preparing estimates for large-scale projects, including renewable, thermal, and emerging energy technology power plants. Estimates cover whole-project development costs and payment schedules for major equipment contracts, EPC and construction services, interconnection, land and permitting, consultants, indirect and owner’s costs, and contingencies. The estimator also prepares estimate rollups and cash flows integrated with the project master schedule and works with project managers to develop quantitative risk registers and risk-weighted contingency estimates. Detailed construction and material takeoff estimates are not required, though the role may review estimates from third-party EPCs or construction contractors.

The position collaborates with development project managers, schedulers, supply chain, vendors, and Generation Development leadership to identify requirements, evaluate alternatives, and implement best practices. It supports the development of competitive, high-accuracy bids for new power generation projects.

The role also supports project management systems and applications, including system administration, launches, training, continuous improvement, change management, testing, troubleshooting, reporting, and data quality assurance. It helps maintain project management and controls policies, procedures, guidelines, and standardized practices, and represents the business area in application-related meetings and company-wide efforts to promote consistent project management and controls.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, or equivalent relevant experience with knowledge of heavy construction and/or utility project planning, scheduling, and cost estimating techniques.
• At least five years of related experience, including detailed knowledge of project planning, cost estimating, and scheduling methods and practices.
• Proficiency with standard server software applications, such as email and Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency with AACE cost estimating standards and practices.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in project cost estimating for heavy industrial construction projects; utility experience is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with scheduling tools such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
• Proficiency with commercial project management platforms such as InEight.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage cost estimates for new power generation projects, including whole-project development costs and payment schedules.
• Develop estimate rollups and cash flows integrated with project master schedules.
• Work with development project managers to create quantitative risk registers and risk-weighted contingency estimates.
• Review estimates prepared by third-party EPCs or construction contractors when needed.
• Support the optimal performance of project management systems and serve as a super user for those systems.
• Administer departmental project management applications, including user access, roles, and views.
• Manage application launches, training plans and execution, continuous improvement, and change management.
• Develop metrics to measure application accessibility, reliability, ease of use, and actual use.
• Ensure compliance with software licensing requirements and perform user acceptance testing for software enhancements.
• Troubleshoot system and user problems, escalate issues to IT personnel as appropriate, and contribute lessons learned to online support systems.
• Maintain project management and controls policies, procedures, guidelines, and tools related to project management applications.
• Develop report templates to meet end-user needs and support standardized reporting.
• Provide quality assurance and control for data integrity, including standard work breakdown structures and project template standards.
• Represent the business area in project management application meetings and promote standardized project management and controls practices.
• Collaborate with application users, business unit leadership, and corporate stakeholders.

Benefits

• Annual Incentive Program
• Medical/Pharmacy Plan
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account (if enrolled in an eligible health plan)
• Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in an eligible health plan and HSA)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in an eligible health plan)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit programs
• Employee recognition program
• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• Volunteer Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level