Construction Estimator - 90386207 - Philadelphia

Amtrak•Philadelphia, PA

21d•$94,300 - $122,256•Onsite

About The Position

Under the guidance of Cost Estimating management, the Lead Cost Estimator prepares cost estimates for mid-sized to large capital construction projects with moderate to high complexity. The role collaborates closely with Project Managers and other team members to develop and update estimates at varying levels of project scope definition. It follows departmental procedures and best practices for estimate development and basis-of-estimate documentation, while supporting the improvement of existing procedures and practices. The position uses InEight Estimate and Excel, along with standard construction estimating methods and specialized knowledge of railroad disciplines as appropriate. It also supports cost engineering, scheduling, project controls, budget contingency, and risk assessment activities. The position is based in an office environment, with periodic visits to active construction sites and travel of up to 25%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and relevant experience.
At least 6 years of prior relevant experience.
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of project cost-estimating principles and practices across the project lifecycle.
Ability to review project cost estimates developed by others and provide feedback on all aspects of the estimates.
Knowledge of business processes, techniques, and procedures for estimating large or complex capital construction projects.
Knowledge of construction services and materials procurement principles and practices.
Knowledge of estimating methods for projects from conceptual design through detailed design completion.
Knowledge of statistical analysis methods.
Knowledge of integrating estimating and scheduling processes, tools, systems, and data.
Experience using common estimating software and tools to develop and maintain estimates for large or complex construction projects and generate analysis and status reports.
Ability to use internal financial system data for benchmarking to validate and improve estimates.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, across all levels.
Ability to evaluate information and differing points of view objectively and make sound, timely decisions aligned with department goals.
Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations or training to diverse audiences.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment during periodic construction-site visits and walk active sites.
Ability to sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods as necessary.

Nice To Haves

At least 8 years of relevant experience is preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Science, Engineering, or Construction Management.
Experience developing estimates for large to mega capital construction projects in a railroad environment.
Experience with quantitative risk assessment for cost estimates supporting contingency development.
Capital construction experience in the rail industry.
Experience with database management, including SQL.
Intermediate to advanced skill with InEight Estimate (Hard Dollar), Heavy Bid, Sage Timberline, or RS Means.

Responsibilities

Work with the Project Manager and project team to develop cost estimates supporting project budget baselines at different levels of scope definition.
Collect project scope information, drawings, schedules, execution strategies, and other estimate inputs.
Develop and maintain the basis-of-estimate document.
Perform quality-control checks on estimates prepared by other estimators.
Identify work packages, quantify scope elements, estimate direct costs and construction indirect costs, and estimate project soft costs such as project and construction management.
Review estimates prepared by others, provide prioritized and comprehensive feedback, and prepare formal Cost Estimate Review Reports when required.
Apply cost escalation according to business-process estimating guidelines for cost flow and escalation.
Support development of project budget contingency for estimate uncertainty and potential project risks.
Participate in risk evaluation sessions or pre-construction reviews and ensure risks are documented and assessed for probability and impact to support mitigation plans and contingencies.
Develop construction and engineering project and program estimates using InEight Estimate and Excel, applying standard estimating practices and relevant railroad-discipline knowledge.
Integrate cost and schedule data and information from vendors and external entities to support schedule and budget performance reporting.
Provide estimate data to Cost Engineering and Scheduling teams on a regular basis.
Manage Project Controls data using EPPM (Masterworks), SharePoint, or other approved EPMO systems and tools.
Adhere to Amtrak Enterprise Project Management methodology and Engineering PMO procedures.
Visit future and active construction project sites to support estimate development and understand craft and discipline scopes of work.