Lead Estimator

The Lemoine Company•Tampa, FL

About The Position

CDBG-DR Lead Estimator – Disaster Recovery Housing LEMOINE, a Great Place to Work®-Certified company, is a recognized leader in the field of disaster recovery and reconstruction. With a commitment to excellence and a track record of successful execution, LEMOINE has earned its reputation as a trusted partner in disaster recovery efforts. Our organization plays a pivotal role in disaster recovery and resiliency programs, including those funded through HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT), FEMA Individual Assistance (IA), FEMA Public Assistance (PA), FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), and initiatives led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). LEMOINE is seeking a CDBG-DR Lead Estimator to bring experience and technical depth to our Florida disaster recovery team. Working alongside estimators, inspectors, and construction managers in the Tampa Bay area, this role handles complex Xactimate scoping and cost estimation while helping to support consistency and quality across the estimating team's work in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and surrounding counties. This position may also support other Florida programs as our work grows across the state.

Requirements

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; High school diploma or GED required.
5+ years of experience in construction estimating, with at least 3 years in CDBG-DR or other federally funded housing recovery programs.
Xactimate Level 2 certified (minimum) for residential construction estimating, scope development, and cost documentation; required.
In-depth knowledge of residential construction trades across all disciplines including roofing, structural, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and general repair.
Experience working alongside or providing guidance to a team of estimators or construction field staff.
Strong working knowledge of HUD CDBG-DR cost eligibility requirements, Green Building Standards, Davis-Bacon Act, and federal documentation standards.
Excellent documentation discipline; ability to establish and enforce estimating standards that produce audit-ready files across a high-volume program portfolio.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project or program management platforms; experience with database-driven cost tracking tools preferred.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to clearly explain cost positions to contractors, program staff, and federal reviewers.
Valid driver's license; willingness and ability to travel to scattered residential sites throughout the Tampa Bay area and across Florida.

Responsibilities

Prepare and review complex Xactimate-based cost estimates and scopes of work for residential properties enrolled in CDBG-DR housing recovery programs in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and surrounding counties, including higher-complexity reconstruction, home elevation, and hazard mitigation projects.
Work alongside Estimators to help ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance across the team's estimates; review completed scopes and provide technical feedback.
Help maintain estimating standards, Xactimate templates, cost schedule benchmarks, and documentation practices for use across the estimating team.
Proficiently create estimating macros and standardized templates to streamline Xactimate scope development, improve consistency across the team, and increase scope creation efficiency.
Conduct or participate in property inspections to gather field measurements, document existing conditions, photograph damage, and identify all eligible repair and replacement items.
Serve as a technical resource for change order review; evaluate contractor proposals against approved estimates, document variances, and share recommendations with the Construction Manager.
Collaborate closely with the Construction Manager and Deputy Construction Manager to align estimate scope with program eligibility requirements, production schedules, and drawdown timelines.
Contribute to quality control across estimate files; help ensure all documentation is complete, defensible, and ready for HUD monitoring and OIG audit review.
Share knowledge and best practices with Estimators and Construction Inspectors on Xactimate methodology, CDBG-DR cost eligibility, scope development, and documentation standards.
Assist with scope development for specialized and higher-value repair activities including structural reconstruction, home elevation, accessibility modifications, and Green Building Standards compliance.
Track estimating production progress and share quality observations and change order trends with the Construction Manager.
Contribute to internal QA/QC processes and help prepare for federal monitoring visits and program audits.
Adhere to and promote LEMOINE's LIFE Safe Work Practices.
Willingness and ability to travel throughout the Tampa Bay area and across Florida as program needs require; valid driver's license required.