Construction and Planning Specialist

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Tuition subsidy

Paid holidays & leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

Indiana University is seeking a Cost Estimator for the Office of Space Planning in Bloomington. You will develop, analyze, and maintain construction cost estimates to support capital planning, renovations, and new construction initiatives.

The role requires collaboration with campus stakeholders, architects, engineers, and project managers to provide reliable cost data and benchmarking. Responsibilities include standardizing estimating procedures, improving financial stewardship, and reducing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management or related field is required.
• 5 years of construction management experience and/or large-format planning with multi-discipline projects.
• Possesses a valid driver's license and ability to be insured.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains standardized cost estimating procedures across the Office of Planning and related units.
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Skills

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

High accuracy

Influence/negotiation

Read drawings/blueprints

Project coordination

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Planning software

Job description

Space Management (BL-SPAC-IUBLA)

The Office of Space Planning provides strategic and thoughtful planning for how space owned and leased by Indiana University is used. Applying the most efficient management, utilization, and space programming processes allows Space Planning to achieve the best use, functionality, and organization of space to meet university goals and the objectives of both current and proposed facilities.

The Cost Estimator is responsible for developing, analyzing, and maintaining construction cost estimates to support the University's capital planning, renovation, and new construction initiatives. This position provides independent cost analysis during the planning and pre-construction phases of projects to support informed decision‑making regarding scope, feasibility, and budget development.

Working within the Office of Planning, the Cost Estimator collaborates with campus stakeholders, architects, engineers, and project managers to evaluate project scope and prepare conceptual and detailed cost estimates. The role supports the University's capital planning process by providing reliable cost data, cost modeling, and value analysis to ensure projects align with institutional priorities and financial parameters.

The Cost Estimator serves as a technical resource to university leadership and project teams by providing objective cost information throughout project development and assisting in the review of design consultant and contractor estimates.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Reports to the Executive Director of the Office of Planning (or designated senior planning leadership) and works closely with Capital Projects, Facilities Operations, design consultants, and campus stakeholders.
• Develops and implements standardized cost estimating procedures and best practices across the Office of Planning, Capital Projects, and Facilities.
• Improves financial stewardship by producing reliable estimates throughout all project phases, supporting proactive budget management and informed leadership decisions.
• Reduces dependency on external consultants for routine and preliminary estimates, resulting in cost savings and faster project response times.
• Provides market analysis and benchmarking related to labor, materials, and regional construction trends to improve forecasting accuracy.
• Supports strategic capital planning by supplying leadership with dependable cost data for project feasibility evaluations and investment prioritization.
• Enhances coordination among Planning, Facilities, Procurement, and campus stakeholders to align project scope, assumptions, and financial expectations.

General Responsibilities

• Manages, supervises, inspects, and coordinates new construction and remodeling projects on assigned campuses; monitors construction timeline to ensure contractors maintain accurate schedule and perform to university standards; reviews and approves contractors' billing performance. Coordinates necessary interruption of services between administration, Physical Plant, and contractor.
• Reviews engineering drawings and specifications and serves as project coordinator with architects, engineers, contractors, and administrators. Reviews and approves shop and as‑built drawings for university archives and Physical Plant use.
• Provides feedback and recommendations to administrators and concerned parties on project cost analyses and alternatives after project bids have been submitted. Advises interior designers of special circumstances and facilities requirements; advises and assists architects and engineers with contract change orders as required by new functions, unforeseeable conditions, code requirements, or design refinements.
• Maintains documentation of all assigned projects with IU‑issued software, including timelines, schedules, substantial completion, and other elements of construction.

Education

Required

• Bachelor's degree in construction management or related field

Work Experience

Required

• 5 years of construction management experience and/or large‑format planning, experience managing multi‑disciplined construction projects with scopes of work including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical

Licenses and Certificates

Required

• Possesses a valid driver's license and ability to be insured by Indiana University upon date of hire

Skills

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Ability to influence internal and/or external constituents
• Basic knowledge of Indiana Building Codes.
• Ability to read and interpret large‑format schematics, blueprints and drawings.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a broad range of customers and management levels.
• Demonstrates working knowledge and practical application and experience in word processing, spreadsheet, planning and database software use as well as e‑mail utility.
• Demonstrates problem solving skills.
• Demonstrates experience and advanced skills in project management/communication.

This role requires both sedentary work and the ability to move about, sometimes quickly, for long periods of time. It requires moving heavy objects, providing support for heavy objects, and performing strenuous labor under adverse field conditions. The ability to use tools, operate machinery, and to complete construction projects with precision and accuracy is required. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential tasks with or without an accommodation.

2901 East Discovery Parkway, Bloomington, Indiana 47405

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long‑term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Career Level: Advanced

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Engineering, Trades & Facility

Job Family: Construction & Planning

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non‑Discrimination for contact information.

Request Support: Telephone 812‑856‑1234