Construction Cost Estimator

Philadelphia Housing Authority; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Philadelphia Housing Authority seeks a Cost Estimator to develop preliminary and detailed construction cost estimates for current and future projects. This role reviews scope, specs, and drawings, and prepares estimates for maintenance, renovations, and energy-related analyses.

Responsibilities include updating schedules, monitoring budgets, and coordinating utility allowances. Requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years in cost estimating and project management.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Four or more years’ construction project management and construction cost estimating experience.
• Knowledge of residential and commercial facility construction and related codes.
• Ability to review scope, specifications and drawings to prepare estimates.

Responsibilities

• Develops cost estimates for new construction projects based on specifications and pricing.
• Reviews drawings and scope to identify cost drivers and prepare estimates.
• Prepares estimates for maintenance and remodeling proposals and change orders.
• Monitors budget expenditures and analyzes utility costs and rate changes.

Skills

Construction oversight

Budget monitoring

Regulatory compliance

Computer skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field

Tools

RSMeans data books

Cost estimating software

Job description

Reporting to the Vice President – Development Operations and Administration, the Cost Estimator develops preliminary and detailed construction cost estimates for Philadelphia Housing Authority’s (PHA’s) current and future construction projects; reviews scope of work, specifications, and drawings; prepares cost estimates for maintenance proposals, and monitors construction budget expenditures construction and remodeling and/or modernization projects, performs utility cost analysis and rate monitoring and develops utility allowances for existing and new development. The Cost Estimator also performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Develops cost estimates for new construction projects based on available specification information and current material pricing.
• Studies project drawings and specifications; identifies scope of work for preparation for cost estimates.
• Prepares cost estimates for future and ongoing construction projects, and facility maintenance work proposals; prepares change orders for cost estimates based on construction cost databases and RS means cost data books.
• Reviews contractor cost estimates and prepares variance reports.
• Prepares and updates construction schedule for in-house projects.
• Develops utility allowances for existing and new developments; coordinates energy audits of new and existing developments.
• Monitors utility rate changes; revises allowances if change exceeds ten (10) percent.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of construction, engineering and construction cost estimating.
• Monitors utility consumption for all PHA developments, compares average per unit consumption to initiate corrective measures as needed.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Education and Experience Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field; AND four or more years’ construction project management and construction cost estimating/monitoring experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Knowledge

• Principles and practices of construction and engineering of residential and commercial facilities.
• Federal and State regulations governing residential building codes.
• Construction labor productivity and labor rates.
• Methods, procedures, and standards for maintaining construction budget expenditure records.

Required Skills

• Overseeing and monitoring construction contractors and in house construction schedules and expenses.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations governing construction material cost, usage and operations.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, PHA departments, employee groups, management, and the general public.

License and Certification Requirements

• Requires possession of a valid Driver’s License.
• Certification in cost estimating by a recognized institution or proof of specialized training.