Construction Cost Estimator III

HNTB; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HNTB in Minneapolis is seeking a skilled professional for detailed cost estimating for large infrastructure projects. The role involves preparing comprehensive cost estimates, analyzing specifications, and collaborating with scheduling teams to align cost and timelines.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management, along with significant relevant experience. Preferred qualifications include AACE certification and experience with construction management.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant experience in cost estimating.
• AACE or ASPE certification is preferred.
• Experience working with general contractors.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for projects.
• Analyze specifications and drawings for cost calculations.
• Collaborate with the scheduling team for cost estimates.

Skills

Cost Breakdown Structure

Estimating Software

Data Analysis

Construction Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Estimating Software

Job description

What We're Looking For

The time is right to join HNTB! We have recently moved to downtown Minneapolis and are located in the heart of the city. Connected to a vibrant skyway system, our office sits on a top floor with incredible 360 views! At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.

This opportunity entails preparing all aspects of detailed cost estimates with minimal supervision for projects that are generally larger and more complex. Accurately projecting the cost of upcoming projects, preparing conceptual, definitive, man‑hour, and equipment factored total installed cost estimates, and possibly preparing economic cost studies, cash flows, and contingency analyses.

What You’ll Do

• Perform detailed cost estimates utilizing the Cost Breakdown Structure, determining the cost of each item from experience and summarizing the total. Prepare detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems.
• Perform conceptual estimating by establishing a project’s cost before the development of a graphical representation of a facility. Work closely with the project supervisor to ensure the project estimate meets all financial and regulatory guidelines. Operate and provide oversight and guidance on the use of selected estimating software.
• Provide support in price negotiations. Obtain cost information for materials and services. Participate in client presentations as required.
• Perform detailed cost estimates for professional services.
• Develop duration estimates of specific construction activities based on assumed construction approach and appropriate production rates. Prepare independent cost estimates for submitted change‑order proposals.
• Collaborate with scheduling team to develop productivity‑based cost estimates and to ensure alignment of estimates to construction schedules.
• Analyze specifications, drawings, sketches, and sample layouts to calculate total construction cost using labor, material, and equipment pricing schedules in concert with historical data.
• Review contractual documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and scope changes.
• Accumulate, evaluate, and document historical cost data and construction means and methods to maintain current estimating standards and databases.
• Prepare takeoffs on complex projects, drawings, and plans with project management and check for mathematical and technical accuracy. Assign material costs and staffing costs to the takeoffs.
• Support the preparation of procurement documents related to Estimating Specifications.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related degree and 6 years relevant experience, or
• In lieu of education, 10 years relevant experience with the development of cost estimates

What We Prefer

• AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or equivalent
• Experience preparing cost estimates on behalf of general contractor using commercially available estimating software
• Experience working as client’s PM/CM agent (e.g., providing program management/construction management services), or as part of design‑build contractor (or equivalent design and construction experience)

Locations

Minneapolis, MN

Job Details

Job Type: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full time

Job Category: Project Controls Group

Equal Employment Opportunity & Disability Accessibility Statement

HNTB provides a fair and equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or other status protected by law. HNTB will make determinations on accommodation requests on a case‑by‑case basis and will not discriminate on the basis of protected status.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.