Construction Estimator - City/State Programs

Procon Consulting; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental Insurance

401(k) Plan

Job summary

Procon is seeking a Cost Estimator in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to develop accurate and timely estimates at design milestones, price change orders, and support negotiations with contractors. The estimator will work closely with architects, engineers, project managers, and procurement staff to maintain cost control throughout the project lifecycle for a wide range of building projects.

The candidate will be on-site 5 days per week at client offices and collaborate with diverse teams to drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably in public-sector projects.
• Proficiency with quantity takeoff software and cost modeling tools.
• Ability to read drawings and communicate cost implications.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates across design and construction stages with clear breakdowns.
• Review bids, change orders, and pricing for accuracy and scope alignment.
• Prepare cost models, conceptual estimates, and budget updates for planning.
• Support value engineering and evaluate cost-saving alternatives.
• Analyze drawings and specs to identify cost impacts and constructability issues.
• Present cost findings to stakeholders and assist in negotiations.

Skills

Quantity takeoff software

Estimating databases

Cost modeling tools

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

On-site work 5 days/week

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Cost estimating software

Job description

Procon is a top-ranked construction management and technology consulting firm with 25 years of experience delivering high?impact projects across the U.S. and worldwide. An ENR Top 100 CM/PM firm for five consecutive years, we specialize in program management, project controls, commissioning, and technology?and offer an excellent platform to grow your career while shaping the future of the built environment. Procon is seeking a Cost Estimator in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to develop accurate and timely estimates at design milestones, pricing for change orders, and supporting negotiations with contractors. The cost estimator will work closely with architects, engineers, project managers, and procurement staff to maintain cost control and support informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle for a wide range of projects.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in construction estimating, preferably with K?12, higher education, or public-sector building projects.
• Strong proficiency in quantity takeoff software, estimating databases, and construction cost modeling tools.
• Thorough understanding of building systems, construction methods, and industry standard cost structures.
• Ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings at all levels of completion.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse project teams and maintain professionalism in contractor interactions.
• Ability to be on site 5 days per week at the clients offices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification such as Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), or similar designation.
• Experience with public procurement processes and state/local construction regulations.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop detailed cost estimates at various design and construction stages, including quantity takeoffs, unit pricing, and cost breakdowns for all major building systems with clear, comprehensive estimate reports, cost summaries, and variance analyses.
• Review contractor proposals, bids, change order requests, and pricing breakdowns for accuracy, scope alignment, and cost reasonableness.
• Prepare cost models, conceptual estimates, and budget updates to support early planning and funding decisions.
• Support value engineering efforts and evaluate cost saving alternatives.
• Review drawings, specifications, and design narratives to identify scope, constructability issues, and cost impacts.
• Analyze design changes between milestones and communicate cost impacts to project stakeholders.
• Participate in negotiations with contractors to achieve fair and equitable pricing.
• Maintain historical cost data and benchmarking information to support accurate forecasting. Track and document cost trends, potential claims, and budget risks during construction.
• Assist in planning and pre-bid meetings, scope reviews, and procurement processes.
• Maintain organized estimating files, assumptions, and backup documentation.
• Present cost findings to district leadership, design teams, and community stakeholders as needed.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Procon offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including full medical/dental insurance and 401(K) plan.

Procon is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.