Cost Estimator

RS H; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

RS&H is seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to develop comprehensive estimates for large, complex construction projects. You will prepare conceptual estimates, evaluate change orders, produce cost reports, and collaborate with project teams from concept through delivery.

The role emphasizes contractor-side estimating, advanced software proficiency (HCSS HeavyBid), and leadership to guide multi-disciplinary pursuits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Cost Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of construction estimating experience.
• Experience with complex construction projects.
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid.
• Experience with estimating/bid management platforms and cost modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, utilities, risk, and general conditions.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, change order estimates, and other project cost analyses for large and complex projects.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, cost reports, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Partner with project managers and project teams to identify cost impacts and constraints.
• Support project planning and provide estimating expertise throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff and support QA initiatives.

Skills

Construction estimating experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership / mentorship

Education

Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Cost Management

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Estimating platforms

Cost modeling tools

Job description

The Opportunity

Build the numbers behind complex construction projects. We are seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to develop comprehensive estimates that help project teams plan effectively, evaluate cost impacts, and deliver large, complex projects successfully. In this role, you will prepare conceptual estimates, evaluate change orders, produce cost reports, and collaborate with project teams throughout project delivery. This is an opportunity to take the lead on complex estimating efforts and apply advanced estimating software expertise where accuracy, sound analysis, and strong collaboration matter. The ideal candidate brings strong contractor-side estimating experience and the ability to guide demanding estimates from early concepts through project delivery.

Responsibilities Include But Aren't Limited To

• Develop detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, utilities, risk, and general conditions.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, change order estimates, and other project cost analyses for large and complex projects.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, cost reports, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Partner with project managers and project teams to identify cost impacts, project constraints, and potential solutions.
• Support project planning efforts and provide estimating expertise throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff while supporting quality assurance initiatives.

Role

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Cost Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor or heavy civil contractor.
• Extensive experience developing estimates for complex construction projects.
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid estimating software.
• Experience using estimating and bid management platforms and advanced construction cost modeling tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

You’ll Stand Out With

• A strong track record of contractor-side estimating for large, complex heavy civil and vertical construction projects.
• Hands-on experience using HCSS HeavyBid in a high-volume production estimating environment.
• Estimating experience across aviation, federal, and heavy civil construction projects.
• Experience leading major pursuits and aligning multidisciplinary teams around a complete, competitive estimate.

Why Join Us

Join a growing, broad-based employee-owned organization where your contributions help shape our shared success. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, gain meaningful mentorship, and build your career through opportunities to take on challenging projects, expand your expertise, and grow within the organization.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

The Team

While RS&H was founded in 1941, we have been providing construction management services as one of our primary business practices since 1984. RS&H’s Transportation-Construction Management Practice serves numerous state departments of transportation, mobility/transportation authorities, turnpike/toll authorities, rail/port authorities, municipal/county governments, and private clients throughout the United States. Our Construction Engineering and Inspections (CEI) teams as well as our Construction Management teams are industry leading experts who provide a full range of construction engineering, program management, specialized testing, and inspection services from the preconstruction phase through maintenance and operations. By joining our team, you too can provide unique expertise in the full life cycle of transportation delivery, and lead the evolution of transportation.

The Company

Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms, with associates who work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities, and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. We attribute our success to our unwavering commitment to our core values: integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork.