Cost Estimator - Capital Projects Facilities & Services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition waivers

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Cost Estimator for Capital Projects within Facilities & Services who will forecast expenses for capital initiatives by analyzing labor, materials and time requirements, and assist in determining financial feasibility and budgets.

You will work with university project managers and design/construction vendors to gather data and provide accurate cost predictions, and identify cost-saving opportunities to support timely, cost-efficient project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of commercial construction management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in cost estimation, project budgeting, and/or construction cost analysis.

Responsibilities

• Analyze construction documents, project manuals, and other contract documents and prepare detailed time, cost, materials, and labor estimates for capital projects in multiple phases of project delivery (Planning, Design, Bid & Award).
• Collaborate with project teams to refine and reconcile in-house cost estimates with those provided by design and construction vendors.
• Collect, analyze, and document historical data and set up cost monitoring systems for project costs.
• Estimate not to exceed and lump sum change orders during construction.
• Recommend and estimate cost-reduction strategies for capital projects.
• Monitor design and construction industry forecasts and local market for escalation and labor availability.
• Generate quarterly and financial year reports for capital projects bidding.
• Estimate and recommend bid alternates for capital project bidding.
• Calculate and recommend unit costs and allowances for capital project bidding.
• Estimate contractor proposals for work to be performed within a contract allowance.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Read blueprints

Effective communication

Mathematical problem solving

Construction technology

Estimating software

Construction codes knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/construction management/architecture

Tools

Estimating software

Scheduling software

Job description

Cost Estimator - Capital Projects Facilities & Services

Facilities & Services

Job Summary

This position is responsible for forecasting the expenses associated with projects by analyzing various factors such as labor, materials, and time requirements. Responsible for helping determine the financial feasibility of projects and in planning budgets, and work closely with university project managers, and design and construction vendors to gather data and provide accurate cost predictions. Responsible for identifying potential cost‑saving opportunities, to support the timely and cost‑efficient delivery of projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze construction documents, project manuals, and other contract documents and prepare detailed time, cost, materials, and labor estimates for capital projects in multiple phases of project delivery (Planning, Design, Bid & Award).
• Collaborate with project teams to refine and reconcile in-house cost estimates with those provided by design and construction vendors.
• Collect, analyze, and document historical data and set up cost monitoring systems for project costs.
• Estimate not to exceed and lump sum change orders during construction.
• Recommend and estimate cost-reduction strategies for capital projects.
• Monitor design and construction industry forecasts and annual reports, and local market for escalation and labor availability.
• Generate quarterly and financial year reports for capital projects bidding.
• Estimate and recommend bid alternates for capital project bidding.
• Calculate and recommend unit costs and allowances for capital project bidding.
• Estimate contractor proposals for work to be performed within a contract allowance.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of commercial construction management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in cost estimation, project budgeting, and/or construction cost analysis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret plans, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• Knowledge of the practical application of construction technology.
• Knowledge in commercial scheduling and estimating software.
• Knowledge of building codes or industry standards.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5012 - Construction Project Manager position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 09/07/2026.

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $80,000-$100,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, consider factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate qualifications, and budget constraints. Final salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Location

Champaign-Urbana

Benefits

• This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

About the University

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Equal Opportunities

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

Requisition Information

Requisition ID: 1037691

Job Category

Job Category: CIVIL SERVICE

Application Deadline

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 09/07/2026.