Cost Estimator II

HDR, Inc.; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Cost Estimator II to join the Environmental, Operations and Construction team. You will provide general and discipline cost estimates, perform quantity takeoffs from drawings, develop WBS and crew models, and coordinate with schedules and vendors to deliver accurate estimates.

This role requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of market pricing. The position involves preparing basis of estimate documentation, supporting risk assessment, and contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in producing estimates in a competitive environment.
• Experience with EPC estimating methods, processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Lump Sum Design Build estimates and design packages.
• Knowledge of market pricing and pricing sources.
• Knowledge of Work Breakdown Structures for cost management.
• Proficiency with Primavera and Timberline.
• Sponsorship (visa) for US employment not available.

Responsibilities

• Perform general or discipline cost estimating generating capital cost and/or services estimates.
• Takeoffs from drawings for multidiscipline sections; customize forms.
• Produce Work Breakdown Structure based on project requirements and schedule.
• Develop crew models and unit rates for discipline items.
• Analyze local labor rates and obtain vendor quotes.
• Prepare basis of estimate, assumptions, and construction methodology notes.
• Support cost & schedule identification and reconciliation meetings.
• Develop cost models and cost/schedule deliverables with QA/QC.
• Coordinate with PM and prepare information requests; maintain documentation.
• Assist in risk analysis and contingency development for design phase.

Skills

Cost estimation

Data analysis

Vendor management

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

Primavera

Timberline

PACES

MCACES

RS Means Estimating

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Environmental, Operations and Construction (EOC) operates within HDR’s Federal Business Group, capable of delivering services across all HDR business groups at any location. Our work is performed by our professional staff, scientists and engineers at remote sites, embedded in client office space or our own facilities. EOC delivers quality engineering, environmental, and construction management services at competitive prices.

In the role of Cost Estimator II, we'll count on you to:

• Perform general or discipline cost estimating generating capital cost and/or services estimates
• Perform quantity takeoffs from conceptual or design drawings for multidiscipline sections and customize forms to reflect best effort
• Produce Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) based on project requirements and scope; coordinate with schedule breakdown
• Produce capital costs estimate using a unit-cost, or crew-based, approach including formation of crews from multiple disciplines
• Develop appropriate crew models for use in development of estimated construction cost
• Perform local market labor rate analysis for determination of appropriate labor rates
• Develop unit rates for discipline specific items
• Identify, solicit, and obtain vendor quotes for major cost drivers, properly identifying source and cost data int each estimate.
• Prepare basis and assumption documentation denoting rationale, inclusions and exclusions
• Prepare detailed notes, assumptions, and documentation in support of estimate development included Basis of Estimate and Construction Methodology documentation
• Identify and track changes in design resulting in cost variations; development of variance reports
• Prepare services, distributable, contractor indirect and/or indirect cost estimates in specialized discipline areas using current techniques and market pricing
• Prepare detailed Job Office Cost models to capture labor/other direct costs (ODC’s)
• Prepare cost/schedule products for planning and design deliverables
• Participate and support cost & schedule identification and reconciliation meetings
• Calculate fee (profit) based on established fee (profit) model
• Identify and develop appropriate escalation based on current market conditions
• Support risk analysis assessment by identifying areas of risk and potential cost impacts
• Support development of reasonable contingency for projects in design
• Develop appropriate markups for direct costs, contractor assignments, owner’s markups, and justifications
• Perform data analysis, identify problems and make recommendations
• Identify or define data sources and techniques for data acquisition
• Prepare reports and estimate summaries for estimate reviews, as directed by supervisor
• Participate in estimate reviews and presentations as appropriate
• Work within assigned budget and time parameters to deliver products in a timely basis
• Use parametric and other estimating practices to decrease time needed while still achieving a complete estimate
• Execute simultaneous tasks within broadly defined parameters
• Provide technical direction to other personnel when delegated
• Carry out all activities required for estimate deliverable, including Initial kickoff/communication with PM, preparation of Requests for information and maintaining accurate documentation
• Provide feedback on the level of effort (LOE) required to complete work if needed
• Provide input on the level of effort required (cost/job hours) through coordination with functions and/or vendors, and consolidate input for costing
• Volunteer to accept pending estimating jobs or seek out more estimating needs
• Prepare reports per regulatory guidance
• Follow QC and QA procedures
• Submit work to maintain and increase professionalism
• Support training activities as needed
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications (or ability to complete with 12 months): CPE, CCT, CEP
• Certifications (one or more): AEP, CPE, CCT, CEP, PSP, EVP, PMI-SP, PMP, CCM, PRMP, EIT, PE
• Ability to develop electronic takeoffs
• Proficient in use of PACES, MCACES, or RS Means Estimating software
• Experience with NAVFAC or USAF estimating guidance and requirements
• Ability to interpret construction schedules

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science Engineering or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in producing estimates in a competitive environment and assessing cost risks based on contract terms and conditions relative to a cost estimate
• Knowledge of EPC estimating methods, processes, and procedures, in addition to the estimate types, classifications, and components.
• Experience with Lump Sum Design Build estimates. Specifically understands detail level estimates and design packages
• Knowledge of market pricing and pricing sources in the area of specialization.
• Knowledge of Work Breakdown Structures necessary for cost management
• Must be proficient with Primavera and Timberline
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
• Sponsorship (visa) for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Project Controls

Job Posting

Oct 19, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affir ment and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.