Cost Estimator - Puerto Rico School Infrastructure Projects

Plexos Group, LLC; San Juan (PR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Plexos Group LLC supports the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PRDE) School Infrastructure Program by developing, analyzing, and managing cost estimates for school construction, repair, and modernization projects. The estimator ensures alignment with budgets, funding requirements, and program controls.

The role collaborates with engineers, architects, project managers, and contractors to support informed decision-making and fiscal accountability throughout the project lifecycle, including

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of cost estimating experience in construction, infrastructure, or capital improvement programs.
• Experience preparing estimates using industry tools (e.g., RSMeans, Bluebeam, CostX, Excel, or similar).
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and pricing.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for school infrastructure projects, including new construction, renovations, and repairs.
• Prepare conceptual (order-of-magnitude), preliminary, and detailed estimates based on project phase.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and technical documentation to determine material, labor, and equipment costs.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and validate contractor estimates for accuracy and completeness.
• Support development and maintenance of project budgets and cost baselines.
• Monitor cost trends, variances, and forecasts across the program portfolio.
• Assist in value engineering efforts and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or compliance.
• Support procurement activities by developing independent cost estimates (ICEs) for bids and proposals.
• Analyze submitted bids and provide recommendations on cost reasonableness.
• Assist with change order evaluations, cost negotiations, and contract modifications.
• Maintain standardized cost databases, unit pricing, and historical cost data for PRDE projects.
• Prepare cost reports, dashboards, and briefings for program leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure cost documentation is organized, traceable, and compliant with PRDE and funding agency requirements.
• Ensure estimates align with applicable construction codes, PRDE standards, and funding program requirements (e.g., federal recovery funds, if applicable).
• Coordinate with project managers, design teams, consultants, and contractors to validate assumptions and cost drivers.
• Support audits, reviews, and funding agency inquiries related to cost documentation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Quantitative analysis

Communication skills

Multitasking

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, or related field

Tools

RSMeans

Bluebeam

CostX

Excel

Office Suite

Job description

Plexos Group LLC supports the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PRDE) School Infrastructure Program by developing, analyzing, and managing cost estimates for school construction, repair, and modernization projects. The estimator ensures alignment with budgets, funding requirements, and program controls.

The role collaborates with engineers, architects, project managers, and contractors to support informed decision-making and fiscal accountability throughout the project lifecycle, including