Design and Construction Estimator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder is seeking an Estimator to serve as the department's internal subject matter expert in construction cost estimating, equipping Planners, Engineers, and Project Managers with the tools and confidence to develop well-informed project budgets from early development stages.

This role acts as a coach and enabler on large capital projects, delivering data-backed cost estimates and targeted training to strengthen planning, budgeting, and decision-making across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 6 years of cost estimating experience on capital projects.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and act as a trusted advisor.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Experience training colleagues in estimating practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine a data-backed estimating cost model for budgets.
• Build and maintain a project cost database with historical data and current pricing.
• Design accessible estimation tools with clear documentation.
• Lead training on estimating fundamentals and cost evaluation.
• Provide independent cost perspectives on bids and proposals.

Skills

Client-focused relationships

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Negotiation

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Architecture/Civil Engineering

Tools

Procore

Autodesk

Sage

Unifier

e-Builder

Kahua

Job description

Job Summary

This position serves as the department's internal subject matterexpert in construction cost estimating, equipping Planners,Engineers, and Project Managers with the tools, knowledge, andconfidence to develop well-informed project budgets from theearliest stages of project development.

Rather than functioning as a gatekeeper in the project deliveryprocess, the Estimator is a coach and enabler in buildinginstitutional cost knowledge, delivering targeted training, andstepping in as a direct contributor on large capital projects wheredeeper expertise is needed. This position represents a meaningfulinvestment in PD&C's ability to deliver data-backed, reliablecost estimates that support sound planning and projectdecision-making across our department teams.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

The PD&C department consists of three teams (Planning,Engineering, and Design & Construction) responsible for theplanning, design, and construction of buildings on campus, insupport of CU Boulder's academic mission. The Design &Construction team consists of approximately 40 high performingproject delivery professionals leading over 400 projects acrosscampus annually with a combined budget of over $500 million. TheDesign & Construction team strives to guide campus developmentin a way that gives physical form to the university's mission,vision, and programs through the effective use of human,environmental, and financial resources.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Project Cost Database and Estimating Cost Model

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a data-backedestimating cost model that empowers Planners and Project Managersto independently prepare well-informed initial project budgets,reducing reliance on the Estimator for routine costdevelopment.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive project cost database byincorporating historical project cost data, current market pricing,and contractor-submitted cost information, ensuring the modelreflects accurate and current conditions.
• Design the estimating cost model in a format that is accessibleand practical for everyday use by Planners and Project Managers,with clear documentation that supports independent applicationacross project types and sizes.
• Collect and integrate cost data from completed projects andcontractor engagements on an ongoing basis, continuously improvingthe accuracy and relevance of the model over time.
• Develop detailed calculations from completed capital projectsin collaboration with the Campus Controller's Office to assist withCampus capitalization reports.

Training

• Lead department-wide training on estimating fundamentals andcost evaluation to build the team's skills and capacity indeveloping and reviewing project budgets without requiring theEstimator's direct involvement on every project.
• Develop and deliver training curriculum for Planners andProject Managers on how to use the department's estimating costmodel to prepare initial project budgets, with an emphasis onindependent application.
• Facilitate training sessions for Project Managers on how toevaluate contractor-submitted pricing documents, includingSchedules of Values (SOVs), Guaranteed Maximum Price documentation(GMPs), Design-Bid-Build bids, and change orders.
• Provide targeted coaching to Project Managers on reviewingContractor's Proposals (COPs) and other pricing deliverables,strengthening the department's first line of review at the projectlevel.

Conceptual Estimating

• Provide expert-level Class 5 and Class 4 estimates to supportPlanning, Design & Construction in developing reliable costprojections for capital, large deferred maintenance, and controlledmaintenance projects prior to contractor or third-party estimatorengagement.
• Prepare Class 5 and Class 4 conceptual estimates for capitalprojects in support of the Planning team, delivering data-backedand time-based cost projections that allow projects to advance withconfidence through early development phases.
• Develop conceptual estimates for deferred maintenance andcontrolled maintenance projects in support of the Engineering team,informing prioritization and scoping decisions based on realisticcost expectations.
• Prepare Life Cycle Cost Analyses (LCCAs) on projects asrequested, providing long-range cost perspective to informdecisions on materials, systems, and project scope.

Market Trends

• Build and maintain active relationships with the regionalconstruction market to gather current cost data, assess emergingtrends, and keep PD&C informed of conditions that affectproject budgets and planning decisions.
• Cultivate and sustain working relationships with generalcontractors and subcontractors in the Denver and Boulder metroarea, establishing a reliable network for gathering current labor,material, and equipment cost data.
• Monitor and analyze local and regional construction markettrends, incorporating findings into regular updates to PD&C'sestimating cost model to keep it current and reflective of actualmarket conditions.
• Deliver periodic market cost trend reports to PD&Cleadership and project teams, translating market conditions intoactionable awareness that informs project planning and budgetdevelopment.

Procurement and Bid Support

• Support lead Project Managers on capital projects by providingexperienced review of contractor-submitted pricing and contributingto award recommendations across multiple project deliverymethods.
• Review contractor pricing submissions for completeness andaccuracy on capital projects across CMGC, Design-Bid-Build, andDesign-Build delivery methods, identifying gaps, inconsistencies,or risk areas in the pricing.
• Evaluate contractor bids and proposals relative to projectscope, design documents, and current market conditions, providingan independent cost perspective that strengthens the awardprocess.
• Prepare written documentation supporting award recommendations,offering clear and objective cost analysis that assists leadProject Managers and department leadership in making well-informeddecisions.

What You Should Know

This position is eligible for a hybrid work modality (at least 3days a week are required to be in office), and has an anticipatedwork schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours. This role is not expected to work University recognized holidays,weekends, or evenings, barring extenuating circumstances.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $114,000 - $129,000 annually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be effective. Be successful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, non-correspondencecollege or university in one of the following fields: ConstructionManagement, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, ConstructionEngineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering ElectricalEngineering, Cost Estimating, or a closely related field. Relevantwork experience may be substituted for the required degree on ayear-for-year basis.
• 6 years of experience in construction cost estimating oncapital construction projects of $10 million or greater in projectbudget, including a variety of building types, and at the program,conceptual, schematic, design development and construction documentstages of design in elemental and CSI format for all architectural,structural, and civil components of new construction and renovationprojects.

What You Will Need

• Client‑focused relationship building; ability to serve as atrusted advisor to campus partners.
• Inclusive, collaborative leadership across cross‑functionalteams of consultants, contractors, and internal partners.
• Clear, concise communication tailored to diverse audiences;strong meeting facilitation skills.
• Analytical problem‑solving, cost and schedule control, andattention to quality and safety.
• Negotiation, consensus building, and proactive riskmanagement.
• Adaptability and continuous improvement approach.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience with Project Estimating Cost Models, solidunderstanding of AACE classifications, and excellent analyticalskills.
• MEP estimating experience for new construction and renovationprojects.
• AACE International and/or Certified Cost Professionalcertification.
• Proficiency with estimating software (Procore, Autodesk, Sage,etc.).
• Ability to read project construction drawings andspecifications.
• Experience in training colleagues in construction estimatingpractices and approaches.
• Experience with a variety of project delivery methods,including: Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, ConstructionManager/General Contractor (CM/GC).
• Experience estimating building construction and renovationprojects, particularly within institutional or higher educationenvironments.
• Experience estimating and tracking costs of projects designedand built to sustainability standards (LEED, energy‑efficientdesign).
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel,PowerPoint, Teams and Project.
• Working experience with project management information systems(e.g., Unifier, e-Builder, Kahua, Procore, or similar).
• Familiarity with, or the ability to quickly learn, the State ofColorado's Office of the Architect and State Buildings Programcontractual agreements, or comparable frameworks.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus oncustomer service and team member engagement.
• Active participation in professional organizations (e.g., AACEInternational, Lean Construction Institute, ConstructionOwners
• Association of America, CMAA) and demonstrating commitment toindustry standards and continuous professional development is aplus.
• Active professional industry certification(s) such as PMP(Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified ConstructionManager), DBIA (Design‑Build Institute of America), or LeanConstruction credentials (LCI), thereby demonstrating advancedexpertise and commitment to industry standards is a plus.
• Work experience with, or a credential in, a High PerformanceCertification Program (like LEED, Green Building Initiative, orGreen Globes) is a plus.