Disaster Recovery Cost Estimator — Remote/Hybrid

Tetra Tech, Inc.; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Merit-based rewards

Work-life balance

Professional growth

Job summary

Tetra Tech, Inc. is seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to support FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs by developing accurate, defensible cost estimates for infrastructure restoration and related work.

The role may be remote, field-based, or hybrid depending on client needs and project requirements. Responsibilities include project scoping, cost estimation, and technical review, collaborating with engineers, architects, and program staff to ensure eligible work and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in construction estimating, engineering, architecture, construction management, infrastructure planning, or a related discipline.
• Experience developing conceptual, parametric, and detailed cost estimates for infrastructure or facility projects.
• Experience estimating labor, equipment, material, and construction costs.
• Familiarity with modern construction practices, facility assessments, project scope development, and construction inspection activities.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to work independently and effectively under changing priorities and demanding schedules.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for field assignments.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Support FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs through project scoping, damage assessment, and cost estimating activities.
• Support site inspections of damaged facilities and infrastructure to understand disaster-related damages, proposed repairs, and construction requirements.
• Evaluate project scope, means and methods of construction, and restoration approaches.
• Assist with the development and validation of disaster recovery project scopes.
• Collaborate with applicants, engineers, architects, contractors, and program staff to define eligible work and project requirements.
• Prepare conceptual, parametric, and detailed bottom-up cost estimates for disaster recovery projects.
• Develop labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor, and general conditions cost estimates.
• Estimate costs associated with repair, restoration, reconstruction, mitigation, and replacement projects.
• Prepare cost analyses for roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, drainage systems, parks, and other public infrastructure.
• Support development of FEMA Cost Estimating Format (CEF) analyses when required.
• Develop estimate documentation that is clear, defensible, and suitable for audit and program review purposes.
• Review engineering reports, plans, specifications, contractor proposals, and construction cost documentation.
• Evaluate project assumptions, quantities, unit costs, and estimating methodologies.
• Apply knowledge of applicable construction standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify cost drivers, scope changes, and factors impacting project eligibility and funding.
• Assist project teams with cost validation, reasonableness determinations, and documentation reviews.
• Provide technical estimating expertise to project managers, Public Assistance consultants, and applicant representatives.
• Participate in project formulation meetings and recovery planning discussions.
• Support Requests for Information (RFIs), technical reviews, appeals support, and other recovery program activities.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, architects, environmental specialists, grant professionals, and construction experts.
• Maintain project records and supporting documentation in accordance with client and program requirements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Travel readiness

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook

Education

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

Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) or CCP

Tools

RSMeans

Xactimate

FEMA Cost Estimating Format (CEF)

Job description

Tetra Tech, Inc. is seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to support FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs by developing accurate, defensible cost estimates for infrastructure restoration and related work.

The role may be remote, field-based, or hybrid depending on client needs and project requirements. Responsibilities include project scoping, cost estimation, and technical review, collaborating with engineers, architects, and program staff to ensure eligible work and