Estimator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking an Estimator to support Facilities Management by delivering accurate cost projections for capital construction and repairs to building systems.

You will analyze requirements, assess repair needs, and provide data-driven estimates to guide budgeting and decision-making. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving, collaborating with diverse teams, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Building Sciences, Engineering, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) and PMP desirable.
• Experience with construction practices is required/preferred depending on level.

Responsibilities

• Develops project cost estimates and analyzes data using AU standards.
• Evaluates design documents for constructability and cost efficiency.
• Lead pre-bid and post-bid meetings and cost-related activities.
• Review and approve contract changes and cost adjustments.
• Produce market reports and forecast impacts on capital projects.
• Maintain cost data in historical databases.
• Collaborate with estimators, project managers, and leadership on cost and schedules.

Skills

Cost estimation

Project cost control

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Building Sciences / Engineering / Business / Economics

Professional Engineer (PE)

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Tools

AU estimating systems

Job description

Job Description

As an Estimator, you will play a key role in supporting Facilities Management by providing accurate and reliable cost estimates for capital construction projects and repairs to existing building systems. Acting as a subject matter expert, you’ll analyze project requirements, evaluate repair and replacement needs, and deliver cost projections that help guide strategic decisions. This position is ideal for detail-oriented professionals who enjoy problem-solving, collaborating with diverse teams, and ensuring projects are completed efficiently and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Develops project cost estimates, recommends constructiondurations, reviews external estimates, and gathers cost data usingAU standards and systems. Maintains and advises on AU-approvedestimating systems and databases.
• Evaluates and advises design documents for constructability,cost control and efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Manages and recommends contractor prequalification, bid solicitation, bid market analysis, and post-bid evaluation.Participates in Pre-Bid and Post-Bid meetings as needed. Mayparticipate in project buy-out for maintenance projects.
• Reviews and approves construction contract change orders, job order contracts, and related cost adjustments and makesrecommendations.
• Leads Construction Market Reporting using current collected andcompiled market data on material costs, subcontractor availability,and regional trends. Proactively forecasts, advises, and reports onpotential impacts to AU Capital Projects.
• Leads cost reporting based on current project costs. Maintainsand updates project cost data in the AU historical constructioncost database.
• Communicates and collaborates with peer estimators, project managers, and Facilities Management leadership on project cost andschedule issues. Leads and participates in professional developmentand training.

Qualifications

Level I:

• Bachelor's Degree in Building Sciences, Engineering, Business,Economics, or a related field.
• Valid Driver's License

Level II:

• Bachelor's Degree in Building Sciences, Engineering, Business,Economics, or a related field and 3 years of experience withconstruction practices.
• Valid Driver's License

Level III:

• Bachelor's Degree in Building Sciences, Engineering, Business,Economics, or a related field and 7 years of experience withconstruction practices.
• Valid Driver's License

Desired Licenses/Certifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives throughresearch, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on ourstudents, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveragingour strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a topemployer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits,educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/lifebalance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offerssouthern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, andeasy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexicobeaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fosteringan environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed,valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and educationopportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color,national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genderidentity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protectedveteran status, genetic information, or any other classificationprotected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of EqualOpportunity Compliance's website to learn more.