Project Cost Estimator

Paragon Em; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 158,500 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction management firm in Los Angeles is seeking a Project Cost Estimator to prepare detailed cost estimates for construction contracts. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of experience in construction cost estimating and a Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management. You will play a key role in price negotiations and contractor claim reviews, ensuring accountability and accuracy in all estimations. This position offers a competitive salary range of $158.5K to $186.0K annually, plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years full-time paid professional experience in construction cost estimating.
• Ability to compare cost estimates with contractor proposals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepares independent detailed cost estimates for construction contracts.
• Provides support in price negotiations.
• Reviews contractor’s claims for merit and accountability.

Skills

Construction cost estimating

Knowledge of local construction costs

Scope development for change orders

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture, Engineering or Construction Management

Job description

PROJECT COST ESTIMATOR

Program: Los Angeles Unified School District – Program Support Services (PSS)

Salary Range: $158.5K to $186.0K annual base salary plus benefits

Positions Open: Two (2)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares preliminary and final independent detailed cost estimates JOC/Formal Construction contracts managed by M&O to establish negotiating position as required by change order procedures
• Provides support in price negotiations
• Prepares claim analyses and estimates
• Prepares detailed estimates of construction costs based on drawings, specifications and sketches, square footages, using standard estimating data and tools
• Reviews contractor’s claims and proposals for merit and accountability
• Performs related duties as assigned

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

• Minimum of 7 years full time paid professional experience in construction cost estimating of all divisions for facilities or school building construction projects
• Knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs
• Extensive experience in developing and estimating the scope of work for change orders
• Ability to compare the independent cost estimate with contractor proposal to quickly identify differences
• Ability to develop scope of work based on RFI/RFC answers and estimates the detailed costs of those scopes of work independent of the contractor proposal
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering or Construction Management

RESUME SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Deadline to submit resume: Friday February 9, 2026 @ 9:00am (no late submissions accepted)

Please email cover letter, resume, and salary requirements: [e-mail]

Subject line: LAUSD Project Cost Estimator

Approximate Processing Time

• SHORTLIST: Within 1 week after deadline to submit resume.
• INTERVIEW: Within 2 weeks after deadline to submit resume.
• SELECTION NOTIFICATION: Within 3 weeks after deadline to submit resume.

Recruitment# CM-PCE-0126-08