Project Estimator -Transportation Infrastructure

Poutrix; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Poutrix is seeking a Project Estimator in Richmond, VA, to apply advanced cost estimating expertise for major transportation infrastructure projects. The role involves developing accurate project cost estimates and collaborating with project management, engineering teams, and external consultants.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5-10 years of experience in cost estimating, particularly within major infrastructure projects. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, including medical and PTO.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of professional cost estimating experience within major infrastructure or transportation programs.
• Experience preparing estimates for Design-Build projects and DOT projects.

Responsibilities

• Independently prepare detailed bottom-up and top-down cost estimates across all project stages.
• Review and analyze subconsultant and contractor cost proposals for accuracy.
• Assist project management teams in developing and maintaining project budgets.

Skills

Cost estimating

Project management

Technical coordination

Budget management

Education

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

Job description

Role description

Arcadis is seeking a Project Estimator, who will apply advanced cost estimating expertise to support major transportation infrastructure projects in Richmond, VA. This role is responsible for developing accurate project cost estimates throughout all phases of project development—from conceptual planning through final design and construction documentation. The estimator will collaborate closely with project management, engineering teams, and external consultants to ensure reliable cost projections, budget control, and informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Role accountabilities

Cost Estimating & Analysis

• Independently prepare detailed bottom-up and top-down cost estimates based on engineering plans, drawings, and project documentation across all project stages (conceptual through final design and construction).
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and final construction estimates for complex transportation infrastructure projects.
• Prepare cost estimates for Design-Build projects and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) programs.
• Apply USACE estimating formats and deliverables when required.

Proposal & Change Order Evaluation

• Review and analyze subconsultant and contractor cost proposals to assess accuracy, completeness, and reasonableness.
• Evaluate contractor change proposals and provide cost validation and recommendations.

Cost Reconciliation & Budget Management

• Perform independent scope, quantity, and unit cost reconciliations to validate project cost assumptions.
• Assist project management teams in developing and maintaining project budgets.
• Support monitoring and management of project scope, cost, and schedule.

Project Controls & Reporting

• Track and analyze project performance metrics and prepare reports to support project leadership.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and procedures to maintain consistent and accurate cost reporting.

Technical Coordination

• Apply knowledge of construction means and methods to ensure realistic and constructible cost estimates.
• Coordinate with engineers, designers, and project managers to clarify scope, quantities, and constructability considerations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field
• 5-10 years of professional cost estimating experience within major infrastructure or transportation programs.

Key Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated experience preparing conceptual, design-phase, and final construction estimates for large, complex transportation projects.
• Experience with Design-Build project estimating.
• Experience working on DOT projects.
• Background in contractor-side estimating is a plus.
• Familiarity with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) estimating formats and deliverables.
• Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure programs or megaprojects.

Benefits & Salary

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Arcadis is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law.