Senior Cost Estimator

LeChase Construction; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

LeChase Construction is seeking a lead estimator to manage the early-stage estimating and preconstruction process for commercial projects in the Northeast. You will develop conceptual budgets from limited information, interpret drawings and specs, and provide reliable cost guidance from concept through design development.

Strong communication with owners, architects, and engineers is essential. This role requires coordinating a team of estimators, identifying cost drivers, and presenting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in civil engineering or construction management preferred.
• 10+ years of construction experience.
• Expert knowledge of unit costs and estimating methods.
• Ability to coordinate a team of estimators and guide preconstruction efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction effort for designated projects.
• Schedule kickoff, progress review, and final estimate meetings.
• Coordinate with internal and external customers for deliverables and meetings.
• Oversee value engineering and drawing revisions as needed.
• Merge independent estimates into a single estimate file and prepare reports.

Skills

Estimating methods

Team coordination

Communication

Cost knowledge

Education

Associate/Bachelor degree in civil engineering or construction management

Tools

Construction software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible to lead the early-stage estimating and preconstruction process for commercial construction projects throughout the Northeast.

The position develops conceptual budgets and preliminary estimates from limited design information, interpreting architectural and structural drawings, specifications, narratives, and site conditions while applying regional labor, material, subcontractor, and market pricing.

The role works closely with owners, architects, engineers, developers, and internal project teams to define project scope, identify cost drivers and risks, develop value-engineering opportunities, and provide reliable cost guidance from initial concept through design development. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to clearly articulate complex cost, scope, and design considerations, build trust with project stakeholders, and effectively guide teams through the preconstruction process.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Overall responsibility to manage the preconstruction effort for those projects to which he or she is designated the lead estimator.
• Schedule kickoff meetings, progress review meetings, and final estimate reviews.
• Coordinate with the internal and external customer to ensure all entities are coordinated regarding deliverables and meetings.
• Disseminate all required follow up actions to the entire estimating team involved in the effort. This could include value engineering, drawing revisions, etc.
• Merge all independent estimates into one common estimate file which the lead estimator will manage to prepare the necessary reports to both internal and external customers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education/Experience:
• High school diploma required. Associates/Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a similar field preferred.
• 10+ year of construction experience.
• Basic knowledge of safety policies and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of construction cost estimating/budgeting methods and procedures.
• High level of proficiency with construction-related software and tools, methodologies, and best practices.
• Must have expert knowledge and understanding of unit costs and the factors that affect construction cost.
• Ability to coordinate a team of estimators to develop a large multidisciplinary estimate.
• Demonstrated ability to review project plans, requirements, and specifications accurately and under time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to understand project logistics and project schedule.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.