Senior Project Cost Estimator

CLMI Group LLC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Senior Project Cost Estimator in Los Angeles to oversee the preparation and analysis of construction cost estimates for school projects. You will ensure accuracy of agency submissions, manage budgets, and engage with industry professionals. Ideal candidates will have over ten years of experience and a degree in architecture or related fields.

Benefits

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Qualifications

• 10 years full-time paid experience in construction cost estimates.
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Knowledge of local construction labor and material costs.

Responsibilities

• Plans and supervises the preparation of construction cost estimates.
• Checks and compares estimates for accuracy.
• Prepares cost estimates for projects and change orders.

Skills

Cost Estimation

Construction Management

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering or Construction Management

Job description

Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Position Title: Senior Project Cost Estimator

Location: Los Angeles Unified School District: Los Angeles, CA - (On-Site)

Candidates must be willing and able to commute to the Los Angeles office and make site visits as necessary

Candidate Submission Deadline: 6/17/25

Number of Positions: 2

Duties:

Plans, supervises, and participates in the preparation of construction cost estimates of buildings or other structures from drawings, outlines, and specifications

Prepares and reviews cost estimates and forms and other materials submitted to secure State and/or federal grants and loans from school aid programs and represents the District on matters pertinent to securing such funds

Checks construction cost estimates submitted by commissioned architects and engineers for accuracy and completeness and compares them with District estimates

Confers with commissioned architects and engineers to resolve differences in their cost estimates and District estimates for each project and negotiates agreements on preliminary estimates of construction costs

Makes studies and prepares reports when contractors' bids vary widely from the agreed construction cost estimate

Checks segregations of contract costs as estimated by building contractors and recommends acceptance or rejection as a basis for progress payments

Analyzes change orders on construction work under contract and approves or rejects extras or credits submitted

Prepares or reviews cost estimates for projects

Establishes and maintains procedures for approval of plans and specifications for building projects and submission of approved projects to public bidding

Develops methods for maintaining data used in records, charts, and graphs reflecting estimated construction costs compared with actual costs

Conducts and participates in seminars and workshops with staff and minority contractors relative to school construction bidding procedures, contracts, and cost estimating

Estimates costs of damages to District property caused by fire, natural disaster, and major acts of vandalism

Establishes budgets for school building projects

Assists other branches with related functions

Prepares preliminary and final independent cost estimates of projects for comparison with designer or contractor for PM/CM to establish negotiating position

Prepares change order estimates for Owner Authorized Representatives to establish negotiating position

Provides support in price negotiations

Prepares claim analyses and estimates

Reviews contractor’s claims and proposals for merit and accountability

Performs related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Required Experience/Skills:

10 years full time paid professional experience in the preparation of complete cost estimates for type I, II, or III, and V building construction as defined by the State building code, including two years in a supervisory capacity

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

Good oral and written communications skills

Required Education:

Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering or construction management

Offered rate of compensation will be based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $169,000.