USACE Cost Estimator

ADP, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

ADP, Inc. seeks a USACE Cost Estimator to provide detailed construction cost estimates for civil and military projects.

You will analyze plans, specs, and historical data, ensuring estimates reflect current market conditions, labor rates, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 3 years of federal cost estimating experience, with proficiency in RSMeans and MCACES.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of federal or government construction cost estimating experience.
• Proficiency with RSMeans, MCACES, or similar estimating tools.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze project plans, specifications, and related documentation to develop detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
• Gather and evaluate data on labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs to ensure accuracy and completeness of estimates.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to clarify project scope and resolve estimating issues.
• Prepare and present cost estimate reports and documentation to support project proposals, budgeting, and contract negotiations.
• Maintain and update cost databases and estimating tools to reflect current market trends and pricing information.
• Ensure compliance with USACE policies, federal regulations, and industry best practices in all estimating activities.
• Participate in value engineering and risk analysis to optimize project costs and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Cost estimation

Federal regulations

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

RSMeans

MCACES

Job description

About the Role:

The USACE Cost Estimator plays a critical role in supporting the United States Army Corps of Engineers by providing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for a wide range of civil and military construction projects. This position involves analyzing project plans, specifications, and historical data to develop detailed cost projections that inform budgeting, planning, and decision-making processes. The estimator collaborates closely with engineers, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure estimates reflect current market conditions, material costs, labor rates, and regulatory requirements. The ultimate goal is to deliver reliable cost information that supports the successful execution of projects within budget and schedule constraints. This role requires a strong understanding of construction methodologies, cost estimating techniques, and federal acquisition regulations to effectively contribute to the Corps’ mission of delivering quality infrastructure solutions.

Location:

Position is on-site (Location to be determined)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in construction cost estimating, preferably with federal or government projects.
• Proficiency in cost estimating software and tools such as RSMeans, MCACES, or similar platforms.
• Strong knowledge of construction materials, methods, and labor productivity rates.
• Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations and USACE project delivery processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or equivalent.
• Experience working directly with the US Army Corps of Engineers or other federal agencies.
• Advanced knowledge of project management principles and construction scheduling.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience with risk management and value engineering techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze project plans, specifications, and related documentation to develop detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
• Gather and evaluate data on labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs to ensure accuracy and completeness of estimates.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to clarify project scope and resolve estimating issues.
• Prepare and present cost estimate reports and documentation to support project proposals, budgeting, and contract negotiations.
• Maintain and update cost databases and estimating tools to reflect current market trends and pricing information.
• Ensure compliance with USACE policies, federal regulations, and industry best practices in all estimating activities.
• Participate in value engineering and risk analysis to optimize project costs and identify potential cost‑saving opportunities.

Skills:

The required skills enable the estimator to accurately analyze project documentation and apply cost data to develop precise estimates that guide project budgeting and execution. Proficiency with specialized estimating software allows for efficient data management and cost calculation, ensuring estimates are both timely and reliable. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting findings clearly to stakeholders. Preferred skills such as certification and federal project experience enhance the estimator’s ability to navigate regulatory requirements and optimize cost strategies. Together, these skills support the delivery of high-quality cost estimates that contribute to the successful completion of USACE projects.