Cost Estimator IV

Cost Estimator IV

Requirements

• 15 years or more of estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience with On-Screen Takeoffs and Bluebeam
• Knowledge of Prolog and other Project Management Systems is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or related field
• Certified estimating professional credential required
• Demonstrated experience with estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations
• Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices
• Self-starter attitude with proved results-oriented focus
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Must possess the ability to effectively interact with various departments to maintain open lines of communication
• Comfortable operating in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment
• Produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude
• Must be detail oriented and highly organized
• Demonstrated experience working on multiple projects at the same time
• Experience working with outside agencies i.e., FAA, General Services division, LADBS, LADWP, etc.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Independent Cost Estimates to support projects during planning, design and construction
• Prepare and/or review final Engineer’s estimate including factors such as Phasing, Airport Operations, Shift, Resources, Time Constraints and Badging impacts
• Develop a detailed and Independent Cost Estimate from conceptual information and/or engineering drawings
• Prepare detailed estimates comprising labor hours/composite crew costs, itemized material costs and Equipment cost
• Provide Constructability Reports to proactively identify deficiencies and ambiguities; and actively assist the project team to develop a credible cost budget
• Actively reconcile independent cost estimates with those prepared by third parties; engage the third-party entities in an informative, collaborative reconciliation; and communicate the results of the reconciliation effort
• Ability to analyze bids from vendors, contractors and subcontractors and align with Independent Cost Estimate
• Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of work
• Having the ability to identify necessary field equipment needed by contractors
• Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders
• Prepare and review material take-offs from planning documents or engineering drawings
• Prepare detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems
• Accumulate, evaluate and document historical cost data for the development of future estimates
• Review contract documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and equitable cost allowance for scope changes
• Assist in Change Order negotiations including: Review Contractor Potential Change Order Claims for Merit and negotiate to final resolution
• Review the proposal and assist with the determination of merit
• Review the scope specified within the proposal to ensure it includes the appropriate scope
• Review the labor rates to ensure conformance to the contract specifications, and LAWA approved rates
• Become thoroughly familiar with required contractual obligations, technical aspects of all construction work including Allowances, Bid Line Items and new scope of work
• Review quantities and ensure there is a fair and reasonable representation of additional scope, as well as possible credits
• Review the material pricing and validate against R.S. Means for other pricing references
• Review pre-purchased material or equipment and/or equipment rental rates against fair and reasonable pricing references using contract blue book and or Cal Trans Rates
• Review contractor mark-ups to ensure that the correct mark-ups are being used and that any markup caps are not exceeded
• Discuss the LAWA position after the contractor established their position
• Determine points of disagreement and path to resolution
• Adopt a reasonable, but contractual attitude
• Develop the record of negotiation documentation and provide an Independent Cost Estimate
• Provide coordination and liaison with project management and project engineering personnel throughout the estimate development
• Prepare required reports and correspondence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Prolog and other Project Management Systems is preferred