Lead Project Cost Estimator (K-12 DSA)

Job Description

We are looking for an outstanding Lead Project Cost Estimator to lead and supervise a team of Estimators assigned by our client, Los Angeles Unified School District with an extensive knowledge and experience in developing conceptual and Pre-construction cost estimates for complex school building projects. The lead Project Cost Estimator with the ability to prepare cost estimates quickly in a fast-paced working environment will have 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 with a good oral and written communication skills.

Daily Duties

• Plan, supervise, and participate in the preparation of construction cost estimates of buildings or other structures from drawings, outlines, and specifications.
• Prepare and review 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.
• Check construction cost estimates submitted by commissioned architects and engineers for accuracy and completeness and compares them with District estimates.
• Confer 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.
• Make studies and prepares reports when contractors’ bids vary widely from the agreed construction cost estimate.
• Check segregation of contract costs as estimated by building contractors and recommends acceptance or rejection as a basis for progress payments.
• Analyze change orders on construction work under contract and approves or rejects extras or credits submitted.
• Prepare or review cost estimates for projects.
• Establish and maintain procedures for approval of plans and specifications for building projects and submission of approved projects to public bidding.
• Develop methods for maintaining data used in records, charts and graphs reflecting estimated construction costs compared with actual costs.
• Conduct and participates in seminars and workshops with staff and minority contractors relative to school construction bidding procedures, contracts, and cost estimating.
• Estimate costs of damages to District property caused by fire, natural disasters, and major acts of vandalism.
• Establish budgets for school building projects.
• Assists other branches with related functions.
• Prepare preliminary and final independent cost estimates of projects for comparison with designer or contractor for PM/CM to establish a negotiating position.
• Prepare change order estimates for Owner Authorized Representatives to establish a negotiating position.
• Ability to develop the scope of work based on RFI/ RFC answers and estimates the detailed costs of those scopes of work independent of the contractor proposal
• Provide support in price negotiations.
• Prepare claim analyses and estimates.
• Review contractor’s claims and proposals for merit and accountability.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 15 years full time paid professional experience in quantity surveying and the preparation of Pre-construction and cost estimates for type I, II, or III, and V building construction as defined by the State building code, including three years in a supervisory capacity.
• Knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs.

Featured Benefits

401(k), Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, 100% employer-paid premiums

Additional Information

For over 50 years, Leland Saylor Associates (LSA) has been a nationally recognized construction consulting firm providing expertise in the areas of estimating, scheduling, value engineering, and construction management. Saylor is a great place to work where your opinion matters, where you can grow with a supportive staff and make a difference in our project outcomes. We are proud to be an advisor on some of the largest, most technically complex projects in the nation.

We seek like-minded professionals who have a passion for estimating, drive to achieve results, creative problem-solving ability, and a dedication to client service and relationship management. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. Come join us and partner with our world-class team and do your best work.

Saylor is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.