Sr Cost Estimator

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and way finding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director, Project Controls, the Senior Cost Estimator is responsible for the development and coordination of all Cost and Estimating policies, procedures, and systems for Metra's Capital Delivery Program.

The primary duties include:

Manage cost and estimating management plans, processes, and procedures (budget and forecast) for all projects within the Capital Delivery Program. Monitor milestone schedules and ensure corresponding estimates are accurately updated in the system and documentation of processes and procedures is entered accurately and updated.

Oversee the development and implementation of all project cost estimates within the program and review and approve estimates needed for project charters.

Oversee the implementation, use, and training on the Project Management Information System (PMIS) for costing and estimating projects; participate in updating training materials; and provide training to system users and team members.

Support the Director, Project Controls in developing cost breakdown structure and schedule of values for all projects within the program.

Oversee setup and initial loading of baseline budget into budget management system; record commitments and expenditures; track all budgets, commitments, and expenditure transactions; identify and track potential cost issues/overruns; and work with project team to resolve issues and correct errors.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.

Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of seven years of experience preparing cost estimates, preferably in an infrastructure related field.
• Considerable knowledge of estimating and cost management best practices and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of cost baseline creation and management.
• Knowledge of the estimating and cost PMIS best…