Planning Cost Estimator

An experienced Planning Cost Estimator to serve as a technical subject matter expert supporting planning and programming projects nationwide. The role is expected to require 20 to 40 hours per week, depending on client demands and deliverable requirements. The ideal candidate is comfortable developing estimates throughout the project lifecycle, from conceptual planning and programming studies through progressively defined project scopes. Success in this role depends on the ability to develop reliable cost estimates with limited information using benchmarking, parametric tools, professional judgment, and stakeholder engagement, while adapting estimates as project definition advances.

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Facilities Planning, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.

Minimum 8 years of professional experience in cost estimating, facility planning, architecture, engineering, construction management, capital planning, or related fields.

Demonstrated experience developing conceptual and planning-level facility and infrastructure cost estimates.

Proven experience preparing AACE Class 4 and Class 5 estimates.

Experience supporting federal, defense, institutional, or large public-sector capital projects.

Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to independently develop defensible conceptual estimates with limited project information.

Experience supporting renovation, replacement, recapitalization, modernization, and new construction projects and analyses.

Demonstrated proficiency using MII (Micro-Computer Aided Cost Estimating System) and PACES (Parametric Cost Engineering System), including development of planning, programming, DD Form 1391, MILCON, and conceptual capital investment estimates.

Ability to transition between highly conceptual estimates and estimates based on more refined project information.

United States Citizenship.

Develop and document AACE Class 4 and Class 5 cost estimates, and other order-of-magnitude estimates using conceptual scope definitions and limited project information. Prepare comparative estimates for multiple development scenarios and alternatives. Evaluate renovation versus replacement options using planning-level cost methodologies. Document estimate assumptions, methodologies, risks, exclusions, escalation considerations, and confidence levels. Participate in client workshops, planning charrettes, stakeholder meetings, and project work sessions as the cost estimating subject matter expert, effectively communicating technical cost estimating information in collaborative planning environments.

Develop estimates using MII methodologies and databases consistent with Department of Defense and federal planning/programming requirements. Support estimate development through review, revision, and final documentation. Apply professional judgment to develop planning-level quantities, unit costs, allowances, and contingencies when project definition is limited or evolving.

• Developing cost estimates for new construction, modernization, renovation, adaptive reuse, and alternative delivery approaches, including tensile, modular, and pre-engineered structures.
• Supporting mission beddown and mission relocation studies.
• Evaluating renovation versus replacement alternatives.
• Supporting planning and programming deliverables, including DD Form 1391 documentation, Planning Charrette Reports (PCRs), economic analyses, and other federal project documentation.
• Conducting benchmarking and parametric analyses to support planning recommendations.

Travel is an essential component of this position. Expected travel: 10% to 40%, depending on project assignments. Travel will include planning workshops, client meetings, facility assessments, installation visits, charrettes, and stakeholder engagement sessions. Travel may include military installations, federal facilities, and client locations throughout the United States, with trips typically lasting 2 to 5 days and occasional assignments extending to one or two consecutive weeks.

Ability to travel nationwide on relatively short notice in support of project requirements is required.

$42.30/hr.

- $65/hr.