Lead Project Cost Estimator

The Work

You lead LAUSD's cost estimating function for the district's $10B+ portfolio of school modernization and construction projects. You prepare independent cost estimates on complex, high-dollar school building projects, manage a team of estimators, and establish the budget against which contractors' bids are evaluated.

The work is detail-intensive and high-stakes. You're reading complex drawings, understanding building codes, pulling current labor and material costs, and producing estimates that set negotiating position for projects worth tens of millions of dollars. You review estimates submitted by architects and contractors, challenge them where they diverge from independent district estimates, and represent the district in pre-bid conferences with project teams.

You work with design teams, architects, engineers, contractors, and internal LAUSD leadership. You conduct studies when contractor bids vary widely from your estimate. You train staff and minority contractors on estimating methodology and bidding procedures. The work is methodical, requires deep construction knowledge, and directly impacts which projects move forward and on what timeline.

• Leads and supervises a team of estimators, including designating daily assignments and managing workflow
• Plans and participates in the preparation of construction cost estimates for complex building structures from drawings, outlines, and specifications
• Prepares and reviews cost estimates and grant/loan application materials, representing the district to state and federal agencies
• Checks construction cost estimates submitted by architects and engineers for accuracy and completeness; compares with district estimates
• Confers with architects and engineers to resolve cost estimate differences and negotiate agreements on preliminary construction costs
• Conducts studies and prepares reports when contractor bids vary widely from agreed cost estimates
• Checks segregations of contract costs and recommends acceptance or rejection as the basis for progress payments
• Analyzes change orders on construction contracts and approves or rejects extras and credits
• Prepares cost estimates for projects and maintains data systems that compare estimated vs. actual costs
• Conducts training and participates in seminars with district staff, architects, and minority contractors on bidding, contracts, and cost estimating
• Prepares preliminary and final independent cost estimates for comparison with designer or contractor estimates to establish negotiating position
• Prepares change order estimates for Owner Authorized Representatives; provides support in price negotiations

• 14+ years of full-time paid professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major/complex Type I, II, III, and V building construction as defined by State building codes, OR 20+ years of such experience with degree flexibility
• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management, OR 20+ years of estimating experience without degree requirement
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience supervising estimators and managing an estimating team
• 5+ years of experience working for a construction cost consulting firm or similar role
• Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed cost estimates quickly in a fast‑paced environment
• Extensive knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs
• Ability to develop scope of work based on RFI/RFC answers and estimate detailed costs independent of contractor proposals
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to present estimates to senior leadership and design teams
• Experience developing and estimating scope of work for change orders
• Ability to compare independent estimates with contractor proposals and quickly identify cost differences

• Specific experience on school building modernization or education sector projects
• Experience with State of California building code requirements and complex school construction procedures
• Familiarity with school aid programs, state and federal grant/loan processes
• Experience training staff or minority contractors on estimating methodology
• Track record of managing multiple concurrent…