Lead Project Cost Estimator

Do you have extensive experience preparing cost estimates for major, complex building projects?

Are you confident leading estimating teams, reviewing contractor proposals and supporting negotiations on high-value construction work?

We are looking for a Lead Project Cost Estimator to support major school building and construction projects. This is an on-site role based in Los Angeles, CA.

You will lead a team of Estimators and play a key role in preparing, reviewing and checking construction cost estimates. The role will involve working from drawings, outlines and specifications, while ensuring estimates are accurate, complete and suitable for project planning, funding and negotiation purposes.

You will also support change order reviews, contractor claim analysis and the preparation of independent cost estimates for comparison with designer or contractor submissions.

• Lead and supervise a team of Estimators, including setting daily work assignments
• Prepare and review construction cost estimates for buildings and other structures
• Review estimates submitted by architects, engineers and contractors for accuracy and completeness
• Compare independent estimates against contractor proposals and identify differences
• Support cost discussions and price negotiations
• Prepare change order estimates and review extras or credits submitted
• Review contractor claims and proposals for merit and accuracy
• Prepare reports when contractor bids vary widely from agreed construction cost estimates
• Establish budgets for school building projects
• Maintain estimating data, records, charts and reports comparing estimated and actual costs
• Support procedures for plan approval, specifications and public bidding submissions
• Estimate costs for damage to District property caused by fire, natural disaster or major vandalism

This role supports a District team responsible for complex school building projects. You will work closely with project, construction, design and contractor teams to help ensure cost estimates are accurate, well evidenced and aligned with project requirements.

• PTO: 120 hours annually (vacation/sick time), accrual starts on day one, available after 30 days.
• Holidays: 8 paid holidays per year, including New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Insurance: 100% coverage for employee’s Medical, Dental, and Vision, with additional costs for dependents and enhanced plans (Kaiser and Anthem Blue Cross options).
• 401(k) Savings Plan: 100% match up to 3%, plus 50% of the next 2% (fully vested immediately).
• Professional Development:
  Up to $1,000 annually for license/certification renewals and qualifying education.
• Parking:
  Parking provided, up to $100/month if applicable

To be considered, you must meet one of the following qualification routes:

• 14 years of full-time paid professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major or complex Type I, II, III and V building construction
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering or construction management
• Three years of full-time paid experience supervising estimators
• At least five years’ experience working for a construction cost consulting firm

• 20 or more years of full-time paid professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major or complex Type I, II, III and V building construction
• Degree not required
• Five years of full-time paid experience supervising estimators
• At least five years’ experience working for a construction cost consulting firm

You will also need strong written and verbal communication skills, detailed knowledge of local construction labour and material costs, and experience preparing conceptual, pre-construction and change order estimates in a fast-paced environment.

Apply today to be considered for this Lead Project Cost Estimator opportunity.