Cost Estimator; General Construction Division of Building and Land Development Services Job New York New York USA,Construction

Position: Cost Estimator (General Construction) for the Division of Building and Land Development Services
Location: New York

Cost Estimator (General Construction) – Division of Building and Land Development Services

Full‑time
Agency:
Housing Preservation & Development
Job Category:
Engineering, Architecture & Planning
Salary Band: $90,000 to $100,000
Compensation: USD 78,740 – USD 90,551

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) promotes quality and affordability in the city's housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods because every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable place to live in a neighborhood they love.

We maintain building and resident safety and health.

We create opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability.

We engage New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity.

Your Team

The Office of Development (OOD) leads the agency’s effort to create and preserve affordable housing in collaboration with other HPD offices as well as other city, state and federal agencies. The OOD is comprised of eight divisions that administer a range of programs.

Division of Building and Land Development Services (BLDS) provides architectural, engineering, cost valuation, environmental planning, and construction support services to the various divisions within HPD’s Office of Development. BLDS is the largest division within the Office of Development with over 100 staff composed of seven units.

Role Overview

As a Cost Estimator, you will prepare cost estimates based on construction documents, utilizing RS Means database, for newly‑constructed and rehabilitated multi‑family buildings assisted by HPD Funding/Assistance.

Responsibilities

Prepare cost estimate by gathering quantities from construction drawings and utilizing RS MEANS database for multi‑family new construction and renovated residential buildings.
Review cost estimates and change orders prepared by external consultants for accuracy and reasonableness.
Perform value engineering to determine possible cost savings, and produce base costs and preliminary budget estimates for new construction and renovated residential buildings.
Review contractors’ bid proposals and prepare bid recommendations.
Assist in the processing of documents related to change orders and attend meetings related to change order negotiations with HPD staff and external partners.
Review and analyze construction documents, including drawings, scopes of work, and project specifications.
Assist in developing and maintaining a historical cost database to prepare, analyze, and validate estimates and budgets.

Preferred Skills

Thorough knowledge of City, State, and Federal housing regulations, procedures, and practice.

Familiarity with New York City government and housing issues.

Proficiency in using cost estimating tools, including RS Means and Sage.

Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word).

Understanding of construction and cost estimating industry standards.

Ability to read and understand drawings, plans, scopes of work, and specifications.

Ability to negotiate with diverse technical specialists.

Ability to work independently, apply independent judgment, take initiative, and work effectively with others.

Excellent technical, writing, verbal, interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills.

Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and coordinate multiple projects in a timely manner.

Demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive, complex issues that may arise.

Candidate may be subject to a background investigation conducted by the Department of Investigations.

Qualifications

Minimum of a four‑year high school diploma or equivalent, and five years of full‑time satisfactory experience managing or inspecting construction projects each costing at least $300,000; or equivalent experience plus a bachelor’s degree in a related field; or professional license.

Details of each construction project worked on—including description, time period, type of work, and money allotted—must be specified.

Driver license valid in the State of New York; license must be maintained during employment.

For Level II assignments, one additional year of satisfactory full‑time experience in Level I; for Level III assignments, two additional…