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Construction Cost Estimator - Multi-Family Affordable Housing

We are a nonprofit affordable housing developer seeking a Construction Cost Estimator to join a team that stays involved in every project from the moment a site is identified through years after residents move in. This is a role for someone who wants ownership over numbers that actually shape whether a project pencils, not just someone filling in a template.

You'll report to the VP of Construction Estimating and split your time between two roles: acting as general contractor on some projects, and as the owner's representative keeping outside GCs honest on others. Either way, you're the one building the cost picture, from early feasibility work through the final bid and buyout.

Building the numbers

• Put together quantity take offs and cost estimates covering materials, labor, and equipment
• Look three to four years ahead to forecast costs on projects still in early planning
• Weigh different construction approaches against each other for cost effectiveness
• Estimate at every stage of design, from rough concept through final construction documents
• Comb through plans and drawings for anything missing before it becomes a budget surprise
• Keep pricing data for labor and materials current and reliable
• Build and maintain the company's Historical Cost Model over time

Steering projects through pre-development

• Assess potential sites early, including land acquisition considerations
• Review outside reports and studies for accuracy and cost implications
• Work with design consultants on buildability, cost tradeoffs, and value engineering
• Walk sites with subcontractors to understand existing conditions firsthand
• Manage the pre-development budget and build CPM schedules to support it

Seeing it through construction

• Negotiate and prepare contracts with architects, consultants, and subcontractors
• Secure permits and licenses needed to move forward
• Direct design consultants and enforce quality control standards
• Sit in on owner and team meetings to answer questions and resolve pricing issues
• Help resolve RFIs, cost overruns, and other problems as they come up
• Compare actual costs to original estimates once projects wrap, and figure out why they diverged

What we're looking for

• At least two years each of multi-family construction and cost estimating experience
• Comfort estimating Type III/V and Type I podium construction
• Strong CPM scheduling skills
• A degree in construction management, business, or equivalent hands on experience
• Experience working permitting processes with cities and counties
• Proficiency in Smartsheet, Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office
• Ability to build a scope out of incomplete drawings or vague direction, and run with it

Expect regular time on active job sites alongside standard office work.

Benefits

• Annual salary: $100,000 - $130,000 (depending on experience)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k with company match
• PTO Plan
• 10 Holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Work with a great team culture!

For this position you must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor for this position.