General Information

Payroll Title ANL 4 Title Code 007237 Grade/Step 10 Working Title Principal Construction Cost Estimator (2 Year Contract)
Department Name INACTIVE Capital Planning Supervisor Ralston, Timothy Department Head Ralston, Timothy

Special Requirements and Conditions

Critical Position
Valid Driver License
Public Driving Record
Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours

Level of Supervision Received

General Direction

Items Used


Position Purpose

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Capital Programs, the Principal Cost Estimator is responsible for managing the generation of construction cost estimates for Capital Program's project portfolio. The Estimator uses estimating methodologies to perform complex cost analysis and develops internal tools and processes to accurately estimate capital costs projects and resource requirements through close collaboration with design and construction, architects and engineers, and product teams. The Estimator also develops the necessary feedback loops and benchmarking capabilities to ensure consistency and accuracy across Capital Program's development pipeline. The Estimator partners with relevant Campus stakeholders to provide necessary deliverables for projects throughout the development life-cycle, construction, and financial close.

Essential Functions

Essential Function % Time
Cost Analysis, Estimation and Consultation 70
Review and analyze blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to ensure accurate, timely preparation of cost and labor estimates for products, projects or services.

Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or the construction project manager to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve technical problems related to estimating the cost of labor and materials for construction projects.

Establish and coordinate completion dates and technical specifications in estimates for project teams, by calculating and using a computer aided system; estimating manpower, equipment, and material needs; coordinating with field personnel to schedule work; and continually evaluating progress and results.

Coordinate job set up by preparing breakdowns, subcontracts, purchase orders, and other required documents on procured projects; review plans and field changes; and prepare change orders, as required.

Assist in contractor negotiations and analysis to ensure maximum value to Capital Program's projects.

Participate in bid meetings and conduct site visits as required to evaluate site conditions and refine cost estimates.
Program Management and Administration 30
Establish procedures and methods for preparing and communicating accurate, complete, and reliable cost estimates free of errors or omissions

Develop internal tools and processes to accurately estimate project capital costs and translate estimates to relevant Campus stakeholders.

Quantify project components and BOM for cost-estimation tools to ensure accuracy.

Work closely with Capital projects team to ensure new assumptions and cost data are accounted for in cost estimation tools.

Complete internal administrative documentation, including project logs, files, records and reports pertaining to estimating function; and may also include bids, cost estimates, state and federal regulations and codes.

Contribute to written and up-to-date cost estimation guidelines, manuals, and policies and procedures that reflect industry best practices, in accordance with regulatory frameworks that govern the profession and established university policies and procedures.

Develop necessary standards, documentation, and organizational structure to ensure consistent and accountable cost estimates.

Coordinate with stakeholders including but not limited to: Design and Construction, Architects and Engineers, Interconnection, Operations, Services, Procurement, Finance, and External Consultants to ensure deliverables are aligned and meet project incentives and company goals.

Partner with Project Managers and Superintendents on problem resolution, implementing ongoing efficiencies, and improving ways of accomplishing project goals.

Recommend and incorporate changes in procedures, objectives, or best practices based on cost, engineering quality, and availability of materials.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirement Display Ranking
  1
Bachelor's degree in engineering, architectural, quantitative surveying, or construction management, and six years of experience as a project estimator in a design build construction environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  2
Knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements, policies, and procedures as they pertain to large scale public works construction projects; and construction cost estimating and project scheduling methodologies sufficient to be able to analyze and resolve problems related to work assignments.
  3
Demonstrated skill and experience with CADD or other design software; Microsoft Office Suite, with emphasis on advanced Excel; developing complex cost estimates and integrating project bill of materials, labor productivity estimates and material or subcontractor quotes into a single project estimation model; reviewing vendor and subcontractor quotes for accuracy and completeness; terminology, symbols, codes and standard abbreviations used on specifications, plans, blueprints or maps; and practical application of mathematical concepts including: fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions, logarithms, slide rule, practical algebra, geometric constructions, and essentials of trigonometry.
  4
Ability to use excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to establish and maintain effective and cooperative relationships with faculty committees, campus and university administrators, campus departmental stakeholders, permitting agencies, budget and funding authorities, architectural and engineering consultants, contractors, and suppliers; work well with a cross functional team to achieve business results; coordinate the collection of data to support development and establishment of cost models; be highly detail oriented; read and interpret plans, specification and contract documents; analyze and resolve complex problems by using professional judgment to make timely and sound decisions pertaining to project and construction management and the negotiation of pricing agreements with contractors; prioritize and schedule work to allow for its efficient and effective completion; interact professionally and analytically with various personnel to identify needs and delivers high quality and professional innovative services; manage revisions of cost models and ensure accuracy and completion of timely updates; and model and promote the University's principles of community and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualification Display Ranking
  1
Master's degree in engineering, architectural, quantitative surveying, or construction management, and ten years of experience as a project estimator in a design build construction environment with large development/civil works projects experience.
  2
Experience with Timberline accounting and Primavera scheduling systems.
  3
Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle/JD Edwards or SAP.
  4
Experience with scheduling forecasting in a design build construction environment.
Posting Text Display
Posted Position Purpose
A DETAILED JOB ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED ON THE BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES WEBSITE: www.bas.ucr.edu. Under the general direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Capital Programs, the Principal Cost Estimator is responsible for managing the generation of construction cost estimates for Capital Program's project portfolio. The Estimator uses estimating methodologies to perform complex cost analysis and develops internal tools and processes to accurately estimate capital costs projects and resource requirements through close collaboration with design and construction, architects and engineers, and product teams. The Estimator also develops the necessary feedback loops and benchmarking capabilities to ensure consistency and accuracy across Capital Program's development pipeline. The Estimator partners with relevant Campus stakeholders to provide necessary deliverables for projects throughout the development life-cycle, construction, and financial close.
Posted Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in engineering, architectural, quantitative surveying, or construction management, and six years of experience as a project estimator in a design build construction environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements, policies, and procedures as they pertain to large scale public works construction projects; and construction cost estimating and project scheduling methodologies sufficient to be able to analyze and resolve problems related to work assignments.

Demonstrated skill and experience with CADD or other design software; Microsoft Office Suite, with emphasis on advanced Excel; developing complex cost estimates and integrating project bill of materials, labor productivity estimates and material or subcontractor quotes into a single project estimation model; reviewing vendor and subcontractor quotes for accuracy and completeness; terminology, symbols, codes and standard abbreviations used on specifications, plans, blueprints or maps; and practical application of mathematical concepts including: fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions, logarithms, slide rule, practical algebra, geometric constructions, and essentials of trigonometry.

Ability to use excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to establish and maintain effective and cooperative relationships with faculty committees, campus and university administrators, campus departmental stakeholders, permitting agencies, budget and funding authorities, architectural and engineering consultants, contractors, and suppliers; work well with a cross functional team to achieve business results; coordinate the collection of data to support development and establishment of cost models; be highly detail oriented; read and interpret plans, specification and contract documents; analyze and resolve complex problems by using professional judgment to make timely and sound decisions pertaining to project and construction management and the negotiation of pricing agreements with contractors; prioritize and schedule work to allow for its efficient and effective completion; interact professionally and analytically with various personnel to identify needs and delivers high quality and professional innovative services; manage revisions of cost models and ensure accuracy and completion of timely updates; and model and promote the University's principles of community and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Posted Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in engineering, architectural, quantitative surveying, or construction management, and ten years of experience as a project estimator in a design build construction environment with large development/civil works projects experience.

Experience with Timberline accounting and Primavera scheduling systems.

Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle/JD Edwards or SAP.

Experience with scheduling forecasting in a design build construction environment.

More Information

General Campus Information

University of California, Riverside
900 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521
Tel: (951) 827-1012

Career OpportunitiesUCR Libraries
Campus StatusMaps and Directions

Department Information

Human Resources
1160 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521

Fax: (951) 827-6493
E-mail: jobshelp@ucr.edu

Footer