About the role
KDG Construction Consulting is seeking a Cost Estimator III to join our team. The Cost Estimator III will prepare pre-design cost estimates based on scope and project type, as well as prepare construction cost estimates from drawings, outlines, and specifications on a variety of project types; review contractor and consultant cost proposals; and negotiate change orders.
The Ideal candidate will have aviation experience, specifically at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).
Responsibilities and Duties: * Prepare Independent Cost Estimates to support projects during planning, design and construction. * Prepare and/or review final Engineer’s estimate including factors such as Phasing, Airport Operations, Shift, Resources, Time Constraints and Badging impacts. * Develop a detailed and Independent Cost Estimate from conceptual information and/or engineering drawings. * Prepare detailed estimates comprising labor hours/composite crew costs, itemized material costs and Equipment cost. * Provide Constructability Reports to proactively identify deficiencies and ambiguities; and actively assist the project team to develop a credible cost budget. * Actively reconcile independent cost estimates with those prepared by third parties; engage the third-party entities in an informative, collaborative reconciliation; and communicate the results of the reconciliation effort. * Ability to analyze bids from vendors, contractors and subcontractors and align with Independent Cost Estimate. * Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of work. * Having the ability to identify necessary field equipment needed by contractors. * Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders. * Prepare and review material take-offs from planning documents or engineering drawings. * Prepare detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems. * Accumulate, evaluate and document historical cost data for the development of future estimates. * Review contract documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and equitable cost allowance for scope changes.
Assist and/or Lead in Change Order Negotiations Including: * Review Contractor Potential Change Order Claims for Merit and negotiate to final resolution. * Review the proposal and assist with the determination of merit. * Conduct Weekly Estimate Review Meetings of Contractor Potential Change Notices and prepare Meeting Minutes. * Review the scope specified within the proposal to ensure it includes the appropriate scope. * Review the labor rates to ensure conformance to the contract specifications, and approved rates. * Become thoroughly familiar with required contractual obligations, technical aspects of all construction work including Allowances, Bid Line Items and new scope of work. * Review quantities and ensure there is a fair and reasonable representation of additional scope, as well as possible credits. * Review the material pricing and validate against R.S. Means for other pricing references. * Review pre-purchased material or equipment and/or equipment rental rates against fair and reasonable pricing references using contract blue book and or Cal Trans Rates. * Review contractor mark-ups to ensure that the correct mark-ups are being used and that any markup caps are not exceeded. * Discuss the client position after the contractor established their position. * Determine points of disagreement and path to resolution. Adopt a reasonable, but contractual attitude. * Develop the record of negotiation documentation and provide an Independent Cost Estimate. * Provide coordination and liaison with project management and project engineering personnel throughout the estimate development. * Prepare required reports and correspondence.
Required Qualifications: * 10 years or more of general estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects * Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations. * Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations. * Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices. * Self-starter attitude with proved results-oriented focus. * Effective oral and written communication skills. * Must possess the ability to effectively interact with various departments to maintain open lines of communication. * Comfortable operating in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment. * Produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude. * Must be detail oriented and highly organized. * Demonstrated experience working on multiple projects at the same time. * Experience working with outside agencies i.e., FAA, General Services division, LADBS, LADWP, etc.
Required Education/Training: * Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field. * Certified estimating professional credential required.
Anticipated Hourly Range: $70.00 - 80.00/hr. The offered salary will be based on the applicant's qualifications, education, experience, and work location.
About KDG: KDG Construction Consulting is a leading provider of program, project, and construction management services. The firm serves clients in a broad range of markets throughout Southern California, including aviation, transportation, and infrastructure. KDG provides a full spectrum of management and technical services spanning the entire lifecycle of a construction project. Employment with KDG: KDG is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.