Cost Estimator / Senior Cost Estimator

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1147 Chestnut Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

Description

This position includes two separate postings for one open role at Michigan State University's Planning, Design and Construction unit. The successful applicant will determine which level of responsibility the position will be - either a Cost Estimator (Planner/Inspector/Analyst II), or a Senior Cost Estimator (Planner/Inspector/Analyst III).

Compensation

• Cost Estimator (PIA II) $81,900 - $100,100 annually depending on experience or Senior Cost Estimator (PIA III) $96,400 - $117,800 annually depending on experience.
• Michigan State University (MSU) Benefits - Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement. Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time. Eligible to work a partial remote schedule.
  
  

Cost Estimator (PIA II) Description

This position will develop cost estimates for alterations and new construction on independent systems. Will support project managers by preparing thorough estimates that are in line with most current market information. Reviewing consultant plans and estimates to ensure compliance with MSU construction standards. Completes plan reviews for outside consultants' work and offer suggestions or improvements for estimates and project plans.

Essential job Duties & Responsibilities (by % of Effort):

• 40% - General cost estimating - providing cost and budget related to semi-complex and complex projects. Supporting Planning Design and Construction as well as Project Services. Support other IPF and MSU units to create comprehensive Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
• 20% - Maintaining and updating cost estimation records, guidelines, and forms and conducting market research. Ensures that MSU's construction standards and building codes are incorporated with estimations and plans.
• 20% - Communication with project managers, and project sponsors regarding ongoing projects. Attending meetings related to ongoing projects, and providing technical direction for consultants (as needed).
• 20% - General project management duties as assigned.
  
  

Senior Cost Estimator (PIA III) Description

This position will develop cost estimates for alterations, new construction, and conceptual designs on independent systems. They will support project managers and campus stakeholders by preparing thorough estimates by updating records with current market information and trends. They will review consultant plans and estimates to ensure compliance with MSU construction standards. Completes plan reviews for outside consultants' work and offer suggestions or improvements for estimates and project plans. They will support project managers with estimates within the Building Services team and will communicate industry trends and significant impacts on a department level.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• 40% Establishing and optimizing procedures for accurate project estimation. including a standardized budget tracking system. Managing and implementing a comprehensive estimating database and maintaining consistent estimation methods, such as pay item tracking templates and historical data-driven models from historical and industry data.
• 25% Provide cost leadership for the Planning Design and Construction teams to support capital projects. Collaborating with project teams to develop cost estimates, factoring in the interrelationship of project scope, milestones, labor materials, equipment, productivity, and schedules.
• 20% Evaluating project budgets at key milestones (SD, DD, CD) for accuracy and completeness, and supporting value engineering and budget reconciliation efforts, and conducting periodic reviews of change order requests to verify accuracy, completeness, and justification.
• 15% Conducting cost escalation forecasts and analyzing construction market trends including materials, labor, and equipment, to advise leadership and project managers on potential time and cost implications. This position requires proactive collaboration with project managers, discipline experts, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate estimations and reliable budget tracking. It also involves evaluating and analyzing data and metrics to continuously improve estimating accuracy and overall project outcomes.
  
  

For Both Positions

• Regular attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.
• This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship.
  
  

This search includes two separate postings for Planner/Inspector/Analyst II (Cost Estimator) and Planner/Inspector/Analyst III (Senior Cost Estimator). Applicants who meet the qualifications for both levels and wish to be considered for both positions must apply to each posting. Applying to only one posting will limit consideration to that posting.

Requirements

Cost Estimator (PIA II):

Knowledge normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Engineering, Construction Management, Building Sciences, or a related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in construction specific to the work being performed, supervision and management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Senior Cost Estimator (PIA III)

Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Science, or a related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in construction, supervision and management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Both positions require possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license will be required for this position. Must drive University vehicle to perform the duties of this classification and meet the Universities rigorous safe driving standards.