Position – Cost Estimator

Pacific Pros is seeking Cost Estimators (with different levels of experience) to represent Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA).

Region: Los Angeles, CA

Status: Full-time on-site.

Opening: Fall 2024, Immediate

Essential Job Duties for this position

  • 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.
  • Lead Negotiation Meetings with contractors and subcontractors.
  • 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 LAWA 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 mark-up caps are not exceeded.
  • Discuss the LAWA 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.

Hardware/Software Knowledge

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Experience with On-Screen Takeoffs and Bluebeam.
  • Knowledge of Prolog and other Project Management Systems is preferred.

Required Qualifications

  • Years of Experience of general estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects
    • Cost Estimator V: 20 years or more
    • Cost Estimator IV: 15 years or more
    • Cost Estimator III: 10 years or more
    • Cost Estimator II: 5 years or more
  • US Employment Authorization without needing sponsorship
  • See Education/Training for requirements.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • A valid Driver’s License and compliance with PACIFIC’s Vehicle Policy
  • Proficiency with common Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat (PDF files)
  • Pre-employment drug test. Also, subject to drug and alcohol testing during the course of employment in accordance with PACIFIC’s Drug, Alcohol and Illegal Items Policy
  • 3+ References from Clients
  • 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.

Education/Training

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.  A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
  • Certified estimating professional credential required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with project management software preferred

Element-Specific Requirements/Notes

  • May assume other duties as required/needed
  • Maybe required to work past regular work shift
  • Maybe required to work various shifts as needed
  • A laptop will be provided for company business and to VPN into LAWA system when away from the office as necessary
  • Cell phone reimbursement is applicable for this position through Pacific Pros Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy

About PACIFIC

Pacific Pros is a privately-owned company specializing in construction engineering, inspection and project management in public works, focusing on heavy civil construction, transportation, aviation and port projects. PACIFIC offers competitive salary and benefits, including Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, medical, dental, and more. PACIFIC policies, procedures and culture are in line with PACIFIC core values: client focus, excellence and professionalism. PACIFIC gives a high priority to employees’ safety and training. Feel free to visit our Career page for additional information.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in this position with PACIFIC, are welcome to submit resumes to [email protected]. Recruiters should refer to Careers page for unsolicited information.

In an introductory email or cover letter indicate the following items:

  1. Status of your work authorization without the need for sponsorship
  2. Total years of professional experience and direct relevant experience to this position
  3. A brief paragraph that you meet all the qualifications. If you do not meet some qualifications mention them with an explanation why you are a good candidate although you do not meet that qualification. With articulate justification, not meeting some required quals may be waived.