Project Cost Estimator

Compensation Grade:

S22

Salary Range:

$116,941.00-$169,563.00

Opening Date:

February 24, 2025

Closing Date:

March 10, 2025

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Project Cost Estimator, you will develop, validate, and present cost estimates, cost impact analyses and forecasts for the Airports Authority’s construction programs and ensure estimated project change costs are in line with market costs.

Project Cost Estimator

Serves in the Project Controls and Management (PCM) Department of the Office of Engineering located at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Performs as the Airports Authority’s subject matter expert for a wide range of cost estimating functions, including verification (or origination) of independent cost estimates, cost impact analysis, cost analysis, and cost forecasting functions in support of the planning and management of the Capital Construction Program (CCP), Capital Operating and Maintenance Investment Program (COMIP), Dulles Corridor Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Dulles Corridor Repair and Rehabilitation (R&R) Program. Performs related duties.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops budget estimates, and independent cost estimates (ICEs), analyzes proposals, develops negotiations position, supports, or leads negotiations with contractors, A/Es, and consultants.

Develops Design-To-Cost (DTC) and coordinates directly with Architectural and Engineering (A/E) estimators in preparation and validation of the design submittal estimates, construction bid estimates, and design clarification estimates.  

Provides cost reconciliation to budget, and informs management of budget overruns.

Reviews bid schedules and develops liquidated damages (LDs), assess changes and their impacts on project cost, coordinates with project schedulers and project managers on project milestone impacts.

Directs and oversees consulting estimators in the preparation of independent cost estimates related to project development, construction change orders, and budget development.

Coordinates directly with project managers, project administrators, and various Design Department and Construction Department staff to verify project scope, project status, project schedule, and cost.

Coordinates with Department of Procurement and Contracts to help define the cost and schedule requirements of procurement requests and activities.  Reviews and offers expertise for compiling and reviewing Request for Proposals (RFPs) and responses from bidders.

Develops reporting for senior management and Airports Authority Vice Presidents on matters relating to budget estimates, independent cost estimates, construction and design change notice estimates, and various cost benefit analyses in support of management budgetary decisions.

Performs statistical analyses in support of cost estimates by developing risk analyses for construction estimates, considering such factors as work scope, criticality and timelines, and associated market factors on labor and materials. 

Quantifies project risks to help develop an adequate contingency level on the associated projects and provides narrative explanations for risk levels and the project’s risk rating. 

Collects, coordinates, and prepares supporting documentation and cost data for annual budget preparation in collaboration with the Design Department and the Planning Department and other Airports Authority Offices to create Independent Cost Estimates (ICE), Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to support CCP and COMIP.

Maintains knowledge of industry expert forecasts, current leading economic indicators, benefit indicators on construction labor, and other econometric indicators that impact potential estimating assumptions in support of Airport Authority projects.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Seven years of progressively responsible experience in analyzing and estimating costs of design and construction projects. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge of and ability to apply project cost accounting (e.g., scheduling, costing, estimating, and reporting) in engineering and construction work.

Knowledge of the design and construction industry, with emphasis on cost estimating, industry forecasts, economic indicators, and cost analysis based on market conditions.

Ability to make detailed analyses of data and information and make recommendations.

Ability to speak and write effectively.