Cost Estimation Analyst

About the Work Unit
The  Construction Engineering Services Branch, Cost Estimating Services Unit produces the final cost estimates for statewide transportation construction projects; advises the Chief Engineer to award or reject contractors bids for construction projects and provide estimation support services as needed by the Chief Engineer and the five transportation regions.

About the Position
This position exists to provide technical expertise with databases, reports, IT, economics, statistics, system maintenance, and market analysis.  Review Project Plans and Specs, use AASHTOWare along with the Item Search program, bid data from projects of similar scope and proximity to producing a preliminary estimate. Maintains and produces reports and publications related to cost estimating.
 
Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare the quarterly Construction Cost Index which includes: evaluating data, verifying historical data, and performing calculations to determine the index;
• Determine if calculations are sufficient and need  follow up; 
• Provide guidance and recommendations for the Construction Cost Index; 
• Use software databases to determine and enter estimated item prices and bid item totals to produce cost estimates; 
• Use various statistics to determine, correct, and analyze estimates;
• Analyze market conditions to provide estimates and recommendations;
• Prepare preliminary engineering estimates with varying degrees of complexity;
• Evaluate results to measure and determine improvements;
• Prepare procedures to test and verify software;
• Prepare monthly briefings on overall cost estimating services and performance;
• Serve as a technical expert in the Unit, developing and implementing effective approaches to cost estimation;  
• Interact with customers and present the Unit’s work to a wide variety of audiences;
• Work with various stakeholders;
• Other job duties as assigned.