Cost Estimator – NYC School Construction Authority

PACO Group, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Cost Estimator to join our team in support of potential upcoming projects with the New York City School Construction Authority (NYC SCA). This key role involves preparing and maintaining cost estimates across various project phases—from conceptual through definitive—to ensure alignment with budgetary, scheduling, and resource requirements. Working closely with stakeholders, the selected individual will develop robust estimating processes, conduct detailed quantity take-offs, validate material pricing, and support contract negotiations. This position is contingent upon the award and conclusion of a proposal. It presents an opportunity to contribute to critical educational infrastructure improvements and modernization projects that serve the New York City public school system.

The Cost Estimator shall:

• Prepare and maintain project-level estimates throughout all project stages
  From initial concepts to detailed, definitive estimates.
• Develop order of magnitude scopes, preliminary budgets, and definitive estimates
  Conduct high-level assessments and refine budgets as project details evolve.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and labor/equipment crew requirements
  Analyze project documents to identify the materials, labor, and equipment needed.
• Obtain and validate material pricing from vendors
  Ensure that estimates are supported by accurate cost data from suppliers and manufacturers.
• Estimate productivity for tasks based on prior project timelines and schedules
  Leverage historical data to forecast realistic labor and equipment use.
• Prepare estimates for comparison to contractor bids
  Evaluate and compare internal estimates against external contractor proposals.
• Review contractor progress payment breakdowns
  Assist project teams in verifying progress milestones and associated costs.
• Develop change order estimates
  Assess impacts of scope modifications and coordinate with project teams to update cost projections.
• Support project teams and procurement during negotiations
  Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to finalize fair and accurate contract values.
• Perform site investigations
  Visit project locations to validate conditions, constraints, and data for estimating purposes.
• Assist with change request scopes
  Work with project teams to refine scope changes and document cost implications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a technology-related field, or equivalent.
• At least five (5) years of experience in an engineering or construction field, with a focus on cost estimation.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing drawings and contract specifications.
• Proficiency in RS Means (or equivalent) for accurate cost forecasting.
• Familiarity with estimating software (Hard Dollar or equivalent preferred).
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of school construction practices is preferred but not required.

Hourly Rate Range

• $62 – $72 per hour Commensurate With Experience

401(k) and 401(k) Employer Matching
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Group Life Insurance, LTD and AD&D
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Professional Development Assistance

PACO Group, Inc. is committed to furthering opportunities for everyone in the national construction market. The firm periodically reaffirms this commitment through an active affirmative action plan. It provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees without unlawful discrimination regarding race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, religion, military status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or citizenship status. As an equal opportunity employer, we have recruited, hired, promoted, and retained an ethnically and socially diverse professional staff. Our efforts to date have produced a multidisciplinary workforce - a record of diversity that extends to the highest levels of the firm's management.
 

Salary : $62 - $72