What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Estimator position at Salas O'Brien?
Cost Estimator
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
ial to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary:
The Cost Estimator / Construction Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing the cost estimation process and construction operations. This role combines the precision of cost estimating with the hands-on management of construction activities to ensure projects are completed within budget and meet quality standards.
In this role, you will:
Cost Estimation:
- Prepare detailed (up to Level 5) cost estimates for construction projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead.
- Analyze blueprints, drawings, and other documentation to prepare accurate estimates.
- Conduct site visits to gather data and assess project scope and requirements.
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to refine estimates and resolve discrepancies.
- Develop and maintain a database of historical cost data to improve the accuracy of future estimates.
- Provide cost analysis and financial forecasting throughout the project lifecycle.
Construction Management:
- Oversee and coordinate all aspects of construction projects from initiation through completion.
- Manage project schedules, ensuring timely completion and adherence to deadlines.
- Monitor construction progress and address any issues or delays promptly.
- Supervise subcontractors and construction staff, ensuring work is performed to high standards and in compliance with safety regulations.
- Conduct regular inspections and quality control checks to ensure workmanship meets company and industry standards.
- Communicate effectively with clients, project stakeholders, and team members to provide updates and resolve concerns.
You will be a great fit if:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Additional Professional Certifications (eg. Project Management Professional, Certified Cost Professional, Certified Construction Manager) are a plus.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of proven experience as a cost estimator and/or construction manager in federal government (DoD, DOE), industrial, or commercial construction is advantageous.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and regulations.
- Proficiency in cost estimation software and tools (e.g., ProEst, RSMeans). Familiarity with Tri-Service Automated Cost Engineering System – TRACES and MCACES MII experience, is a plus.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with a keen attention to detail.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Trello) and MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Expert Microsoft Excel skills required.
Skills/abilities:
- Analytical--Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
- Problem Solving--Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Customer Service--Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
- Interpersonal Skills--Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
- Oral Communication--Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
- Written Communication--Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Teamwork--Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Confidentiality – Maintains strict confidentiality with payroll and employment information.
- Ethics--Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
- Judgment--Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
- Motivation--Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
- Planning/Organizing--Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
- Professionalism--Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
- Quality--Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Attendance/Punctuality--Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
- Dependability--Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
- Initiative--Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
- Innovation--Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
Location: Baltimore, MD; Hybrid
Travel: 20% - 25%
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
