Cost Estimator
Berkeley Lab's Projects & Infrastructure Modernization Division (PIMD) seeks a Cost Estimator. PIMD manages projects from small upgrades to $100M+ new facilities, enhancing infrastructure to support scientific excellence.
This position will estimate costs for construction and maintenance projects both on-campus and off-campus. You will review and estimate design and construction costs at various design stages for projects from $1,000 to $100M. This includes costs for design, equipment, labor, and materials while also considering environmental and safety codes. You will need to be familiar with CSI Master Format Divisions. The Cost Estimator will perform value engineering, validate change orders, and support project scheduling to optimize resource allocation.
What You Will Do:
Cost Estimator Level 2:
- Work on moderate-scope problems, follows defined procedures, and performs duties with general guidance for routine tasks and detailed instructions for new projects or assignments.
- Prepare construction cost estimates for new and remodel facilities, provide cost reasonableness support for change orders, and offer value engineering services.
- Develop multi-craft cost estimates, apply unit rates, and calculate total costs.
- Utilize and work with complex estimating models, including factored and parametric estimates.
- Provide detailed cost estimates to Project Managers as needed.
- Compare estimated costs to actual costs for benchmarking and historical data.
- Interact with senior internal and external personnel concerning LBNL/UC plans and objectives.
- Conduct job site visits to ensure construction aligns with estimates and resolve emerging issues.
In Addition to the Above Responsibilities, Cost Estimator Level 3:
- Work on diverse-scope problems, demonstrates good judgment in method selection, and performs duties with minimal day-to-day guidance and general instructions for new assignments.
What is Required:
Cost Estimator Level 2:
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience OR equivalent 6 years construction experience.
- Experience providing pre-construction services, including design practicality assessment, constructability review, and conceptual estimates.
- Familiarity with standard estimating techniques for planning, conceptual, preliminary, and final estimates for new and remodel construction.
- Ability to conceptualize and select optimal design approaches during estimating.
- Skill in preparing estimates manually and using computer-generated spreadsheets for multi-discipline estimates (civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing).
- Proven ability to communicate effectively with all organizational levels, including senior management and external personnel.
- Experience collaborating with engineering firms, licensed contractors, or facilities organizations for construction project bids.
- Knowledge of computerized estimating tools, especially Microsoft Excel and Bluebeam Revu.
- Ability to interpret electrical drawings and accurately estimate associated labor and material costs.
- Knowledge of construction codes, OSHA requirements, and relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.
- Experience using standard publications for labor and material unit pricing within various CSI Master Format divisions.
- Certification as a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) by the American Society of Professional Estimators, Cost Estimating Professional by (AACE), or as a Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) by the Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (preferred)
In Addition to the Above Requirements, Cost Estimator Level 3:
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of related experience OR 9 years of equivalent construction experience.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of finance principles and practices for LBNL burden applications
- Knowledge of LBNL, UC and DOE policies and procedures, including Department of Energy G413.3-21A Cost Estimating Guide and GAO Cost Estimating & Assessment Guide
- Project Management Certification (PMI).
- Valid professional license obtained by written examination to practice Architecture/Engineering in the State of California.
Notes:
- This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
- The Cost Estimator Level 2 position is expected to pay $87,000 - $105,000 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $77,460 - 130,716 annually for the job classification of G93.2.
- The Cost Estimator Level 3 position is expected to pay $109,000 - 135,000 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $97,284- $164,196 annually for the job classification of G93.3.
- Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group.
- It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience.
- This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
- This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.
Learn About Us:
Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship, which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.
Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.
Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.40.