Construction Cost Estimator

Position Summary

The Construction Cost Estimator is responsible for providing accurate, comprehensive, and defensible cost estimates for large-scale capital construction projects exceeding $100M, with a strong preference for direct experience on convention center facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed order-of-magnitude (ROM), schematic, design development, and construction document (CD) estimates for large-scale convention center projects ($100M+).
• Develop trade-specific and system-level estimates for complex scopes including: Large-span structural systems, Exhibit halls and ballrooms, Back-of-house and service corridors, Central utility plants and MEP infrastructure, Renovation and expansion within occupied facilities.
• Perform quantity take-offs and cost modeling using industry-standard estimating software.
• Validate estimates against historical cost data, market conditions, and local Dallas/Fort Worth subcontractor pricing.
• Apply knowledge of convention center operational requirements, including event-driven phasing, load-in/load-out constraints, security requirements, and premium finishes.
• Incorporate experience with convention center-specific conditions, such as: Urban site logistics and access constraints, Coordination with City of Dallas stakeholders, Phased construction to maintain facility operations, Integration with existing structural and MEP systems.
• Understand public-sector procurement, funding sources, and reporting requirements typical of municipal convention center projects.
• Lead cost reconciliation efforts with architects, engineers, and construction partners.
• Provide value engineering options that maintain program intent, durability, and lifecycle performance while achieving budget goals.
• Conduct escalation analysis, contingency planning, and risk-based cost assessments.
• Support bid packaging strategies, subcontractor prequalification, and bid evaluation.
• Analyze bids and develop scope leveling, trade comparisons, and buyout recommendations.
• Affirm budget updates, change order pricing reviews, and cost forecasting during construction.
• Present cost estimates and analyses clearly to owners, city representatives, and executive leadership.
• Prepare written narratives explaining assumptions, exclusions, risks, and cost drivers.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, schedulers, and construction managers to align cost and schedule impacts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-10+ years of construction estimating experience, including multiple projects valued at $100M or greater.
• Direct experience estimating large convention center, civic, or assembly-use facilities.
• Demonstrated experience working on public-sector or municipal projects.
• Advanced proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• Prior experience specifically with large-scale convention centers.
• Familiarity with the Dallas/Fort Worth construction market, subcontractor base, and labor conditions.
• Experience supporting CM-at-Risk, Owner's Representative, or Program Management delivery models.
• Professional certifications such as CCP, CCE, or LEED (preferred).

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving machinery & mechanical parts, uneven ground, exposure to dust, gas or fumes, exposure to loud noise, and outside weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

Intermittent unassisted sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stooping, crawling, pushing and lifting is required. Must be able to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods of time for at least eight hours per day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move light equipment up to 50 pounds without assistance. Must be alert to equipment in the field, occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery, ability to walk on uneven ground while physically maneuvering construction sites, ability to work in extreme temperatures or humidity, and potentially work at heights.

Other Requirements

• Possession of a valid state of residence driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Daily travel to and from construction sites, generally within 100 miles from the home office is expected.
• Short term, out of town, assignments may be required.
• Long term, out of town, assignments may be required, with advance notice of planned dates.
• May be required to work protracted and irregular hours to meet client's needs, including nights, overtime and weekends.

Benefits

All positions at Foster CM Group require an applicant who has accepted an employment offer to undergo a background check. Background checks may include, SSN/SIN validation, education verification, employment verification, criminal background check, fingerprint verification, and/or drug test. All employment offers are contingent upon successful results of required background checks.

Foster CM Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This means that Foster CM Group does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex (gender), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. All individuals are encouraged to apply and compete for jobs.