Cost Estimator

About the role

Tetra Tech is adding experienced Cost Estimators to their Disaster Recovery team to support current and future disaster recovery operations across the United States.

Responsibilities

• Support FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs through project scoping, damage assessment, and cost estimating activities.
• Evaluate damaged infrastructure, develop and validate project scopes, prepare cost estimates, and support funding eligibility determinations for public facilities and infrastructure.
• Prepare conceptual, parametric, and detailed bottom-up cost estimates for disaster recovery projects.
• Evaluate project assumptions, quantities, unit costs, and estimating methodologies.
• Apply knowledge of applicable construction standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify cost drivers, scope changes, and factors impacting project eligibility and funding.
• Support Requests for Information (RFIs), technical reviews, appeals support, and other recovery program activities.
• Maintain project records and supporting documentation in accordance with client and program requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in construction estimating, engineering, architecture, construction management, infrastructure planning, or a related discipline.
• Experience developing conceptual, parametric, and detailed cost estimates for infrastructure or facility projects.
• Experience estimating labor, equipment, material, and construction costs.
• Familiarity with modern construction practices, facility assessments, project scope development, and construction inspection activities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to work independently and effectively under changing priorities and demanding schedules.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for field assignments.
• Valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Infrastructure Management, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), Licensed Contractor, Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Cost Estimator, or similar professional credential.
• Experience using RSMeans, Xactimate, FEMA Cost Estimating Format (CEF), or other industry-standard estimating platforms.
• Knowledge of FEMA Public Assistance regulations, policy, eligibility requirements, and the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG).
• Previous FEMA experience as a Cost Estimator, Program Delivery Manager, Site Inspector, Hazard Mitigation Specialist, Policy Advisor, or similar disaster recovery role.
• Experience with roads, utilities, drainage systems, site development, vertical construction, or public infrastructure projects.
• Experience supporting disaster recovery, grant-funded infrastructure programs, or public sector capital projects.

Skills

• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and under demanding schedules.
• Ability to travel as needed for field assignments.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits. Merit-based financial rewards. Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance. Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees. Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

Pay

Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

On-call, as-needed position supporting disaster recovery programs following hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, and other federally declared disasters. Assignments may be remote, field-based, or hybrid depending on client needs and project requirements.