Job SummaryThis position serves as the department's internal subject matter expert in construction cost estimating, equipping Planners, Engineers, and Project Managers with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to develop well-informed project budgets from the earliest stages of project development.
Rather than functioning as a gatekeeper in the project delivery process, the Estimator is a coach and enabler in building institutional cost knowledge, delivering targeted training, and stepping in as a direct contributor on large capital projects where deeper expertise is needed. This position represents a meaningful investment in PD&C's ability to deliver data-backed, reliable cost estimates that support sound planning and project decision-making across our department teams.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will BeProject Cost Database and Estimating Cost Model- Develop, implement, and continuously refine a data-backed estimating cost model that empowers Planners and Project Managers to independently prepare well-informed initial project budgets, reducing reliance on the Estimator for routine cost development.
- Build and maintain a comprehensive project cost database by incorporating historical project cost data, current market pricing, and contractor-submitted cost information, ensuring the model reflects accurate and current conditions.
- Design the estimating cost model in a format that is accessible and practical for everyday use by Planners and Project Managers, with clear documentation that supports independent application across project types and sizes.
- Collect and integrate cost data from completed projects and contractor engagements on an ongoing basis, continuously improving the accuracy and relevance of the model over time.
- Develop detailed calculations from completed capital projects in collaboration with the Campus Controller's Office to assist with Campus capitalization reports.
Training- Lead department-wide training on estimating fundamentals and cost evaluation to build the team's skills and capacity in developing and reviewing project budgets without requiring the Estimator's direct involvement on every project.
- Develop and deliver training curriculum for Planners and Project Managers on how to use the department's estimating cost model to prepare initial project budgets, with an emphasis on independent application.
- Facilitate training sessions for Project Managers on how to evaluate contractor-submitted pricing documents, including Schedules of Values (SOVs), Guaranteed Maximum Price documentation (GMPs), Design-Bid-Build bids, and change orders.
- Provide targeted coaching to Project Managers on reviewing Contractor's Proposals (COPs) and other pricing deliverables, strengthening the department's first line of review at the project level.
Conceptual Estimating- Provide expert-level Class 5 and Class 4 estimates to support Planning, Design & Construction in developing reliable cost projections for capital, large deferred maintenance, and controlled maintenance projects prior to contractor or third-party estimator engagement.
- Prepare Class 5 and Class 4 conceptual estimates for capital projects in support of the Planning team, delivering data-backed and time-based cost projections that allow projects to advance with confidence through early development phases.
- Develop conceptual estimates for deferred maintenance and controlled maintenance projects in support of the Engineering team, informing prioritization and scoping decisions based on realistic cost expectations.
- Prepare Life Cycle Cost Analyses (LCCAs) on projects as requested, providing long-range cost perspective to inform decisions on materials, systems, and project scope.
Market Trends- Build and maintain active relationships with the regional construction market to gather current cost data, assess emerging trends, and keep PD&C informed of conditions that affect project budgets and planning decisions.
- Cultivate and sustain working relationships with general contractors and subcontractors in the Denver and Boulder metro area, establishing a reliable network for gathering current labor, material, and equipment cost data.
- Monitor and analyze local and regional construction market trends, incorporating findings into regular updates to PD&C's estimating cost model to keep it current and reflective of actual market conditions.
- Deliver periodic market cost trend reports to PD&C leadership and project teams, translating market conditions into actionable awareness that informs project planning and budget development.
Procurement and Bid Support- Support lead Project Managers on capital projects by providing experienced review of contractor-submitted pricing and contributing to award recommendations across multiple project delivery methods.
- Review contractor pricing submissions for completeness and accuracy on capital projects across CMGC, Design-Bid-Build, and Design-Build delivery methods, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, or risk areas in the pricing.
- Evaluate contractor bids and proposals relative to project scope, design documents, and current market conditions, providing an independent cost perspective that strengthens the award process.
- Prepare written documentation supporting award recommendations, offering clear and objective cost analysis that assists lead Project Managers and department leadership in making well-informed decisions.
What You Should KnowThis position is eligible for a hybrid work modality (at least 3 days a week are required to be in office), and has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours. This role is not expected to work University recognized holidays, weekends, or evenings, barring extenuating circumstances.
What We Can OfferThe salary range for this position is $114,000 - $129,000 annually.
BenefitsAt the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be StatementsBe effective. Be successful. Be Boulder.
What We Require- Bachelor's degree from an accredited, non-correspondence college or university in one of the following fields: Construction Management, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering, Cost Estimating, or a closely related field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis.
- 6 years of experience in construction cost estimating on capital construction projects of $10 million or greater in project budget, including a variety of building types, and at the program, conceptual, schematic, design development and construction document stages of design in elemental and CSI format for all architectural, structural, and civil components of new construction and renovation projects.
What You Will Need- Client-focused relationship building; ability to serve as a trusted advisor to campus partners.
- Inclusive, collaborative leadership across cross-functional teams of consultants, contractors, and internal partners.
- Clear, concise communication tailored to diverse audiences; strong meeting facilitation skills.
- Analytical problem-solving, cost and schedule control, and attention to quality and safety.
- Negotiation, consensus building, and proactive risk management.
- Adaptability and continuous improvement approach.
What We Would Like You to Have- Experience with Project Estimating Cost Models, solid understanding of AACE classifications, and excellent analytical skills.
- MEP estimating experience for new construction and renovation projects.
- AACE International and/or Certified Cost Professional certification.
- Proficiency with estimating software (Procore, Autodesk, Sage, etc.).
- Ability to read project construction drawings and specifications.
- Experience in training colleagues in construction estimating practices and approaches.
- Experience with a variety of project delivery methods, including: Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC).
- Experience estimating building construction and renovation projects, particularly within institutional or higher education environments.
- Experience estimating and tracking costs of projects designed and built to sustainability standards (LEED, energy-efficient design).
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Project.
- Working experience with project management information systems (e.g., Unifier, e-Builder, Kahua, Procore, or similar).
- Familiarity with, or the ability to quickly learn, the State of Colorado's Office of the Architect and State Buildings Program contractual agreements, or comparable frameworks.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus on customer service and team member engagement.
- Active participation in professional organizations (e.g., AACE International, Lean Construction Institute, Construction Owners
- Association of America, CMAA) and demonstrating commitment to industry standards and continuous professional development is a plus.
- Active professional industry certification(s) such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified Construction Manager), DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America), or Lean Construction credentials (LCI), thereby demonstrating advanced expertise and commitment to industry standards is a plus.
- Work experience with, or a credential in, a High Performance Certification Program (like LEED, Green Building Initiative, or Green Globes) is a plus.
Special InstructionsTo apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that highlights how your unique background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position, and tells us in your own words why this opportunity interests you.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by
October 12, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
