About this Role:Consertus is seeking a
Senior Cost Estimator to support
LA Metro's LA 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games Program. This program includes a range of capital improvement projects such as
Mobility Hubs,
bus initiatives (including Games-related bus/shuttle service enhancements), and other supporting infrastructure projects, all in various phases of delivery (planning, design, and construction).
This role supports cost estimating activities for complex rail and transit capital projects and is responsible for producing accurate, defensible estimates throughout the project lifecycle. LA Metro is specifically seeking candidates with alternative delivery experience and/or a strong contractor-side estimating background. The ideal candidate has supported projects delivered using alternative procurement/delivery methods (e.g., Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CMGC/CMAR) and will collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, designers, and external stakeholders to support cost transparency, cost validation, and informed decision-making.
Key Responsibilities: - Develop independent and/or contractor-style construction cost estimates across all phases (conceptual, schematic, design development, construction documents, and change order pricing).
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications; validate scope completeness and constructability considerations.
- Prepare clear and comprehensive documentation, including assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, indirects, escalation, and contingency rationale.
- Apply appropriate labor, equipment, productivity, material pricing, taxes, insurance, and markups to develop accurate estimates.
- Support estimates for projects delivered under alternative delivery methods, including evaluation of contractor proposals, design-assist inputs, and progressive design-build pricing.
- Analyze and support cost impacts associated with scope changes, schedule impacts, and risk items; assist with pricing evaluations and reconciliations.
- Participate in estimate reviews, peer reviews, and reconciliation meetings with client and third-party estimators and/or contractors.
- Coordinate with Project Controls, scheduling, and project management teams to ensure estimate alignment with project scope, delivery strategy, and schedule milestones.
- Support change order evaluations and negotiations by providing estimate detail and technical justification.
- Maintain estimating files, quantity takeoff backups, pricing references, and historical cost data to support benchmarking and future estimates.
Minimum QualificationsRequired Experience- 15+ years of construction cost estimating experience, including experience producing estimates for large, complex capital projects.
- Demonstrated estimating experience in contractor or design-build environments.
- Experience supporting alternative delivery methods such as Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CMGC/CMAR.
- Strong ability to read and interpret plans/specifications and develop detailed scope-based estimates.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present estimate rationale and defend assumptions.
Required Education- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting major rail/transit programs for public agencies (LA Metro experience a plus).
- Experience with estimating tools such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), CostX, Accubid, HCSS HeavyBid, and/or Sage/Timberline.
- Familiarity with project controls practices (WBS alignment, cost breakdown structures, cash flow/time phasing).
- Certifications such as CPE/CEP, PMP, and/or LEED AP.
Working Hours & Location: - Location: Los Angeles, CA (either Gateway (Metro HQ) or DTLA)
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid; expected to be in-office 4 days per week and 1 day remote
- Schedule: Full-time, exempt role with standard business hours
Compensation Range: $187,200 - $210,000 annually; Eligible for Bonus.
What's In It for You: - Comprehensive Health Coverage (medical, dental, vision)
- Optional benefits like pet insurance, legal insurance and supplemental health plans
- 401(k) with day-one eligibility. You'll get a 100% match on the first 3% of your eligible compensation and 50% match on contributions between 3% and 5% of your pay.
- Generous time off: 10 paid holidays, and PTO starting at 15 days, growing to up to 25 days
- Access to Consertus Academy for continuous learning and development
How to Apply: If you are a highly experienced estimator with alternative delivery and contractor-side estimating experience and are interested in supporting one of LA Metro's most visible programs, we would like to hear from you. Apply today!
