Job Details

Design and Construction Estimator

Position Number: 9752098
Location: Boulder, United States
Position Type: Facilities Management

Design and Construction Estimator

Requisition Number: 74102
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 20-Aug-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

This 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.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The PD&C department consists of three teams (Planning, Engineering, and Design & Construction) responsible for the planning, design, and construction of buildings on campus, in support of CU Boulder's academic mission. The Design & Construction team consists of approximately 40 high performing project delivery professionals leading over 400 projects across campus annually with a combined budget of over $500 million. The Design & Construction team strives to guide campus development in a way that gives physical form to the university's mission, vision, and programs through the effective use of human, environmental, and financial resources.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Project 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 Know

This 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 Offer

The salary range for this position is $114,000 - $129,000 annually.

Benefits

At 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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be 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.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by August 20, 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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Design-and-Construction-Estimator/74102