Construction Cost Estimator

$100,000 - $120,000 a year

Position Overview

The Scheduler and Cost Estimator provides senior-level technical support for project scheduling and cost estimating across construction and facilities programs managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). This role is responsible for developing, analyzing, and maintaining integrated schedules and cost estimates to support program planning, execution, and oversight. The position works closely with project managers, engineers, contracting officers, and financial stakeholders to ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and compliant with federal requirements.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Project Scheduling & Analysis

-Develop, maintain, and update detailed project schedules using approved tools such as Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project .

-Prepare Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules, baseline schedules, and resource-loaded schedules.

-Perform schedule variance and risk analyses; identify potential delays and recommend corrective actions.

-Monitor milestone performance and support schedule recovery planning.

Cost Estimating & Budget Support

-Prepare Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) for construction projects, contract actions, change orders, and procurement packages.

-Apply multiple cost estimating methodologies, including parametric, bottom-up, analogy , and CSI-format estimating.

-Develop and review Class 1-5 construction cost estimates .

-Conduct cost risk and lifecycle cost analyses.

-Ensure estimates comply with FAR , OMB Circular A-11 , and agency-specific financial guidance.

Program Support & Reporting

-Prepare and present cost and schedule reports identifying trends, risks, and potential impacts.

-Support Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting and performance measurement.

-Coordinate with DFMC leadership, BIA/BIE regional offices, engineers, contracting officers, and financial analysts to integrate schedule and cost data.

Technical Review & Advisory Support

-Review contractor-submitted schedules and cost proposals for accuracy, realism, and regulatory compliance.

-Provide expert technical guidance to project managers and senior leadership on schedule and cost matters.

-Assist in developing best practices, tools, and procedures for scheduling and estimating.

-Train staff and stakeholders on scheduling and cost-estimating techniques as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

-Expert knowledge of CPM scheduling , resource-loaded schedules, and schedule risk analysis.

-Advanced understanding of government cost estimating principles , including RSMeans or equivalent.

-Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex cost and schedule data.

-Working knowledge of FAR , OMB Circular A-11 , and federal budgeting processes.

-Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing senior leadership.

-Ability to work independently while supporting multi-disciplinary project teams.

Qualifications & Experience

-Minimum of five (5) years of specialized experience , including:

-Developing and maintaining CPM-based project schedules.

-Preparing and analyzing government cost estimates.

-Supporting project teams with cost, schedule, and performance monitoring.

-Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred Certifications (not required):

-Project Management Professional ( PMP )

-Planning & Scheduling Professional ( PSP )

-Certified Cost Estimator ( CCE )

Supervision & Work Environment

-Works under general supervision of a Division or Branch Chief.

-Assignments are reviewed for effectiveness and alignment with program objectives.

-May serve as a technical lead for schedule and cost analysis tasks.