Job Description

CSA Cost Estimator

Location: Indianapolis, IN (Onsite) / Portland, OR (Remote) / Phoenix, AZ (Remote)

Salary: $100,000-$115,000/year

Job Description:

The CSA Cost Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for civil, structural, and architectural (CSA) scopes of work. The role supports senior team members by developing budget and market-based estimates, analyzing trade bids, and performing cost reconciliations using project documents, industry standards, and current market pricing. The candidate collaborates with project stakeholders to ensure estimates are aligned with scope, budget, and constructability requirements.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Estimation: Prepares detailed cost estimates by reviewing drawings, specifications, and other project documentation.

• Quantity Takeoff: Performs accurate quantity takeoffs using design documents to support reliable cost modeling.

• Cost Analysis: Applies construction cost standards, including union and trade-based pricing structures, to support consistent estimating practices.

• Should Cost Development: Develops independent “should cost” estimates to validate subcontractor and trade pricing for fairness and market alignment.

• Bid Evaluation: Reviews and reconciles trade bid submissions against scope requirements, project budgets, and current market conditions to identify variances.

• Pricing Research: Sources and validates up-to-date pricing data from contractors, suppliers, cost databases, and market references.

• Collaboration: Works with architects, engineers, and project teams to clarify scope, resolve discrepancies, and support accurate estimating.

• Documentation: Maintains organized estimate files, cost records, and project documentation in accordance with company standards for auditability and transparency.

• Cost Reconciliation: Prepares comparisons between multiple estimates and clearly explains cost differences and underlying drivers.

• Cost Data Support: Supports development and maintenance of internal cost databases to improve estimating accuracy over time.

• Field Support: May conduct site visits to gather information and validate project conditions when required.

• Travel: Quarterly travel to Indianapolis, IN if based in Oregon or Arizona may be necessary depending on project needs.

• General Support: Assists senior staff with process improvements and performs additional related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualification Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience in CSA estimating.

• Experience: 5–10 years of relevant experience in construction estimating, cost analysis, or related disciplines.

• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Windows OS, and web-based estimating or project management platforms.

• Estimating Expertise: Strong understanding of bid evaluation processes, quantity takeoffs, and RSMeans or similar cost databases used for construction estimating.

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data, identify cost drivers, and support accurate financial decision-making.

• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present cost information clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Professional Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and capability to work effectively in fast-paced project environments.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

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