Cost Estimator

#CA-DS

The Cost Estimator will play a crucial role in UC Davis Health's capital financial planning and project management processes, providing accurate estimates and analyses for planning design and construction projects. As a cost estimator, you will be responsible for evaluating project specifications, analyzing costs of labor and materials, and preparing comprehensive cost reports that aid in the decision-making process. Your expertise will directly impact the efficiency and profitability of our projects, ensuring that resources are allocated wisely within budgetary constraints. You will also be able to provide high level conceptual cost estimates for project budgeting and planning/

The successful applicant will have a blend of technical skills and an understanding of architecture, engineering and construction principles, enabling them to work effectively with project managers, architects, and engineers. Additionally, you will stay abreast of market trends and pricing strategies to ensure our cost estimates remain competitive and realistic.

As a member of UC Davis Health's Facility Planning & Development Division (FP&D) and the Project Development team the cost estimator will be responsible for project scoping, site investigations, programming, schedule development and cost estimating., This work will help to ensure that the management of capital projects are conducted in accordance with all established policies and procedures both internal and external to FP&D.

Apply By Date

9/4/2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position.

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience or training in architecture, engineering, urban design, city planning, landscape architecture, construction management or related fields.
• Proven experience as a cost estimator in the construction or architecture industry, with a minimum of 5 years in a similar role.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in cost estimating within the architecture and/or construction industry.
• Experience supervising personnel including recruitment, training, work assignment, setting expectations, evaluating performance, and initiating reward or corrective action as required.
• Expert experience successfully estimating/cost control architectural and engineering capital and non-capital projects of the largest scope and complexity, including direct responsibility for the leadership of project teams and the development and management of overall project budgets and schedules.
• Experience with a wide variety of construction delivery methods and best practices. Design Build experience preferred
• Strong understanding of construction processes, materials, and methodologies and industry standards.
• Proficiency in cost estimating software and analytical tools, such as Estimating software or Bluebeam.
• Excellent mathematical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with project teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret complex architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong analytical skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proven leadership skills that include work with complex organizations and large projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensure, Certification, or degree.
• California licensed architect, professional engineer, civil, SE, mechanical, electrical, surveyor or relevant certification such as Certified Construction Manager (thru CMAA), Design Build Professional (thru DBIA), Project Management Professional (thru PMI), or equivalent. or advanced degree 2. Certificate in cost estimating.
• Expert knowledge of project management, construction management, and a high level technical expertise of building systems typically acquired through acquisition of a degree from an accredited curriculum or professional licensure in architecture / engineering or through extensive experience in planning and management of construction and renovation
• Expert knowledge of project management, construction management, and a high level technical expertise of building systems typically acquired through acquisition of a degree from an accredited curriculum or professional licensure in architecture / engineering or through extensive experience in planning and management of construction and renovation of buildings, facilities and physical plant systems and equipment. Skills to appropriately apply practices and procedures to meet University's building program requirements and objectives.
• Expert financial skills to prepare, monitor and manage detailed project budgets, evaluate independent cost estimates, and review and approve payment requests. Strong working knowledge of spreadsheet computer software such as MS Excel.
• Knowledge of hospital functions and general policies and procedures. Understand and be conversant with concepts of desirable spatial relationships for medical and support functions.
• Sufficient financial and accounting skills to develop and manage project budgets. Knowledge of construction sequences and practices to prepare and/or review project schedules and estimates.
• Demonstrated experience with design and construction contracts, contract law and construction claims procedures.
• Superior oral and written communication skills. Ability to deal effectively with a broad range of individuals from construction workers to the highest levels of University's management personnel, occasionally under stressful circumstances. Written communication skills to prepare clear, concise, and professional reports and correspondence.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely and efficient manner, particularly when there are changes in workload or assignments due to pressures of deadline and heavy workload.

Key Responsibilities

• 20% - LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION
• 60% - PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
• 20% - ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Department Overview

The Facilities Planning and Development (FP&D) Division mission is the implementation of UC Davis Health's Capital Improvement Program in keeping with the Long Range Development Plan (LRDP). This includes the authority and responsibility to manage capital improvement planning, design, and construction projects for in-patient, outpatient healthcare and education purposes. This position has the primary responsibility for implementing and achieving the department purpose.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $8,533.33 - $16,866.66
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: DESIGN AND CONST MGT SPEC 4
• UC Job Code: 000539
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): AM, 8 hour
• Location: Facilities Support Srvcs Bldg (HSP068)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
• THIS IS NOT AN HI-B OPPORTUNITY

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements.
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks