Design and Construction Estimator

Construction Cost Estimating Expert

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.

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.

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.

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

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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be effective. Be successful. Be Boulder.

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.

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.

Experience with Project Estimating Cost Models, solid understanding of AACE classifications, and excellent analytical skills.

MEP estimating experience for new construction and renovation projects.

AACE International and/or Certified Cost Professional certification.

Proficiency with estimating software (Procore, Autodesk, Sage, etc.).

Ability to read project construction drawings and specifications.

Experience in training colleagues in construction estimating practices and approaches.

Experience with a variety of project delivery methods, including: Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC).

Experience estimating building construction and renovation projects, particularly within institutional or higher education environments.

Experience estimating and tracking costs of projects designed and built to sustainability standards (LEED, energy-efficient design).

Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Project.

Working experience with project management information systems (e.g., Unifier, e-Builder, Kahua, Procore, or similar).

Familiarity with, or the ability to quickly learn, the State of Colorado's Office of the Architect and State Buildings Program contractual agreements, or comparable frameworks.

Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus on customer service and team member engagement.

Active participation in professional organizations (e.g., AACE International, Lean Construction Institute, Construction Owners Association of America, CMAA) and demonstrating commitment to industry standards and continuous professional development is a plus.

Active professional industry certification(s) such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified Construction Manager), DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America), or Lean Construction credentials (LCI), thereby demonstrating advanced expertise and commitment to industry standards is a plus.

Work experience with, or a credential in, a High Performance Certification Program (like LEED, Green Building Initiative, or Green Globes) is a plus.

To apply, please submit the following materials: A current resume. A cover letter that highlights how your unique background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position, and tells us in your own words why this opportunity interests you. We may request references at a later time. Please apply by October 8, 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.