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.
Access our
Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards
could be at CU Boulder (This position is a University Staff
position).
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. 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 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.
What We Would Like You to Have
- 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.
Special Instructions
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 19, 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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
