Lead Project Cost Estimator

Role summary

This position leads the cost estimating function for LAUSD’s portfolio of school modernization and construction work, valued at more than $10 billion. The role is responsible for producing independent cost estimates for major, high-value school building projects, guiding a team of estimators, and setting the benchmark used to evaluate contractor bids.

The work is highly detail-focused and carries significant financial impact. It involves interpreting complex drawings, applying building code requirements, sourcing current labor and material pricing, and preparing estimates that shape negotiation strategy for projects worth tens of millions of dollars. You will also compare architect and contractor estimates against district estimates, challenge discrepancies, and represent the district in pre-bid meetings with project stakeholders.

This role works closely with design teams, architects, engineers, contractors, and LAUSD leadership. It also includes conducting studies when bids differ sharply from estimates, and training staff and minority contractors on estimating practices and bidding procedures. The work is structured, technically demanding, and directly affects which projects proceed and on what schedule.

Key responsibilities

• Direct and oversee a team of estimators, including assigning daily work and coordinating workload.
• Plan and contribute to construction cost estimates for complex structures using drawings, outlines, and specifications.
• Prepare and review cost estimates and grant or loan application materials for submission to state and federal agencies.
• Evaluate cost estimates prepared by architects and engineers for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with district estimates.
• Work with architects and engineers to close estimate gaps and reach agreement on preliminary construction costs.
• Investigate major bid variances and prepare reports when contractor bids differ substantially from agreed estimates.
• Review the breakdown of contract costs and advise on whether to accept or reject them for progress payment purposes.
• Analyze change orders on construction contracts and determine whether added costs or credits should be approved.
• Create and maintain cost-tracking systems that compare estimated costs with actual project costs.
• Deliver training and take part in seminars for district staff, architects, and minority contractors on bidding, contracts, and estimating methods.
• Prepare preliminary and final independent cost estimates to support negotiations with designers or contractors.
• Develop change order estimates for Owner Authorized Representatives and support pricing discussions.

Requirements

• At least 14 years of full-time paid professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major or complex Type I, II, III, and V building construction under state building codes, or 20+ years of such experience with degree flexibility.
• A degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management, unless qualifying through 20+ years of estimating experience without a degree requirement.
• Minimum 3 years of direct experience supervising estimators and managing an estimating team.
• At least 5 years of work experience with a construction cost consulting firm or a comparable role.
• Ability to produce detailed estimates quickly in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong knowledge of current local construction labor rates and material pricing.
• Capability to define scope from RFI/RFC responses and build detailed independent cost estimates without relying on contractor pricing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting estimates to senior leaders and design teams.
• Experience creating scope and cost estimates for change orders.
• Ability to compare independent estimates with contractor proposals and identify pricing differences efficiently.

Preferred background

• Experience with school modernization or education-sector construction projects.
• Working knowledge of California building code requirements and complex school construction procedures.
• Familiarity with school aid programs and state or federal grant and loan processes.
• Experience training staff or minority contractors on estimating methods.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent estimates for high-value projects.
• Exposure to cost estimating software and spreadsheet-based modeling.

Benefits and employer highlights

MAAS has built trust over nearly 40 years with more than 50 educational institutions across California and has managed over $10 billion in projects. The work is described as stable, funded, and meaningful, rather than contract-chasing.

The company is 100% employee-owned through an ESOP, offered at no cost as a retirement benefit in addition to salary. MAAS describes itself as profitable and well-run, and notes that its share price has more than doubled since the plan began, with continued year-over-year growth. The longer an employee stays, the greater the ownership stake can become. Nationally, ESOP participants tend to accumulate 2.5 times more retirement savings than employees at non-ESOP companies.

MAAS also highlights its culture, noting that 96% of employees say it is a great place to work and 100% say people genuinely care about one another.

Additional information

No salary, openings, start date, application deadline, or location flexibility details were provided in the source. The role is listed as on-site in Los Angeles, CA.