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Construction Cost Estimator
Job Location:
Job Location:
Dallas, TX - USA
Monthly Salary:
USD 1 - 8
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
8 September 2026 (18 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
6 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Foster CM Group is seeking an experienced Construction Cost Estimator for a full-time position located in Dallas Texas.
Focus Large-Scale Convention Center Projects
Position Summary
The Construction Cost Estimator is responsible for providing accurate comprehensive and defensible cost estimates for large-scale capital construction projects exceeding $100M with a strong preference for direct experience on convention center facilities.
This role supports preconstruction budgeting value engineering procurement and cost control efforts across complex multi-phase projects in an active urban environment. The estimator serves as a key technical advisor to owners designers and construction teams ensuring financial alignment from concept through completion.
Key Responsibilities
Preconstruction & Estimating
Qualifications
Required
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Focus Large-Scale Convention Center Projects
Position Summary
The Construction Cost Estimator is responsible for providing accurate comprehensive and defensible cost estimates for large-scale capital construction projects exceeding $100M with a strong preference for direct experience on convention center facilities.
This role supports preconstruction budgeting value engineering procurement and cost control efforts across complex multi-phase projects in an active urban environment. The estimator serves as a key technical advisor to owners designers and construction teams ensuring financial alignment from concept through completion.
Key Responsibilities
Preconstruction & Estimating
- Prepare detailed order-of-magnitude (ROM) schematic design development and construction document (CD) estimates for large-scale convention center projects ($100M).
- Develop trade-specific and system-level estimates for complex scopes including:
- Large-span structural systems
- Exhibit halls and ballrooms
- Back-of-house and service corridors
- Central utility plants and MEP infrastructure
- Renovation and expansion within occupied facilities
- Perform quantity take-offs and cost modeling using industry-standard estimating software.
- Validate estimates against historical cost data market conditions and local Dallas/Fort Worth subcontractor pricing.
- Apply knowledge of convention center operational requirements including event-driven phasing load-in/load-out constraints security requirements and premium finishes.
- Incorporate experience with convention center-specific conditions such as:
- Urban site logistics and access constraints
- Coordination with City of Dallas stakeholders
- Phased construction to maintain facility operations
- Integration with existing structural and MEP systems
- Understand public-sector procurement funding sources and reporting requirements typical of municipal convention center projects.
- Lead cost reconciliation efforts with architects engineers and construction partners.
- Provide value engineering options that maintain program intent durability and lifecycle performance while achieving budget goals.
- Conduct escalation analysis contingency planning and risk-based cost assessments.
- Support bid packaging strategies subcontractor prequalification and bid evaluation.
- Analyze bids and develop scope leveling trade comparisons and buyout recommendations.
- Assist project teams with budget updates change order pricing reviews and cost forecasting during construction.
- Present cost estimates and analyses clearly to owners city representatives and executive leadership.
- Prepare written narratives explaining assumptions exclusions risks and cost drivers.
- Collaborate closely with project managers schedulers and construction managers to align cost and schedule impacts.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelors degree in Construction Management Engineering Architecture or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5-10 years of construction estimating experience including multiple projects valued at $100M or greater.
- Direct experience estimating large convention center civic or assembly-use facilities.
- Demonstrated experience working on public-sector or municipal projects.
- Advanced proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
- Prior experience specifically with large-scale convention centers.
- Familiarity with the Dallas/Fort Worth construction market subcontractor base and labor conditions.
- Experience supporting CM-at-Risk Owners Representative or Program Management delivery models.
- Professional certifications such as CCP CCE or LEED.
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly exposed to moving machinery & mechanical parts uneven ground exposure to dust gas or fumes exposure to loud noise and outside weather conditions.
- The physical requirements must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Intermittent unassisted sitting walking standing bending squatting climbing kneeling twisting stooping crawling pushing and lifting is required. Must be able to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods of time for at least eight hours per day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move light equipment up to 50 pounds without assistance. Must be alert to equipment in the field occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery ability to walk on uneven ground while physically maneuvering construction sites ability to work in extreme temperatures or humidity and potentially work at heights.
- Possession of a valid state of residence drivers license with a clean driving record.
- Daily travel to and from construction sites generally within 100 miles from the home office is expected. Short term out of town assignments may be required. Long term out of town assignments may be required with advance notice of planned dates.
- May be required to work protracted and irregular hours to meet clients needs including nights overtime and weekends.
- All positions at Foster CM Group require an applicant who has accepted an employment offer to undergo a background check. Background checks may include SSN/SIN validation education verification employment verification criminal background check fingerprint verification and/or drug test. All employment offers are contingent upon successful results of required background checks.
- Medical Insurance to include HSA and FSA benefits
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Prescription Drug
- Telehealth Benefits
- Life Insurance
- STD paid by the Company
- LTD paid by the Company
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 401 (K) with Company Match
- Vacation
- Holidays
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Financial Wellness
- Pet Insurance
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