DIRECTOR, COST ESTIMATING (CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION) - Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Metro’s mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.

Description

Serves as primary member of the estimating team with the overall responsibility for the creation of budgets and estimates, and provides direction and oversees an independent project, specific cost estimating, and analysis group within Metro's Office of Program Management.

Examples of Duties

• Provides direction and oversight of the cost estimating and cost/price analysis activities, methods, and processes for all projects bid
• Reviews project plans and specifications and coordinates with the team to confirm complete scope
• Develops, establishes, and manages the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, standardized procedures, and work standards for the cost estimating function
• Assists in the development and modification of Metro's long- and short-range transit plans
• Directs the preparation and administration of the division budget for area of responsibility
• Confers with Metro management regarding cost estimating and cost/price analysis
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and Metro rules, regulations, and policies
• Analyzes complaints occurring in performance of cost estimates and cost/price analysis
• Develops strategies to resolve potential problems on major cost estimates and cost/price analysis
• Represents Metro in meetings with representatives of governmental agencies and professional and business organizations
• Monitors developments related to Estimating Department and evaluates the impact upon Metro operations; recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements
• Schedules and participates in scope definition and fact-finding meetings
• Negotiates resolution of cost estimating and pricing issues; develops change orders
• Prepares comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Develops, manages, and conducts training for estimating resources
• Supervises, mentors, and motivates assigned staff
• Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

  
  May be required to perform other related job duties

*This classification is At-Will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Hiring Authority.*

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

• Five years of relevant management-level experience working directly on the design and construction of large or major civil or facilities projects as a construction cost estimator

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions
• California Professional Engineering (PE) License preferred

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.

• Experience applying high level cost estimating in capital construction projects
• Experience utilizing Construction Estimating and Construction Bidding Software (e.g., Sage Timberline, Heavy Bid, On-Screen Take Off, etc.)
• Experience negotiating with contractors to meet set goals, budgets, and deadlines
• Experience applying heavy civil construction methods, such as soldier pile, lagging excavation support systems, and temporary street decking systems
• Experience managing and directing the work of cost estimators

Essential Knowledge

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• Theories, principles, and practices of construction, engineering, cost estimating, parametrics, price/cost analysis, and government contract pricing
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Engineering and construction concepts and techniques, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil engineering
• Construction methods for rail transit guideways, highways, streets, and bridges
• Construction methods for buildings, reinforced concrete and steel structures, and equipment relating to transportation systems
• Construction Industry Codes and Unit Cost Data
• Sources of estimating data in the construction industry
• Applicable business software applications
• Modern management theory

• Overseeing and directing the work of the Cost Estimating Department
• Establishing and implementing policies and procedures
• Determining strategies to achieve goals
• Analyzing situations, identifying problems, implementing solutions, and evaluating outcomes
• Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Preparing comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
• Supervising, training, mentoring, and motivating assigned staff and consultants in several project field offices

• Think and act independently
• Compile, analyze, and interpret complex data
• Mediate and negotiate consensus solutions
• Make financial decisions within a budget
• Understand, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements
• Provide technical training and direction, commitments, and recommendations for action to be taken by Metro
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Communicating through speech in the English language required 

Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program. Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with Fair Chance hiring practices.

Selection Procedure

Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.

Application Procedure

To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.

Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro location:

METRO Headquarters, Employment Office
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.

All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. 

*Open to the public and all Metro employees

This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.