Estimator (Federal Construction - Job Order Contracting)

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SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly experienced Construction Estimator to support a federal installation in Southeast Georgia under a Job Order Contract (JOC) program. In this full-time, salaried role, the Estimator will be responsible for developing detailed project estimates for numerous small-to-medium construction and renovation projects on the installation. The Estimator will utilize RSMeans Online extensively to prepare accurate unit-price estimates in a fast-paced JOC environment. The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of experience on federal government construction projects and 5+ years of hands-on JOC estimating experience. This role requires strong knowledge of federal procurement processes, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to deliver precise, competitively priced estimates under tight timeframes. Success in this position will mean providing reliable cost data to enable on-budget project delivery and high client satisfaction. Oversee Jr., to Mid-Level estimating professionals as our Project Controls (estimating/scheduling) Unit grows. Support and train others on RS Means Estimating, Project Controls and Scheduling Requirements. Other duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  Accurate JOC Estimate Preparation: Prepare detailed line-item estimates for each task order using RSMeans Online, breaking down projects into unit costs on a SF 4330. S

  
  
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  Timely Proposal Turnaround: Produce complete cost proposals for JOC work orders within required timeframes (often 7-10 days per request).

  
  
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  Compliance with Federal Contract Requirements: Ensure all estimates and scopes strictly follow federal contract terms, FAR regulations, and JOC program requirements.

  
  
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  Cost Database Management: Continuously update and adjust RSMeans unit prices for local market conditions and annual pricing updates.

  
  
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  Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with project managers, engineers, and client representatives during site visits and scope development to clarify project requirements.

  
  
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  Value Engineering & Cost Optimization: Identify opportunities for cost savings or alternative solutions (value engineering) in project scopes without compromising quality.

  
  
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  Mentorship and Process Improvement: (If applicable) Mentor junior estimators or project engineers in JOC estimating techniques and RSMeans usage. Additionally, refine internal estimating processes for efficiency.

  
  

Key Competencies:

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  Expertise in RSMeans & Unit Price Costing: Deep proficiency with RSMeans Online and unit price book estimating. Able to quickly find and apply correct line items and adjust for quantities and location factors.

  
  
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  Federal Contract Knowledge: In-depth understanding of federal construction contracting (e.g. FAR, DFARS) and Job Order Contracting procedures. Familiar with the compliance, paperwork, and auditing standards in a federal JOC environment.

  
  
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  Analytical Precision: Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills to ensure accurate quantity takeoffs and pricing. Able to cross-check estimates and catch errors or omissions, resulting in highly reliable cost proposals.

  
  
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  Project Management Insight: Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple job orders simultaneously and prioritize estimates by deadlines. Uses project management insight to foresee project needs and resource constraints.

  
  
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  Communication & Negotiation: Excellent written and verbal communication for coordinating with stakeholders and presenting cost estimates. Capable of articulating and defending estimates during negotiations or scope discussions with owners' representatives.

  
  
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  Problem-Solving: Proactive problem solver who can adjust estimates when project conditions change, resolve scope ambiguities, and recommend alternative solutions to meet budget targets.

  
  
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  Ethics & Integrity: High ethical standards, especially when dealing with government projects. Ensures transparency and honesty in estimating without cutting corners, upholding the American Society of Professional Estimators Code of Ethics in all tasks.

  
  
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  Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying updated on construction cost trends, JOC best practices, and new versions/features of RSMeans or other estimating software. Adapts to new methods to improve accuracy and efficiency.

  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

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  Experience: Minimum 10 years of construction estimating experience on federal government projects (e.g. DoD, federal campuses) - required. Proven track record of developing estimates for building renovations, infrastructure, and miscellaneous construction on federal facilities.

  
  
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  Job Order Contracting: At least 5 years of experience in a JOC environment - required. Familiarity with the JOC process, including preparing job order proposals, applying coefficient markups, and working within annual IDIQ contract limits.

  
  
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  RSMeans Proficiency: Extensive working knowledge of RSMeans Online - required. Able to navigate the RSMeans database quickly to price labor, materials, equipment for diverse construction tasks. (Experience with JOC-specific estimating tools or databases is a strong plus.)

  
  
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  Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field is strongly preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

  
  
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  Technical Skills: Proficiency in reading construction drawings and specifications. Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel and project management software. Experience with other estimating software is beneficial.

  
  
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  Certifications: Professional certifications are highly valued at this level. Examples include:

  
  
  
  
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    Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) - certification by ASPE demonstrating advanced estimating expertise (highly preferred)

    
    
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    Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) - credentials by AACE International, indicating mastery in cost engineering/estimating (preferred)

    
    
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    Project Management Professional (PMP) - credential by PMI demonstrating strong project management skills (considered a plus, especially for coordinating multiple JOC task orders).

    
    
  
  
  
  
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  Licenses: Valid driver's license and ability to access secure federal installations. Must be able to pass any required background checks for base access. Security clearance is a plus.

  
  

DAWSON is an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DAWSON offers a best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.

DAWSON gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration.