Cost Estimator - Capital Projects Facilities & Services

Cost Estimator - Capital Projects Facilities & Services

This position is responsible for forecasting the expenses associated with projects by analyzing various factors such as labor, materials, and time requirements. Responsible for helping determine the financial feasibility of projects and in planning budgets, and work closely with university project managers, and design and construction vendors to gather data and provide accurate cost predictions. Responsible for identifying potential cost-saving opportunities, to support the timely and cost-efficient delivery of projects.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Analyze construction documents, project manuals, and other contract documents and prepare detailed time, cost, materials, and labor estimates for capital projects in multiple phases of project delivery (Planning, Design, Bid & Award).
• Collaborate with project teams to refine and reconcile in-house cost estimates with those provided by design and construction vendors.
• Collect, analyze, and document historical data and set up cost monitoring systems for project costs.
• Estimate not to exceed and lump sum change orders during construction.
• Recommend and estimate cost-reduction strategies for capital projects.
• Monitor design and construction industry forecasts and annual reports, and local market for escalation and labor availability
• Generate quarterly and financial year reports for capital projects bidding.
• Estimate and recommend bid alternates for capital project bidding.
• Calculate and recommend unit costs and allowances for capital project bidding.
• Estimate contractor proposals for work to be performed within a contract allowance.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or a closely related field. 2. Two (2) years (24 months) of commercial construction management experience. 3. Demonstrated experience in cost estimation, project budgeting, and/or construction cost analysis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret plans, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• Knowledge of the practical application of construction technology.
• Knowledge in commercial scheduling and estimating software.
• Knowledge of building codes or industry standards.

Appointment Information:

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5012 - Construction Project Manager position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 04/20/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $80,000 - $100,000.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information:

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 04/20/2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Ken McCray at klmccray@illinois.edu or call 217.300.6211. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.