Estimator

Salary : $103,491.00 - $155,238.00 Annually

Location : San Carlos, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2025-00210

Division: Rail

Department: Capital Project Management

Opening Date: 05/09/2025

Closing Date: 6/22/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

General

The Estimator reports to the Manager, Project Estimates, and is responsible for developing cost estimates following the procedures, standards, policies and best practices related to cost estimate and risk management activities for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB or Caltrain).

Essential Functions & Duties

Accountable for developing detailed project cost forecasts, funding needs, and other related economic analysis for Operations or Capital Programs.

Analyze and interpret complex project scopes, utilizing quantitative data to prepare accurate cost projections.

Support the development, implementation of cost estimates, risk and contingency management policies and processes for the Capital Program.

Identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks related to project costs, budget overruns, and resource allocation.

Collaborate with project management teams to clarify project deliverables, scope changes, and timeline impacts.

Drive continuous improvement efforts by updating estimating tools, processes and standards based on lessons learned and industry best practices.

Support in the development or assist in the creation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for monitoring project cost, budget adherence, and estimate performance.

Continuously assist in refining estimating methodologies and tools, incorporating lessons learned and best practices. Examples of Essential Duties:

Develop detailed, independent cost estimates to validate project budgets at different stages of a project.

Facilitate audits and evaluations by providing comprehensive estimating documentation and supporting evidence.

Establish and maintain historical cost databases and benchmark estimates to support accurate forecasting.

Utilize specialized software tools like Excel, Sage, RS Means, Bluebeam, and Excel for estimating and data analysis

Provide estimating support at all phases (conceptual, preliminary, detailed) of the project lifecycle.

Coordinate cost review meetings internally and externally, documenting key estimating assumptions and decisions by internal and external stakeholders.

Document clearly and comprehensively all estimating processes, methods, and outcomes for transparency and future reference.

Responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for various types of operational or capital project deliverables.

Assisting with the development of contingency budgets based on project risk analyses. Collaborate with Risk Analyst in the Time and Cost Impact assessment on the Risk Register.

Responsible for supporting project teams and project managers with financial data needed to meet grants and funding requirements.

Assisting in the development and maintenance of cost estimating and risk management documentation including standards and training materials.

Responsible for helping to coordinate software upgrades and integrations supporting cost estimation and risk management processes.

Assisting in preparing cash flow analyses, cost accounting, and budget reports for capital project status.

Responsible for generating and interpreting financial reports, presentations, and dashboard materials for internal and external stakeholders.

Assisting project controls and Project Managers in creating project-related reports and dashboards.

Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Finance, or related disciplines.

Three (3) years of full-time work experience in project cost estimating within construction or engineering environments. Preferred Qualifications:

Experience Railroad/ transportation/ Heavy Civil Project Estimates.

Ability to Multiple tasks and prioritize projects of varying complexities, work independently, and complete assignments with minimal supervision

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam and Heavy Bid software

Experience/knowledge in Primavera P6.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

EIT Certified.

PMP Certified.

Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate detailed estimating information clearly.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet tight deadlines independently with minimal supervision.

Strong team player, capable of collaborating effectively across diverse project teams and stakeholders. The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

How to Apply

Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.

Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums

Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.

Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses. Retirement Medical Benefits:

Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.

Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option. Holidays and Paid Time Off:

Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.

Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays. Financial Planning Benefits:

Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.

CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%

Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options

Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000

Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members. Growth and Education Benefits:

Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County's professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.

Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000. Other Amazing Benefits:

Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.

Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.

Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.