Cost Estimator

Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Engineer, Planning and Project Development Division, Technical Support Branch. The selectee will be responsible for performing a broad variety of duties with respect to the development of cost estimates for new construction, interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures coming under the jurisdiction of the AOC.

Duties

• This is a developmental position in which the incumbent performs progressively more complex duties and responsibilities on a gradual basis leading to the full performance level of GS-12. The individual selected for this position will perform the following duties: Provides consultation to both AOC and contract architects and engineers on the cost implications of design alternatives and may be expected to review proposed project change orders and contract modification costs for conformance with original costs projections and the budgetary implications of executing the work. During construction phases of design projects, reviews modification prices for conformance with budget and original cost projections. Provides a range of cost management technical services and reviews, including preparation of cost estimates for construction projects, cost planning and detailed cost estimating through planning and execution phases, preparation of Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE) to facilitate contract action, proposal price analysis and data management to support institutional historical database requirements. Examines project and program requirements and prepares detailed budget estimates for proposed restoration, alteration, rehabilitation, historic preservation, renovation and new construction. Prepares professional services design fee estimates within the AOC's written guidelines, including studies, full construction document designs, program of requirements and other professional fees. Reviews and assesses contract deliverable cost engineering products including cost estimates and risk assessments produced by independent third party contract Architect and Engineering (A/E) cost engineers and AOC's staff generated estimates. Collaborates, as necessary with Project Managers and Jurisdictional Executives, assisting in the development of scopes-of-work and estimates, ensuring that sources of proposed materials are available, methods of installation are practical and costs are within budget allotments. Works with a scheduler in developing resource-loaded schedules, critical path schedules and analysis techniques, project progress and cost assurance processes, progress measurement and Earned Value management techniques and methodologies used to track cost and schedule performance. Working with the Senior Cost Estimator, maintains and updates the agency master cost estimating database. Prepares cost and methods reports for feasibility studies utilized by architectural and engineering design and management staff. Consults with the Senior Cost Estimator and the supervisor to support the administration of a complex budget involving a variety of program and administrative expenses relating to construction costs. Assists in preparing the capital expenditure aspects of capital improvement budget requests for agency appropriations presented to Congress.

Requirements

To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below: A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM qualification standards Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. For the GS-11: You must meet the following education and/or specialized experience requirements to be qualified for this position: Candidates for the GS-11 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-09) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following: Assisting in the development of cost estimates for construction projects. Reviewing cost estimates for accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. Working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with budget and cost projections. --OR-- Undergraduate and Graduate Education in architecture, engineering, building construction, or other fields related to the position. --OR-- Combination of specialized experience and education. For the GS-12: Candidates for the GS-12 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-11) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following: Developing cost estimates for new construction and/or interior and exterior alterations, restorations, historic preservation, additions and repairs to existing structures. Reviewing and revising cost estimates for accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. Performing cost estimates using SUCCESS Estimator, Cost-OS or equivalent cost estimating software. Working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with project budget and cost projections.

Education

GS-11: Education may be substituted for specialized experience as indicated above. If using education to qualify, candidates must provide transcripts if selected. GS-12: No education substitution.

Benefits

A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc. The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.

Required documents

The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy. To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application. Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments. Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC's Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume. For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection. If Veterans' preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form). Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.