District Project Estimator

Position Information TxDOT is looking for a Project Estimator for the Houston District based in Houston, TX. This position will review cost estimates for a variety of transportation projects being developed for construction throughout the Houston District's 6-county area. You will have the opportunity to work with our in-house design staff, consultant design firms, construction staff, maintenance staff, and management to assist with the development and review of our engineering cost estimates. You will also get an opportunity to work with management staff on improving the Houston District's standard practices and procedures for developing and reviewing our cost estimates. TxDOT has a workforce of over 13,000 employees statewide. TxDOT provides employees with great benefits, training, and many opportunities for career advancement. We strive to maintain a positive work-life balance and collaborate with team members in a safe and friendly work environment. The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs. Position Description Project Estimator I Performs professional, administrative and consultative work involving construction estimating. Responsible for accurately estimating the total costs associated with a construction or maintenance project. Work requires extensive contact with department staff, governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor. Essential Duties: Prepares estimates by gathering and interpreting proposals, specifications, drawings, and related documents. Maintains the office's central repository of estimate files and makes recommendations to improve the estimating process. Prepares basis of estimates for projects by coordinating with, and gathering information from, project stakeholders. Prepares detailed cost breakdown structures and documents results in the project estimate file. Researches the cost of project risks and documents results in the project estimate file. Prepares estimates of labor, material, and time requirements by studying and analyzing historic construction, design, and estimate documentation. Resolves discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information. Prepares special reports by researching, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends. Utilizes tools, such as cost databases and industry trends, to prepare estimates. Performs other job responsibilities as assigned. Project Estimator II Performs complex professional administrative and consultative work involving construction estimating. Responsible for accurately estimating the total costs associated with a construction or maintenance project. Work requires extensive contact with high-level executives, department staff, governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor, but are handled at the occurrence. Essential Duties: The essential duties for this job include those listed above and the following - Reviews bids Manages the office's central repository of estimate files and makes recommendations to improve the estimating process. Researches and performs complex estimates of the cost of project risks. Identifies and prepares estimates of labor, material and time requirements by studying and analyzing construction, design, and estimate documentation. Analyzes historical data from trending industry costing to provide and update cost estimation data. Reviews and researches project site characteristics, documents results, and stores supporting documentation in the project estimate file. Calculates the price of time, labor, and materials for a specific task or job and analyzes historical data from trend analysis. Performs other job responsibilities as assigned. Project Estimator III Performs highly advanced professional, administrative and consultative work involving construction estimating. Responsible for accurately estimating the total costs associated with a construction or maintenance project. Work requires extensive contact with high-level executives, department staff, governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product. Essential Duties: The essential duties for this job include those listed above and the following - Oversees and prepares estimates by gathering and interpreting proposals, specifications, drawings, and related documents. Oversees the office's central repository of estimate files. Prepares basis of estimates for projects by coordinating with, and gathering information from, project stakeholders. Performs other job responsibilities as assigned. Project Estimator I Minimum Qualifications:Education: Bachelor's Degree in Construction Science or Mgmt, Business, Engineering, Finance or related field Experience: 2 years in estimating cost elements of projects or related experience(Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications Project Estimator II Minimum Qualifications:Education: Bachelor's Degree in Construction Science or Mgmt, Business, Engineering, Finance or related field Experience: 3 years in estimating cost elements of projects or related experience(Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications Project Estimator III Minimum Qualifications:Education: Bachelor's Degree in Construction Science or Mgmt, Business, Engineering, Finance or related field Experience: 4 years in estimating cost elements of projects or related experience(Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications Project Estimator I, II and III Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license. Project Estimator I Considerable knowledge of: Applicable analysis methodologies Construction drawings and estimating Expert skill in: Analyzing projects and tasks, prioritizing, setting goals and meeting deadlines Proficient skill in: Preparing technical/statistical reports Developing and giving presentations Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems Ability to : Communicate effectively with all levels of management and employees Other attributes: Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals Project Estimator II The required competencies for this job include those listed above and the following - Extensive knowledge of: Construction drawings and estimating Cost estimating and cost controls Expert skill in: Preparing technical/statistical reports Developing and giving presentations Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems Analyzing projects and tasks, prioritizing, setting goals and meeting deadlines Ability to : Communicate effectively with all levels of management and employees Other attributes: Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals Project Estimator III The required competencies for this job include those listed above and the following - Considerable knowledge of: Applicable analysis methodologies Other attributes: Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Project Estimator I, II and III Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading Conditions of Employment: Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

Created: 2026-03-04