DIRECTOR, COST ESTIMATING (CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION) - Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Los Angeles, CA

About the Job

Metro’s mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.

Description

Serves as primary member of the estimating team with the overall responsibility for the creation of budgets and estimates, and provides direction and oversees an independent project, specific cost estimating, and analysis group within Metro's Office of Program Management.

Examples of Duties

Provides direction and oversight of the cost estimating and cost/price analysis activities, methods, and processes for all projects bid
Reviews project plans and specifications and coordinates with the team to confirm complete scope
Develops, establishes, and manages the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, standardized procedures, and work standards for the cost estimating function
Assists in the development and modification of Metro's long- and short-range transit plans
Directs the preparation and administration of the division budget for area of responsibility
Confers with Metro management regarding cost estimating and cost/price analysis
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and Metro rules, regulations, and policies
Analyzes complaints occurring in performance of cost estimates and cost/price analysis
Develops strategies to resolve potential problems on major cost estimates and cost/price analysis
Represents Metro in meetings with representatives of governmental agencies and professional and business organizations
Monitors developments related to Estimating Department and evaluates the impact upon Metro operations; recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements
Schedules and participates in scope definition and fact-finding meetings
Negotiates resolution of cost estimating and pricing issues; develops change orders
Prepares comprehensive reports and correspondence
Develops, manages, and conducts training for estimating resources
Supervises, mentors, and motivates assigned staff
Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

May be required to perform other related job duties

*This classification is At-Will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Hiring Authority.*

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

Experience

Five years of relevant management-level experience working directly on the design and construction of large or major civil or facilities projects as a construction cost estimator

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions
California Professional Engineering (PE) License preferred

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.

The following are the preferred qualifications:

Experience applying high level cost estimating in capital construction projects
Experience utilizing Construction Estimating and Construction Bidding Software (e.g., Sage Timberline, Heavy Bid, On-Screen Take Off, etc.)
Experience negotiating with contractors to meet set goals, budgets, and deadlines
Experience applying heavy civil construction methods, such as soldier pile, lagging excavation support systems, and temporary street decking systems
Experience managing and directing the work of cost estimators

Essential Knowledge

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

Theories, principles, and practices of construction, engineering, cost estimating, parametrics, price/cost analysis, and government contract pricing
Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
Engineering and construction concepts and techniques, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil engineering
Construction methods for rail transit guideways, highways, streets, and bridges
Construction methods for buildings, reinforced concrete and steel structures, and equipment relating to transportation systems
Construction Industry Codes and Unit Cost Data
Sources of estimating data in the construction industry
Applicable business software applications
Modern management theory

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)

Overseeing and directing the work of the Cost Estimating Department
Establishing and implementing policies and procedures
Determining strategies to achieve goals
Analyzing situations, identifying problems, implementing solutions, and evaluating outcomes
Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
Communicating effectively orally and in writing
Preparing comprehensive reports and correspondence
Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
Supervising, training, mentoring, and motivating assigned staff and consultants in several project field offices

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)

Think and act independently
Compile, analyze, and interpret complex data
Mediate and negotiate consensus solutions
Make financial decisions within a budget
Understand, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements
Provide technical training and direction, commitments, and recommendations for action to be taken by Metro
Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

Typical office situation
Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required

Sitting at a desk or table
Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
Communicating through speech in the English language required

(SA)

Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program. Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with Fair Chance hiring practices.

Selection Procedure

Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.

Application Procedure

To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.

Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro location:

METRO Headquarters, Employment Office
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.

All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.

*Open to the public and all Metro employees

This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.

*Please refer to the applicable benefit type (Regular or Temporary)*

BENEFITS FOR REGULAR EMPLOYEES

Benefits cover probationary or regular full-time (working at least 40 hrs/week) employees of Metro.

We offer a range of high-quality medical, dental and vision plan options as well as health care spending accounts for you and your family. Metro will cover a significant portion of your health care premiums.

Medical/Dental/Vision Plan - Employee has the choice of 3 separate medical plans and 3 dental plans. A separate vision plan is included in each medical plan.

Group Life Insurance - PTSC pays for an amount equal to your annual salary, rounded up to the nearest $1,000. Minimum amount of life insurance is $30,000.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - PTSC provides $50,000 coverage for each employee. Additional voluntary coverage in amounts up to $500,000 is available at favorable premium rates.

Long-Term Disability Insurance - 100% employer paid. Provides employees with a minimum income of 60% of earnings after six months of disability. Buy up or buy down options available.

Holidays - 12 days a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Cesar E Chavez, Juneteenth,Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Time off with Pay (TOWP) - Compensates employees who are on approved absence from work for reasons such as illness, injury, medical and dental appointments, personal business, vacation, or observance of (a) religious holiday.
Years of Service                Annual Accrual
Hire date - 5 years                          20 days
Beginning of 6th - 10th year             25 days
Beginning of 11th - 15th year            30 days
Beginning of 16th + years                 35 days

Pension Plan - PTSC retirement plan is the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Vesting is five (5) years. Minimum retirement age is 52, based on the 2% at 62 formula.

Other Benefits: Transportation passes for employees and/or eligible dependents; Medicare; Tuition reimbursement; credit union membership; SDI; Deferred Compensation Plan; 401(K) Thrift plan; EAP; Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; Flexible work schedules; and Jury Duty Pay.

BENEFITS FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES

Temporary (Contingent) employees are eligible for the following benefits only:

Kaiser medical insurance
Public Pension Plan
457/401K Plan
Flex Spending
Paid Sick Time
Fare Media
Rideshare Subsidies
Metro One Fitness membership

For more information on the Benefits Enrollment for Contingent Employees, please visit LA Metro’s Pension & Benefits website at www.benefits.metro.net.

Please acknowledge that the following responses will be used to supplement and expand on the Work Experience section of your application. It is important to provide detailed answers and do not refer to or rely on a resume or other documentation as we will not review resumes to determine qualifications. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as accurate as possible. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

Yes, I agree and understand my resume will not be reviewed

Are you a current Metro employee?

Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

I do not have education equivalent to grade 12
High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
Associate degree from an accredited college or university
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Master's degree from an accredited college or university
PhD from an accredited college or university

Please select the number of years of relevant management-level experience you have in working directly on the design and construction of large or major civil or facilities projects as a construction cost estimator.

No management-level experience
Less than 5 years
5 years or more, but fewer than 7 years
7 years or more, but fewer than 9 years
9 years or more

If you indicated having management-level experience working directly on the design and construction of large or major civil or facilities projects as a construction cost estimator, please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

Do you have a California Professional Engineering (PE) license?

Do you have relevant experience in applying high level cost estimating in capital construction projects?

If you indicated having experience in applying high level cost estimating in capital construction projects; please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

Do you have relevant experience in utilizing Construction Estimating and Construction Bidding Software (e.g., Sage Timberline, Heavy Bid, On-Screen Take Off, etc.)?

If you indicated having experience utilizing Construction Estimating and Construction Bidding Software (e.g., Sage Timberline, Heavy Bid, On-Screen Take Off, etc.); please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

Do you have relevant experience in negotiating with contractors to meet set goals, budgets, and deadlines?

If you indicated having experience in negotiating with contractors to meet set goals, budgets, and deadlines, please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

Do you have relevant experience in applying heavy civil construction methods, such as soldier pile, lagging excavation support systems, and temporary street decking systems?

If you indicated having experience in applying heavy civil construction methods, such as soldier pile, lagging excavation support systems, and temporary street decking systems, please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

Do you have relevant experience in managing and directing the work of cost estimators?

If you indicated having experience in managing and directing the work of cost estimators; please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

Required Question

Source : Metropolitan Transportation Authority