State of Maryland

A Cost Estimator is the full performance level of professional competence cost estimating work for State improvement projects.  Employees in this classification independently carry out assignments for preparing and/or analyzing cost estimates and studies for major and complex projects with a minimum of supervision.  Employees in this classification serve as skilled specialists and consultants on matters of cost and economy, keeping abreast of new developments, cost trends, and market conditions to forecast the effect on budgets.  The work of the classification involves conferences with officials of State agencies, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and others associated with engineering/architecture and construction, and requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment.  The work contributes to policy development and influences policy decisions by providing sound technical and cost advice or recommendations concerning improvement projects.  Employees in this classification do not supervise.

Employees in this classification receives general supervision from the Principal Architect, and may receive administrative supervision from other agency officials, or architects or engineers.  Consultative guidance will be available as required.  Work effectiveness is determined through conferences and the review of estimates, studies and reports setting forth conclusions and recommendations.

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.

Conducts detailed studies of cost of a wide variety of types and elements of buildings to expand current State cost experience for (1) future cost estimates, (2) improved cost control of future projects, and (3) review of estimates submitted by consultants;

Prepares cost estimates for various projects including buildings, bridges and other State facilities, for new construction or renovations at varying phases of design;

Prepares preliminary concepts as required, in order to provide realistic cost estimates at an early phase with only limited information available;

Reviews cost estimates prepared by consultants and others, and using independent judgment, modify them as required;

Reviews annual Capital Budget requests, project by project, before presentation to the Legislature, and make appropriate revisions and recommendations;

Determines and/or reviews building efficiency as related to economical construction and space utilization, and make appropriate recommendations;

Reviews and analyzes the use of materials, systems, equipment, etc., as related to the cost of the structure;

Reviews plans and specifications to determine areas of cost reduction for keeping or bringing projects within authorized budgets;

Confers with engineers, architects and cost consultants on the cost control of projects, and makes recommendations as to desirable changes;

Consults with engineers, architects, cost consultants, contractors, material suppliers and others for current cost information, suitability of substitute materials, etc;

Prepares special cost studies and reports as assigned;

Inspects existing structures as required, to determine suitability and costs for alterations and renovations;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of expert engineering/architectural principles and practices in design and construction work, particularly for modern large institutional buildings and related facilities;

Knowledge of specifications, plans, building codes and contracts; Knowledge of building materials, equipment, methods of construction and relative costs;

Knowledge of the suitability as to service, initial economy, economy of maintenance and overall cost reduction of various building materials, equipment and methods of construction;

Knowledge of cost estimating for large and small projects of varying degrees of complexity;

Ability to prepare preliminary concepts for estimating and budget purposes;

Ability to study and analyze cost trends and market conditions in the State of Maryland to forecast the future effect on budgets, the cost of future construction and to make allowance and adjustments for these effects;

Ability to consult and coordinate with professional personnel, governmental officials and others as required;

Ability to present cost data and other information in clear concise reports;

Ability to initiate and answer correspondence;

Ability to exercise sound and intelligent engineering/architectural judgment.

Experience: Ten years of successful, progressively responsible engineering or architectural experience in building planning, design or construction, two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, including substantial experience in related cost estimating for important projects.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture from an accredited college or university and six years of engineering or architectural experience in building planning, design or construction, two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, including substantial experience in related cost estimating for important projects.

2. Candidates may substitute a professional registration as an Architect or Engineer for four years of the required non-supervisory experience.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.