Construction Cost Estimator

Company: Foster CM Group, Inc
Location: Dallas
Posted on: February 22, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description About Foster CM Group At Foster CM Group, we believe in building more than just projects—we build careers. As a leading program and construction management firm, we invite you to explore exciting opportunities to grow with us. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and the impactful projects we've delivered across the country. Founded in 1992, Foster CM Group, Inc. has over 30 years of experience providing top-tier program and construction management services. We proudly serve clients in Aviation, Education (K–12 and Higher Ed), Government (City, State, and Federal), Healthcare, Sports & Entertainment, Transportation, and Water/Wastewater sectors. We are seeking an experienced Construction Cost Estimator for a full-time position located in Dallas, Texas. Focus – Large-Scale Convention Center Projects Position Summary The Construction Cost Estimator is responsible for providing accurate, comprehensive, and defensible cost estimates for large-scale capital construction projects exceeding $100M, with a strong preference for direct experience on convention center facilities. This role supports preconstruction, budgeting, value engineering, procurement, and cost control efforts across complex, multi-phase projects in an active urban environment. The estimator serves as a key technical advisor to owners, designers, and construction teams, ensuring financial alignment from concept through completion. Key Responsibilities Preconstruction & Estimating Prepare detailed order-of-magnitude (ROM), schematic, design development, and construction document (CD) estimates for large-scale convention center projects ($100M). Develop trade-specific and system-level estimates for complex scopes including: Large-span structural systems Exhibit halls and ballrooms Back-of-house and service corridors Central utility plants and MEP infrastructure Renovation and expansion within occupied facilities Perform quantity take-offs and cost modeling using industry-standard estimating software. Validate estimates against historical cost data, market conditions, and local Dallas/Fort Worth subcontractor pricing. Convention Center Specific Expertise Apply knowledge of convention center operational requirements , including event-driven phasing, load-in/load-out constraints, security requirements, and premium finishes. Incorporate experience with convention center-specific conditions , such as: Urban site logistics and access constraints Coordination with City of Dallas stakeholders Phased construction to maintain facility operations Integration with existing structural and MEP systems Understand public-sector procurement, funding sources, and reporting requirements typical of municipal convention center projects. Cost Analysis & Value Engineering Lead cost reconciliation efforts with architects, engineers, and construction partners. Provide value engineering options that maintain program intent, durability, and lifecycle performance while achieving budget goals. Conduct escalation analysis, contingency planning, and risk-based cost assessments. Procurement & Construction Support Support bid packaging strategies, subcontractor prequalification, and bid evaluation. Analyze bids and develop scope leveling, trade comparisons, and buyout recommendations. Assist project teams with budget updates, change order pricing reviews, and cost forecasting during construction. Stakeholder Communication Present cost estimates and analyses clearly to owners, city representatives, and executive leadership. Prepare written narratives explaining assumptions, exclusions, risks, and cost drivers. Collaborate closely with project managers, schedulers, and construction managers to align cost and schedule impacts. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 5-10 years of construction estimating experience , including multiple projects valued at $100M or greater . Direct experience estimating large convention center, civic, or assembly-use facilities . Demonstrated experience working on public-sector or municipal projects . Advanced proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Excel. Preferred Prior experience specifically with large-scale convention centers. Familiarity with the Dallas/Fort Worth construction market, subcontractor base, and labor conditions. Experience supporting CM-at-Risk, Owner's Representative, or Program Management delivery models. Professional certifications such as CCP, CCE, or LEED . Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving machinery & mechanical parts, uneven ground, exposure to dust, gas or fumes, exposure to loud noise, and outside weather conditions. Physical Requirements: The physical requirements must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Intermittent unassisted sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stooping, crawling, pushing and lifting is required. Must be able to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods of time for at least eight hours per day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move light equipment up to 50 pounds without assistance. Must be alert to equipment in the field, occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery, ability to walk on uneven ground while physically maneuvering construction sites, ability to work in extreme temperatures or humidity, and potentially work at heights. Other Requirements: Possession of a valid state of residence driver's license with a clean driving record. Daily travel to and from construction sites, generally within 100 miles from the home office is expected. Short term, out of town, assignments may be required. Long term, out of town, assignments may be required, with advance notice of planned dates. May be required to work protracted and irregular hours to meet client's needs, including nights, overtime and weekends. All positions at Foster CM Group require an applicant who has accepted an employment offer to undergo a background check. Background checks may include, SSN/SIN validation, education verification, employment verification, criminal background check, fingerprint verification, and/or drug test. All employment offers are contingent upon successful results of required background checks. Foster CM Group Benefits ( benefit package which includes both employer and employee paid plans) : Medical Insurance to include HSA and FSA benefits Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Prescription Drug Telehealth Benefits Life Insurance STD paid by the Company LTD paid by the Company Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 401 (K) with Company Match Vacation Holidays Paid Time Off (PTO) Financial Wellness Pet Insurance Foster CM Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This means that Foster CM Group does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex (gender), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. All individuals are encouraged to apply and compete for jobs. LI-Onsite ZR

Keywords: Foster CM Group, Inc, Cedar Hill , Construction Cost Estimator, Engineering , Dallas, Texas