Data Analyst - Disaster Recovery Cadre

Quick Facts

On-call, as-needed position supporting FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs across the United States. Assignments may be remote, field-based, or hybrid and may require flexible schedules, evening/weekend work, and travel during surge events.

Description

As a Cost Estimator for the Disaster Recovery cadre, you will develop accurate, defensible, and well-documented cost estimates for infrastructure restoration, emergency work, and permanent work projects. You will evaluate damaged infrastructure, develop and validate project scopes, prepare cost estimates, and support funding eligibility determinations for public facilities and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Project Scoping and Damage Assessment

• Support FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs through project scoping, damage assessment, and cost estimating activities.
• Support site inspections of damaged facilities and infrastructure to understand disaster-related damages, proposed repairs, and construction requirements.
• Evaluate project scope, means and methods of construction, and restoration approaches.
• Assist with development and validation of disaster recovery project scopes.
• Collaborate with applicants, engineers, architects, contractors, and program staff to define eligible work and project requirements.

Cost Estimating

• Prepare conceptual, parametric, and detailed bottom-up cost estimates for disaster recovery projects.
• Develop labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor, and general conditions cost estimates.
• Estimate costs associated with repair, restoration, reconstruction, mitigation, and replacement projects.
• Prepare cost analyses for roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, drainage systems, parks, and other public infrastructure.
• Support development of FEMA Cost Estimating Format (CEF) analyses when required.
• Develop estimate documentation clear, defensible, and suitable for audit and program review.

Technical Review and Compliance

• Review engineering reports, plans, specifications, contractor proposals, and construction cost documentation.
• Evaluate assumptions, quantities, unit costs, and estimating methodologies.
• Apply knowledge of construction standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify cost drivers, scope changes, and factors impacting eligibility and funding.
• Assist with cost validation, reasonableness determinations, and documentation reviews.

Program Delivery Support

• Provide technical estimating expertise to project managers, Public Assistance consultants, and applicant representatives.
• Participate in project formulation meetings and recovery planning discussions.
• Support RFIs, technical reviews, appeals support, and other recovery program activities.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, architects, environmental specialists, grant professionals, and construction experts.
• Maintain project records and supporting documentation per client and program requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in construction estimating, engineering, architecture, construction management, infrastructure planning, or related discipline.
• Experience developing conceptual, parametric, and detailed cost estimates for infrastructure or facility projects.
• Experience estimating labor, equipment, material, and construction costs.
• Familiarity with modern construction practices, facility assessments, project scope development, and construction inspection activities.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to work independently and effectively under changing priorities and demanding schedules.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for field assignments.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.