Disaster Recovery Cost Estimator (On-Call)

Quick Facts

• Role: On-call Cost Estimator supporting Disaster Recovery programs
• Focus: FEMA Public Assistance cost estimating for infrastructure restoration
• Work mode: Remote, field-based, or hybrid depending on assignment

Description

As a Cost Estimator for disaster recovery operations, you will develop accurate, defensible, and well-documented cost estimates for emergency work and permanent restoration projects. You will assess damaged infrastructure, develop and validate project scopes, and support funding eligibility determinations for public facilities and infrastructure. Assignments are on-call and may require travel and evening/weekend work during surge disaster events.

Responsibilities

• Support FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs with project scoping, damage assessment, and cost estimating
• Conduct site inspections to understand disaster damages, proposed repairs, and construction requirements
• Develop and validate disaster recovery project scopes in collaboration with applicants, engineers, architects, contractors, and program staff
• Prepare conceptual, parametric, and detailed bottom-up cost estimates (labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, general conditions)
• Produce cost analyses for public infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, drainage systems, parks)
• Perform technical reviews of engineering reports, plans, specifications, proposals, and cost documentation; evaluate quantities, unit costs, and assumptions
• Apply construction standards, codes, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and defensibility
• Provide estimating expertise to project managers and Public Assistance consultants; support RFIs, appeals, and recovery program activities
• Maintain project records and documentation for audit and program review purposes

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in construction estimating, engineering, architecture, construction management, infrastructure planning, or related discipline
• Experience building conceptual, parametric, and detailed cost estimates for infrastructure/facility projects
• Experience estimating labor, equipment, materials, and construction costs
• Familiarity with construction practices, facility assessments, scope development, and construction inspection
• Collaborative experience in multidisciplinary project teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
• Ability to work independently under changing priorities and demanding schedules
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed; valid driver’s license
• Availability for on-call, as-needed cadre work (assignments depend on disaster declarations and contract awards)

Benefits

• Comprehensive, market-competitive benefits
• Merit-based financial rewards
• Work/life balance support and flexibility
• Learning and development opportunities
• Collaborative team environment