Project Planner/Estimator

Company: The Building People
Location: Portland
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description The Building People, LLC, has an opening for a Full-Time Project Planner / Estimator to support the Federal Government in the Northwest Arctic Region. This position supports construction planning, tenant improvement, cost estimating, and change order evaluation for projects in federally owned and leased facilities. This position is primarily remote, with an expectation of reporting one day per week to the nearest staffed federal building in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Richland, Portland, Eugene, Boise, Anchorage, or Fairbanks. Job Details: Develop initial budget estimates, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), and Independent Government Estimates (IGE) for projects ranging from minor repairs to complex renovations and new construction (multi-million-dollar efforts). Prepare IGEs from construction documents, preliminary work statements, and requirements programs; perform technical analysis of contractor pricing proposals and justify variances to support negotiations. Separate cost estimates into Shell and Tenant Improvement (TI) components in accordance with federal pricing policies and ensure costs are not commingled. Verify quantitative accuracy of estimates using appropriate engineering and cost estimating methodologies, including electronic take-offs and site investigations. Review and prepare change order cost estimates; evaluate modification proposals and coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and client agencies to assess scope changes and cost impacts. Provide technical support during negotiations, including participation in discussions related to claims, disputes, and sole-source procurements as required. Assist Project Managers in developing Agency Special Requirements (ASRs) and Statements of Work (SOW); review design intent drawings, construction drawings, and solicitations to identify discrepancies and conduct Quality Assurance reviews. Review contractor, lessor, and subcontractor bids to determine price reasonableness and compliance with lease and contract requirements. Attend construction meetings and site inspections as needed to review progress, evaluate change proposals, verify completed work, and support cost-related decisions. Participate in space acceptance inspections, assist with punch list identification, and review completed work for compliance with lease, RLP, SOW, drawings, and approved change orders. Provide briefings and presentations to regional staff and leadership as required. Apply knowledge of building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, fire/life safety, accessibility, vertical transportation, security, telecommunications, architectural finishes, and hazardous materials remediation. Required Experience & Skills Minimum one year of experience in Tenant Improvement and office/warehouse construction as a Project Manager, Construction Manager, or Planner/Estimator. Minimum one year of experience estimating construction projects valued over $250,000. Ability to interpret Tenant Improvement and construction drawings and accurately measure space. Working knowledge of commercial building systems, including mechanical, electrical, architectural, security, telecommunications, finishes, ceilings, lighting, and partitions. Hands-on experience with the general contractor in competitive bidding process, including bid review and cost evaluation. Preferred Experience & Skills Experience supporting federal facility construction or renovation projects. Experience supporting multi-million-dollar construction efforts. Ability to define mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes of work for remodeling existing spaces. Experience supporting technical negotiations and price discussions. Experience participating in construction meetings and site inspections. Advanced knowledge of cost modeling and escalation forecasting. Required Education Minimum of a High School Diploma and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. References required. Preferred Education Associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Industry certifications related to cost estimating or project management preferred.

Keywords: The Building People, Albany , Project Planner/Estimator, Construction , Portland, Oregon