Cost Engineer - Construction jobs in Santa Fe, NM

Plexos is seeking a Junior Construction Cost Analyst with experience or education in Natural Resources, Land Restoration, Forestry, Ecology, or related topics to support a Wildfire Disaster Recovery Program in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The role of the Construction Cost Analyst is to work closely with the Disaster Case Management team to review and analyze cost estimates, conservation and restoration plans, and payment offers for land restoration, reforestation, conservation practices, and related work for property owners in the disaster-affected areas. The Construction Cost Analyst may also coordinate with partner agencies, volunteer groups, and university partners to ensure equitable delivery of assistance to disaster survivors.  

Essential Duties:

• Consult with case managers, clients, vendors, personnel in other departments and agencies, subject matter experts, and construction foremen to discuss best practices and formulate estimates to resolve issues.
• Collect recovery progress and construction/restoration activity data for program Return on Investment calculations.
• Analyze blueprints, plans, surveys, and other documentation to prepare and analyze time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Assist with outreach to topic experts and licensed specialty contractors to provide accurate contact information and report on the availability of services.
• Coordinate with case managers and residents to provide project guidance, expertise, and recommendations on land restoration and recovery projects.
• Coordinate with case managers and residents to ensure contractors perform to preset criteria, meeting all applicable local, state, and federal building codes.
• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Evaluate estimates and determinations by other agencies and their respective programs.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as projects develop.
• Collaborate with supervisory staff and development team to set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
• Attend site visits and record information about access, drainage, topography, flood hazards, conservation and restoration needs, and availability of services such as water and electricity.
• Assist with drafting and submitting public record requests for information.
• Prepare clear and detailed written reports about field inspections/site visits as needed.
• Conduct administrative and day-to-day tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic life history, ecology, and management needs of forested lands and native species in the ecological region with particular emphasis relating to private lands.
• Knowledge of general farm and ranching practices and their impacts on natural resources.
• Knowledge of flood mitigation and risk reduction practices.
• Knowledge of native vegetation management and restoration practices.
• Knowledge of forest ecology, landscape and forest restoration and conservation practices and planning in New Mexico and high desert environments.
• Knowledge of New Mexico history and culture, especially as related to land stewardship and management.
• Knowledge of wildfire impacts on ecology and agriculture.
• Skills in using Microsoft Products including Word, Powerpoint, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and Sharepoint.
• Skills in effective verbal and written communication including skill at communicating scientific research and professional industry concepts and their application in real-life context
• Skill in coordinating with the public, universities, department personnel, and other governmental agencies.
• Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other state agencies and organizations.
• Skill in identifying and developing potential solutions to resource related issues.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and independently with little to no supervision.
• Ability to conduct field visits outdoors, operate a vehicle on dirt roads, and hike short distances, occasionally with limited access to shelter and services during visits.
• Ability to use a GPS for navigation.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to a dynamic environment as programs for assistance and needs are constantly evolving and changing.

Requirements:

• Experience or education in forestry, forest ecology, natural resource management or conservation, fire ecology, land management, or land stewardship.
• Previous experience or education creating or reviewing conservation or landscape restoration plans.
• Previous experience with construction cost estimating or insurance estimating preferred.
• Previous experience with land and natural resource management practices.
• Previous experience working with university partners, qualified experts, Federal and State agencies, or voluntary agencies preferred.

Plexos Group LLC is an Equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Plexos Group recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce that considers the needs of the communities we serve, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace environment free from discrimination.