McGee Disaster Consulting Group
Career Opportunity

Technical Cost Estimator

FEMA Public Assistance

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  • About McGee Disaster Consulting Group

McGee Disaster Consulting Group (MDCG) is a disaster consulting firm specializing in FEMA Public Assistance. Our team’s experience spans FEMA program operations, applicant-side grant management, and project closeout, providing a comprehensive understanding of recovery from project development through final reconciliation. We bring a practical understanding of the regulatory and compliance requirements, funding processes, and operational demands that shape disaster recovery.

To us, disaster recovery is about being a steadfast advocate for protecting the public assets, essential services, and infrastructure that communities rely on every day. We take that responsibility seriously. Our approach combines sound judgment, thorough documentation, and clear communication to help organizations navigate complex requirements and advance critical restoration efforts.

We are seeking experienced professionals who share that commitment and bring the initiative, technical expertise, and attention to detail needed to support lasting recovery.

Note: This is a consulting position supporting organizations participating in FEMA’s Public Assistance program. It is not a federal government position.

  • Position Overview

The Technical Cost Estimator develops Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD) and repair and replacement estimates supporting disaster recovery projects. The role prepares quantities, pricing, estimating assumptions, and a documented basis of estimate using damage records, scopes, plans, and technical input.

Working within MDCG’s designated review process, the Estimator maintains scope-to-cost consistency and applies estimating methods appropriate to the assigned project. Each estimate is documented so reviewers can follow the quantities, pricing, and assumptions behind it.

This is an on-call, as-needed position. Work assignments are not guaranteed and are dependent upon contract awards, client needs, project requirements, disaster activity, qualifications, availability, and other business needs. Assignments may be offered as opportunities become available, with periods of inactivity possible between assignments.

  • Key Responsibilities
  • Write Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD) using site inspection records, photographs, measurements, and field notes.
  • Develop quantity takeoffs and itemized repair or replacement estimates.
  • Review damage documentation, scopes, plans, and specifications for estimating completeness.
  • Reconcile quantities to documented dimensions and approved or proposed work.
  • Document pricing sources, estimate dates, local market conditions, and labor or equipment assumptions.
  • Address applicable indirect costs, markups, escalation assumptions, contingencies, and exclusions with clear supporting rationale.
  • Include demolition, disposal, temporary work, and construction sequencing costs when applicable to the scope.
  • Separately identify base repairs, proposed mitigation, and applicable upgrade costs.
  • Prepare estimates using RSMeans, Xactimate, and other recognized cost data and estimating software appropriate to the project.
  • Apply FEMA estimating approaches, including CEF when appropriate, without treating one method as applicable to every project.
  • Review contractor estimates for omissions, duplication, quantity discrepancies, and pricing support.
  • Explain estimate differences and the basis for recommended revisions.
  • Update estimates for reviewed scope changes and maintain version records.
  • Prepare written bases of estimate and responses to cost-review questions.
  • Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of five years of relevant construction or infrastructure cost-estimating experience.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing estimates supporting FEMA Public Assistance or comparable disaster recovery projects.
  • Experience writing Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD) for FEMA Public Assistance or comparable disaster recovery projects.
  • Ability to perform quantity takeoffs and interpret plans, specifications, and scopes.
  • Experience documenting direct and indirect costs, pricing sources, assumptions, and limitations.
  • Ability to identify scope gaps, compare estimates, and reconcile revisions.
  • Direct experience estimating FEMA Public Assistance permanent-work projects.
  • Familiarity with FEMA’s Cost Estimating Format and its appropriate application.
  • Experience estimating public facilities, utilities, roads, or drainage infrastructure.
  • Relevant construction, engineering technology, or estimating education or certification.
  • Proficiency with RSMeans, Xactimate, or comparable estimating software, Microsoft Excel, PDF tools, and electronic records.
  • Clear technical writing and professional communication skills.
  • Must be available to travel within 48 hours of notification when required to meet client needs.
  • Employment and Working Conditions

Employment Arrangement

W-2 or 1099, as applicable to the position and assignment.

Compensation

Compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, and assignment responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged computer work preparing estimates and reviewing technical records.
  • Ability to participate in site visits and navigate accessible project areas.
  • Ability to travel and work extended schedules when required.

Work Environment and Environmental Factors

  • Work may be performed remotely, in an office or client setting, or at project sites.
  • Assignments involve detailed calculations, incomplete scope information, and changing pricing conditions.
  • Site visits are subject to applicable safety and access requirements.
  • Field visits may require appropriate personal protective equipment.
Equal Employment Opportunity

McGee Disaster Consulting Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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Location

Remote or on-site travel, depending on client needs

Engagement

W-2 or 1099, as applicable to the position and assignment

Program

FEMA Public Assistance

Category

Disaster Recovery

  • Apply for This Position

If you have the FEMA Public Assistance experience and background this position requires, we invite you to submit your qualifications for consideration.

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