PACO Group, Inc. (PACO) is seeking a highly skilled Certified Value Specialist to join our project management team for upcoming Value Engineering (VE) studies within the Middlesex County Utilities Authority (MCUA) portfolio. This temporary contract position offers a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in value management, cost estimation, and project scheduling to drive cost efficiency and optimize project outcomes on critical infrastructure initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in value engineering for large-scale projects, with experience navigating New Jersey contracting requirements and local construction challenges.
Position Overview
The Certified Value Specialist will lead VE efforts, working closely with PACO’s engineering and project controls teams to conduct site visits, data collection, and comprehensive assessments of existing conditions. This role includes developing preliminary cost estimates, constructing detailed schedules, and integrating VE recommendations throughout the project lifecycle. The selected individual will collaborate with stakeholders to identify value improvement opportunities, ensure regulatory compliance, and support informed decision-making for successful project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive value engineering studies for assigned projects, identifying cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
- Conduct site visits, gather necessary data, and assess existing conditions to inform cost estimates and schedule development.
- Prepare a variety of cost estimates, including conceptual, definitive, bid analysis, change order evaluation, and negotiations support.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate value engineering findings into project plans, contracts, and procurement processes.
- Develop detailed project schedules using methodologies like Critical Path Method (CPM) to efficiently sequence tasks and meet deadlines.
- Ensure all VE recommendations and contract activities adhere to New Jersey statutes, regulations, and agency policies.
- Facilitate workshops and stakeholder meetings to align on value-driven project goals and priorities.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation, including cost data, schedule updates, and VE study reports, with clear, actionable insights.
- Utilize advanced estimation and scheduling software to support accurate forecasting and reporting.
- Provide guidance and training to team members on best practices in value engineering and cost estimating.
Skills and Competencies
- Expertise in value engineering concepts, cost estimation methodologies, and project scheduling.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable strategies for cost and schedule optimization.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively under tight deadlines.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with experience leading collaborative workshops and stakeholder engagements.
- Proficiency in estimation and scheduling software tools and methodologies, with familiarity in tools like Oracle Primavera P6 or similar.
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, consistency, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Ability to adapt methodologies to the scope and purpose of each project, providing comprehensive documentation and reports.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Valid Certified Value Specialist (CVS) certification or equivalent credentials.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in value engineering, cost estimating, and project controls on medium to large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Demonstrated proficiency in conducting value engineering studies and preparing detailed cost estimates.
- Familiarity with New Jersey contracting requirements, local construction conditions, and public procurement processes.
- Strong proficiency with standard Microsoft Office products and industry-standard project management software.
- Experience working on temporary or contract-based assignments, with immediate availability preferred.
Hourly Rate Range: $60-70/hr Consummate with Experience
Benefits
401(k) and 401(k) Employer Matching
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Group Life Insurance, LTD and AD&D
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Professional Development Assistance
PACO Group, Inc. is committed to furthering opportunities for everyone in the national construction market. The firm periodically reaffirms this commitment through an active affirmative action plan. It provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees without unlawful discrimination regarding race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, religion, military status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or citizenship status. As an equal opportunity employer, we have recruited, hired, promoted, and retained an ethnically and socially diverse professional staff. Our efforts to date have produced a multidisciplinary workforce - a record of diversity that extends to the highest levels of the firm's management.