Estimator Job Description

Responsible for developing estimates and bids for construction projects by reading plans and specifications and attending site visits, as necessary. Responsible for obtaining bids from vendors and subcontractors by specifying materials, identifying qualified subcontractors, and negotiating price. Reports to President & CEO.

Key Duties / Responsibilities of Estimator

• Prepares construction budget by studying drawings and specifications and by identifying and projecting costs for each aspect of the work
• Completes quantity take-offs to check pricing
• Determines the scope of work needed and selects appropriate suppliers and subcontractors for estimate
• Collects bids from vendors and subcontractors and negotiates price; collects qualifications and required proposal documents from subcontractors, as needed
• Communicates with subcontractors and vendors for project scope and capacity, using standardized checklist, to ensure they have the appropriate ability and resources to complete projects within stated guidelines and requirements
• Reviews all bids across subcontractors to ensure pricing comparisons are accurate and all missing items are recorded and accounted for
• Reviews specs and plans for scope and ensures they are complete, initiates requests for information (RFIs) as needed for accurate and competitive pricing
• Finalizes estimate per contract with accepted alternates for awarded projects
• Maintains strong subcontractor and supplier relations
• Reviews historical job cost of similar past projects for labor production adjustments
• Assists pre-construction services with concept estimates, budget cost summary report, and customer proposal as needed and directed
• Assists in project schedule development and communication of project information to superintendent
• Works closely with project manager / regional manager / general manager to determine pricing
• Collaborates with design team to “value engineer” the project for potential cost savings
• Reviews preliminary design and suggests alternative materials and construction methods

Education / Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university plus a minimum of 3 years of experience as a construction estimator OR a minimum of 5 years of experience as a construction estimator
• Experience bidding design-build projects
• RS Means estimating experience a plus
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or other certification a plus
• Experience working on federal projects
• LEED certification a plus

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong background in concrete, electrical, structural, mechanical, general trades, etc.
• Familiar with ground-up construction drawings and specifications
• Basic understanding of accounting and project management concepts
• Attention to detail and analytical skills
• Ability to troubleshoot issues in a timely manner
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Effective time management and logical decision-making ability
• Capacity to handle pressure
• Ability to meet deadlines

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
• The job operates both in a professional office environment and at various job site locations. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and / or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle or feel paperwork and to type on a keyboard.
• The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and / or crawl.
• The employee must also occasionally lift and / or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision.
• The employee must be able to tolerate moderate to loud noise in the work environment.

Additional Requirements / Details

• Must pass background check and pre-employment drug screen
• Must be willing to travel
• Must be willing to complete OSHA 30 training upon selection
• A project list must be included with your application

Compensation

• Commensurate with experience and education; competitive pay

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.