Construction Estimator

NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS:  INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAYGRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.

Working independently, with internal project management staff and external design and construction professionals, this position is responsible for the preparation of cost estimates and analysis of costs for a variety of both small- and large-scale construction projects.  A complete understanding of the interrelationship of the cost of labor, material, equipment, and productivity in the unit costs used at each level of an estimate is required. Provide solid critical-thinking, analytical and communication skills in support of Project objectives.The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Reviews plans and specifications for various County construction projects and develops independent cost estimates for the proposed work.
• Develops the cost impacts resulting from Requests for Information, plan revisions, and drawing and/or material substitutions for various construction projects.
• Determines the fairness and reasonableness of contractor/vendor change orders, or similar changes in cost, based on an independent appraisal of the contractor’s/vendor’s proposed costs.
• Reviews proposed project designs and scopes to assist County staff with preparing budgetary estimates for the proposed work.
• Reviews contractor bids and proposals for unbalanced bid items, underbidding and for potential inaccuracies in the bidding.  
• Establishes and maintains a filing system or databases as needed for tracking project cost data and metrics.
• Uses estimating software as well as parametric cost data to determine the probable cost of construction projects
• Gathers firsthand information from visits to proposed construction site locations, construction projects in progress and/or contractor/vendor operation locations.
• Builds relationships with key vendors, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals to remain up to date on trends affecting construction unit pricing costs.
• Attend and participate in various meetings for the dissemination of information.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related to the functions of the department.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, Project Management, Construction Management, or related field. 

Experience: Four (4) years’ experience in construction cost estimating or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and/or experience that provides the requisite knowledge and skills to perform the essential job functions. Professional experience with Microsoft Excel and Word as well as estimating software such as RSMeans, Buildxact or similar is required. 

Miscellaneous: Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn procedures relating to all services provided by the Facilities Management Department.
• Ability to compose effective and accurate documents, reports, and similar materials. 
• Knowledge and ability to review contract documents. 
• Ability to perform mathematical computations accurately and quickly; intermediate to high level experience with Microsoft Excel; ability to create spreadsheets and work with formulas.
• Ability to prioritize work, organize, and make sound judgments. 
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions. 
• Ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing, and in presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Applied knowledge of personal computer and electronic data processing and applicable software.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment e.g., personal computers, printers, adding machines, copy machines, facsimile machines.
• Skill in reading and understanding construction blueprints and specifications

• 20 pounds maximum lifting.
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 10 lbs.
• If less lifting involved will require significant walking/standing.
• If mostly sitting is involved will require push/pull on arm or leg controls.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less.