Estimator

At Zernco, employee and client satisfaction come before profit. We ensure the success of our employees, clients and subcontractors by building long-lasting relationships and remaining committed to strong moral and ethical principles, values and always doing the right thing. Zernco does not accept mediocrity, and we do not expect our clients to either. 

From concept to completion, Zernco clients can expect the highest standards of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and responsiveness. Many of our national clients will tell you they’ve been partnering with us year after year for the past two decades because they know they can trust Zernco to deliver a quality building with speed and precision. 

Although we are a Wichita, Kansas based GC we work in over 34 states. We are currently looking for an Estimator to join our team, we are open to interviewing new graduates/entry level or experienced level applicants. If what you have read about our company interests you then I encourage you to apply and Let's talk Zernco!

Our Estimator’s are offered full time salaried positions, and will office out of our newly built office in Wichita, KS. As an Estimator you will bid projects by breaking down plans, do takeoffs, finding material suppliers, and subcontractors, prepare bid proposals, budgets, and scheduling projects with input from the senior estimator, project manager, and job superintendent. Working together with the Operations team our Estimators help Zernco to manage construction projects that are of high quality, completed on time, within budget, and in a safe environment.

Performance Expectations

1. Ensures bid processes are maintained on all bidding projects.
2. Shows professionalism when contacting clients, subcontractors and vendors.
3. Develops productive working relationships with clients, subcontractors, client managers, project managers, and peers in the pre-bid process.
4. Shows creativity and resourcefulness to gain better pricing from subcontractors and suppliers to win jobs that are profitable.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Analyzes blueprints and specifications to identify requirements for project, such as materials, labor, and timeline.
2. Prepares estimates or bids for review by Chief estimator and submits on a timely basis. Researches and contacts governing authorities for license and fee requirements. Verifies insurance and bonding requirements. Researches and contacts utility companies for fees and connection requirements. Verifies tax requirements for new construction or remodel.
3. Locates and qualifies subcontractors and suppliers for projects; prepares and distributes subcontractor bid packages ensuring complete trade coverage. (See Performance Supplement A.)
4. Follows up with subcontractors to ensure receipt of all bid documents; asks subcontractor about decision to bid. (See Performance Supplement A.)
5. Completes takeoffs of assigned project.
6. Develops budget for each project assigned.
7. Facilitates hand off meeting to present budget and bid information to project manager to ensure smooth transition from estimating to project management.
8. Prepares spreadsheets for material takeoffs and bid comparison.
9. Solicits and maintains an open line of communication with potential vendors and subcontractors to ensure bid deadlines are met; provides necessary information to vendors and subcontractors for accurate bid.
10. Develops and maintains relationships with current and prospective vendors and subcontractors; cold calls and sells Zernco to prospective vendors and subcontractors.
11. Maintains plan distribution and subcontractor list.
12. Participates in pre-bid site visits and walk throughs to verify actual site conditions and submits RFIs.
13. Links customer bid forms to cost analysis.
14. Builds workable project schedule for projects assigned.
15. Conducts follow up calls prior to bid date, manages bid calendar

Knowledge and Experience

1. Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school with emphasis in construction science preferred; and two to four years experience in the field or in estimating; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge of building design and development, structural engineering, construction processes and procedures including design/build contracting.
3. Knowledge of building codes and ordinances regulating building construction.
4. Ability to read, analyze and interpret plans and specifications, technical reports and legal documents.
5. Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from individuals or groups of management, employees, customers, sub-contractors, and vendors including the ability to give instructions, speak clearly, effectively, and professionally in positive or negative situations; ability to make professional presentations.
6. Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
7. Experience with Microsoft Word/Excel/Project, Outlook, and takeoff software (Building connected, PlanSwift).