Estimator

Position Summary

Estimates and bids projects by breaking down plans, doing takeoffs, finding material suppliers, and subcontractors. Prepares bid proposals, budgets, and scheduling projects with input from the senior estimator, project manager, and job superintendent allowing Zernco to manage construction projects that are of high quality, completed on time, within budget, and in a safe environment.

Supervision/Direction

The supervisor provides continuing or individual assignments by indicating what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments. The supervisor provides additional, specific instructions for new, difficult, or unusual assignments including suggested work methods or advise on source material available.

Performance Expectations

• Ensures bid processes are maintained on all bidding projects.
• Shows professionalism when contacting clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Develops productive working relationships with clients, subcontractors, client managers, project managers and peers in the pre-bid process.
• 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.

• Consistently able to work in the office during the hours of 8am-5pm Monday – Friday.
  Attends All Employee Meetings as scheduled.
  
• Supervises estimating assistant, to include training, setting goals, scheduling, and planning work, and inspecting work.
• Analyzes blueprints and specifications to identify requirements for project, such as materials, labor, and timeline.
• Prepares estimates or bids for review by senior estimator and Sr. PM and submits on a timely basis. Research and contact governing authorities for license and fee requirements. Verifies insurance and bonding requirements. Research and contact utility companies for fees and connection requirements. Verifies tax requirements for new construction or remodel.
• Locates and qualifies subcontractors and suppliers for projects; prepares and distributes subcontractor bid packages ensuring complete trade coverage.
• Follows up with subcontractors to ensure receipt of all bid documents; asks subcontractor about decision to bid.
• Completes takeoffs of assigned project.
• Develops budget for each project assigned.
• Facilitates hand off meeting to present budget and bid information to project manager to ensure smooth transition from estimating to project management.
• Prepares spreadsheets for material takeoffs and bid comparison.
• 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.
• Maintains relationships with current and prospective vendors and subcontractors; cold calls and sells ZERNCO to prospective vendors and subcontractors.
• Maintains plan distribution and subcontractor list.
• Participates in pre-bid site visits and walk throughs to verify site conditions and submits RFIs.
• Links customer bid forms to cost analysis.
• Builds workable project schedule for projects assigned.
• Follow up calls prior to bid date and manages bid calendar.

Qualifications and Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, competency, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge and Experience

• Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school with emphasis in construction science preferred, two to four years’ experience in the field or in estimating or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of building design and development, structural engineering, construction processes and procedures including design/build contracting.
• Knowledge of building codes and ordinances regulating building construction.

Communication and Reading Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret plans and specifications, technical reports, and legal documents.
• 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.
• Ability to draft reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to listen to others without interrupting and get clarification.

Cognitive Abilities:  Reasoning, Problem Solving, Analysis

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply concepts of algebra and geometry to practical situations.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to conduct instructions furnished in written, oral, schedule or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to make good decisions, including exhibiting sound and accurate judgment; supporting and explaining reasoning for decisions; including the appropriate people in decision-making process; making timely decisions; and identifying when issues should be referred to appropriate leadership.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work with others in a positive, professional manner and to develop and maintain strong working relationships with management, vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, owners, architects, civil authorities, and employees.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team atmosphere; able to build morale and group commitments to company’s strategic vision; recognizes accomplishments of others.
• Ability to manage difficult or emotional employee, subcontractor, vendor, or management situations.
• Ability to gain cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals.
• Ability to instill confidence in others.
• Effective sales skills including prospecting, negotiating, and closing.

Self-Management and Organization

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy of company, client, vendor, and subcontractor information.
• Ability to prioritize and plan work activities. Manages time effectively and adapts quickly to changing priorities. Ability to work within tight timelines. Ability to manage multiple tasks and organize resources to ensure work is completed on time.
• Ability to take initiative, including asking for and offering help when needed; performs work independently within supervisor’s direction.
• Ability to delegate work assignments effectively, including matching the responsibility to the person, giving authority to work independently, setting expectations, monitoring delegated activities, and providing recognition for results.
• Strong attention to detail and focus on quality and accuracy.

Technology and Tools                                   

• Ability to operate basic office equipment including computer, telephone, fax, copier, scanner, printer, and calculator.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Projects, Outlook, and takeoff software.