Service Writer / Body Shop Estimator - Heavy Duty Truck Shop

Job Description: Body Shop Estimator - Heavy Duty Truck Shop

$26/hour to $33/hour (offers to qualified candidates will depend on experience)

Location: San Leandro, CA, 94577

Skills: A Heavy Duty Truck Service Writer / Body Shop Estimator is responsible for inspecting damaged heavy-duty trucks, assessing the extent of structural and body damage, and providing detailed cost estimates for repairs, including parts and labor, while collaborating with insurance companies and the shop management to ensure efficient repair processes and accurate billing. Must have experience working in a Body Shop to be considered for this positiion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Damage Assessment: Thoroughly inspect damaged heavy-duty trucks to identify the full scope of structural, body, and component damage, including frame damage, body panels, doors, and attachments.
• Cost Estimation: Accurately calculate the cost of necessary repairs by determining required parts, labor hours, and associated materials needed to restore the truck to its pre-damaged condition.
• Insurance Interaction: Review insurance claims, communicate with insurance adjusters, and negotiate repair costs while adhering to policy guidelines.
• Repair Planning: Develop detailed repair plans, including the sequence of steps, estimated repair times, and necessary specialized tools or technicians.
• Customer Communication: Explain repair estimates to customers, address concerns, and answer questions regarding the repair process and cost.
• Parts Ordering: Coordinate with parts suppliers to ensure timely procurement of required parts for repairs.
• Shop Management Collaboration: Work closely with the shop manager and technicians to ensure repair quality, timelines, and budget adherence.
• Documentation: Accurately document all damage findings, repair estimates, parts details, and customer information in the appropriate system.
  
  
  

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of heavy-duty truck body construction, components, and repair techniques.
• Estimating Skills: Proficiency in accurately estimating labor hours, parts costs, and overall repair costs.
• Computer Proficiency: Familiarity with estimating software, parts catalogs, and other relevant computer systems.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with customers, insurance companies, and shop personnel.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex damage and determine the most efficient repair solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate damage assessments and cost estimates.
• Years of Experience: 2 plus year of experience in a body shop is a must!
• Education: HS diploma needed, some college required
  
  
  

Work Environment: Primarily located in a heavy-duty truck body shop, with frequent movement around damaged vehicles. May involve working outdoors in various weather conditions when inspecting vehicles. Exposure to noise from shop equipment and vehicles.