What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimator position at Nelson Pipeline Constructors, LLC?
Nelson Pipeline is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Estimator to join our team. This role presents a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in our estimating department while collaborating closely with multiple teams. As an Estimator, you will primarily focus on estimating tasks while working in
tandem with Pre-Construction, Project Management, Field Operations, and various other departments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Generate accurate and competitive bids using Nelson Pipeline's software systems (B2W, MS Office, MS Project, & Bluebeam)
- Cross-train and coordinate with Estimating, Project Management, and Pre-Construction teams to align on technical aspects of projects related to production, bidding, and estimation
- Support the Estimating Team in fostering relationships with vendors, suppliers, and customers to develop new partnerships
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of the bidding process, including evaluating plans and bid documents to inform bid decisions
- Communicate directly with clients to respond to bid requests and inquiries
- Assess the time, value, and complexity of each bid, adjusting workload as needed
- Conduct site visits (Pre-Bid) to gain insight into existing conditions and project scope
- Ensure thorough knowledge of local municipalities, construction standards, and specifications, including soils reports
- Collaborate early in the pre-bid phase with Field Supervision and continue communication throughout the project
- Facilitate bid reviews with Superintendents or Project Managers for complex site conditions (e.g., rock excavation, dewatering, street work)
- Conduct final bid reviews with the Senior Estimator to evaluate production rates, job challenges, pricing, and margins
- Perform computer-aided quantity take-offs, utilizing MS Office, Bluebeam, and other tools
- Use B2W estimating software for bid proposals
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date production estimates within the bidding software
- Solicit quotes from subcontractors and suppliers (minimum of three per bid)
- Leverage field production knowledge to ensure accurate proposal drafts
- Develop project schedules using MS Project to verify job durations
- Propose Value Engineering ideas to enhance project profitability, reduce costs, and optimize construction timelines
- Coordinate bid efforts and reviews with external vendors and subcontractors as needed
- Maintain organized and detailed electronic bid files
- Keep the Bid Log & Bid Calendar up to date
- Communicate consistently with the Project Manager, Field Superintendent, and General Contractor, and collaborate on change orders
- Lead handoff meetings when projects are awarded, outlining key project details to staff
- Be proactive in resolving issues and negotiating effectively with internal teams, customers, and vendors
- Participate in post-project completion meetings to assess successes and areas for improvement