Construction Estimator

Job Title: Construction Estimator

Department: Estimating

Reports To: Chief Estimator

FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY

The Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing, estimating and analyzing the costs of various construction projects. The Construction Estimator is responsible for the entire estimate and tendering process, creating Requests for Quotation, budgeting, take-offs, contacting sub-trades, reviewing and understanding construction documents, thorough understanding of tender documents and all other relevant work pertaining to estimating.   

LAWS OF THE LAND

CORE VALUES

Solutions based, Integrity, Confidence and Supportive. The individual in this position must possess these values and be willing and able to coach these values. 

MISSION

This position must know and understand the mission statement of our organization and be committed to achieving the mission.

VISION

This position must support and participate in the advancement of our organization’s vision statement.

EMOTIONAL INTELLEGENCE

• Must be skilled in relationships in order to coach varying personalities to obtain maximum performance and develop current and future leadership.
• Must be self-motivated and action oriented. This person must develop and pursue creative, innovative solutions. Acts without prompting. An eager self-starter.
• This individual must demonstrate mental agility to effectively prioritize, and solve, multiple problems. Must be willing to make difficult decisions. Must have situational awareness (sense of urgency). Provide support, practice empathy, and ask for support when necessary.
• This individual must have a keen attention to detail and be willing to express the importance of quality workmanship.
• This individual’s conduct and behavior must set the tone, reflecting the Core Values, Mission and Vision of this organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Computes cost factors and prepares estimates used for management purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work, preparing bids, selecting vendors or subcontractors, and determining cost effectiveness.
• Conducts special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or effect cost reductions.
• Participates in pre-bid meetings.
• Preparing estimates of the cost of materials, labor and equipment for a construction project.
• Consults with clients, vendors, or other individuals both internally and externally to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Create quantity and conceptual take-offs and prepare estimate packages used for submitting formal bids to clients.
• Ability to read and understand drawings and specifications and perform accurate take-offs.
• Establishing and maintaining the tendering (bidding) process
• Working with engineers, architects, owners, and contractors on feasibility studies and adjusting the cost when needed
• Create preliminary schedule, initiate and schedule job handoff meetings between estimating, project management and field operations.
• Assemble a team that issues subcontracts and purchase orders for successfully bid projects.
• Review project contract documents per established quality procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Preparing estimates of labor, material costs, general expenses and overheads
• Operating computer software programs
• Reading and interpreting blueprints, maps, drawings and project specifications
• Understanding and being able to advise on the tendering process
• Setting up cost monitoring and reporting systems
• Maintaining a directory of suppliers and trade contractors
• Collaborating with engineers, architects, owners and contractors
• Must have a valid driver's license.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. A/B. S.) from four-year college or university in a construction related field and five years related experience, or eight years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Must have a familiarity with computers and a working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software, preferably with Microsoft Word and Excel. Also must be knowledgeable of online bidding platforms.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. Occasionally this employee will be required to visit project sites and must be able to comply with site specific safety requirements. These visits may involve significant amounts of walking. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.