Estimator

Whitaker Construction, founded in 1953, has over 70 years of experience in the heavy civil and underground utility construction industry. Whitaker, an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, has become one of the largest contractors in the intermountain area with more than 600 employees and nearly 70 crews. We perform sanitary sewer, storm drain, culinary water, irrigation, earthwork, roadway construction, dams, landfills, natural gas pipelines, industrial piping, and telecommunication projects primarily in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon.

JOB SUMMARY:

A Junior Estimator is responsible for preparing cost estimates and all associated documents for estimating the cost, necessary resources, and schedule of construction projects. They estimate work by analyzing plans, specifications, proposals, quotes, and other documentation in order to prepare time, cost, materials, equipment, and labor estimates for products, projects, and/or services while applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principals, and processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:

Including but not limited to the list below.

• Develop a full understanding of company estimating policies and procedures.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and perform site work evaluations.
• Request bid bonds and prepare qualification documents (if required).
• Analyze plans, specifications, reports, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, equipment, and labor estimates.
• Prepare a detailed take-off of the quantities and scope of work detailed in the project plans.
• Review take-off quantities compared to bid form quantities to ensure accuracy of data used in estimates.
• Analyze alternative solutions and construction methods in the bidding process.
• Understand market and competitor pricing based on historical and current costs.
• Request and compile all documentation and quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers.
• Submit questions to the owner, engineer, vendors, and sub-contractors on any discrepancies discovered in the plans and specs prior to finalizing cost estimates.
• Maintain relationships with sub-contractors and vendors to obtain competitive quotes.
• Review material, labor, and equipment requirements to prepare a detailed cost estimate using the company estimating software.
• Compute production rates and prepare estimates used for management purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work, preparing bids, selecting vendors or sub-contractors, and determining cost effectiveness.
• Analyze risk exposure for all assigned projects.
• Participate in bid reviews and submit a complete and timely bid.
• Successful hand off of estimate to the project manager and continued involvement with the company’s project construction team.
• Assess profitability of projects and track actual costs relative to bid as the project develops.
• Other duties and responsibilities as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or other related discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent background in mathematics, including algebra and geometry, drafting, and plan reading.
• Excellent written and verbal (including technical) communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical skills. Knowledge of the client market.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in varying size and complexity.
• Attention to detail and ability to recognize and correct discrepancies.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as being able to work independently.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to get to and from work.

PREFERRED:

• 12-18 months of underground utility or heavy civil estimating experience preferred.
• Prior experience with engineering drawings, technical plans, and contracts preferred.
• Knowledge of field concepts, practices, and procedures related to commercial construction.
• Understanding of estimating techniques, cost control, and material pricing preferred.
• Proficient utilizing Viewpoint, Bid2Win, AGTEK, On-Screen Takeoff, Primavera P6, Trimble Business Center, etc. preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able and willing to work long hours, including working outside of normal hours in order to meet bid deadlines.
• Able to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, balance, climb, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Able to work in outside environments being subjected to weather changes, noise, vibrations, and job hazards.

Whitaker Construction is an “equal opportunity employer.” Whitaker will not discriminate and will take “affirmative action” measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000