Career & Employment Answers
for the Building Industry

Position Summary:
The senior estimator will provide full estimating services.

Expected Outcomes:
Assigned estimates are completed on time, in a professional and competitive manner.
Estimates are accurate and consider risk factors and construction methods.
Completed projects, utilizing assigned estimates, are profitable.
Positive company image is made with clients, potential clients, vendors and subcontractors.
Good working relationships are formed with subcontractors, maintaining ethical standards.

Responsibilities:
Review proposal specifications and drawings and attend pre-bid meetings, etc. to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate
Investigate site before bid, identifying waste area, borrow area and dump sites
Review design options and recommend best solution based on cost, engineering quality or availability of materials
Review and incorporate historical data from purchase orders, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports, etc. into unit and man hour figures
Determine critical path schedule and sequence of work
Investigate value engineering options
Prepare estimates by calculating complete take-off of scope of work; price work items
Review terms and conditions of subcontractor and vendor quotes; serve as a liaison with subcontractors and vendors during the bidding process
Maintain files of working documents as back-up for estimate figures, including current (accurate) information on prices from suppliers
Review all pricing with supervisor
Use historical unit price and productivity data
Provide technical support to personnel preparing estimates for assigned bids
Set up budgets
Write subcontracts and purchase orders
Participate in presentations to clients (when required)
Visit project sites to observe construction methods
Update skills for software tools and technology utilized
Participate in project hand-off meetings; attend meetings with suppliers and subcontractors (as needed)
Communicate and reinforce the company vision, values and goals
Perform additional assignments per supervisors direction
Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:
Four-year engineering degree or equivalent combination of technical training and/or related experience
Six to eight years estimating, cost control and/or engineering experience (at least four years estimating experience in similar construction); basic CPM scheduling skills
Experience with estimating software, including iSqFt and HCSS
Extensive knowledge of company procedures, estimating techniques, engineering disciplines and cost control systems
Advanced math and computer skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to estimate all types of civil projects/ contracts, including earthwork, utilities, paving and concrete structures
Familiarity with commercial building construction plans
Ability to coordinate and supervise group effort