Construction Estimator

Role/Overview/Position Summary

The Estimator reviews, understands, publishes project information (plans, specifications, etc.), ensures good subcontractor and supplier bid participation, and assembles project proposals for final review by the Chief Estimator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.           

1. Review and understand project plans, specifications, and related bidding information.
2. Solicit subcontractor and supplier bids via phone, email, and online bid solicitation services.  Ensure a minimum of three quality bids in each trade.
3. Evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids when received.
4. Attend on-site prebid meetings as requested.
5. Upload new subcontractor/supplier contacts to database.
6. Train and direct Assistant Estimator(s) as directed by Chief Estimator.
7. Assemble bids with the appropriate strategy to identify risk, mitigate risk, and suggest a successful approach with regard to subcontractors, general conditions costs, and fee.
8. Create draft bid letter, qualifications, and complete bid form for Chief Estimator’s review.
9. Create preliminary milestone schedules as requested.
10. Assemble and submit final, polished bid proposals.
11. Develop a strong rapport with clients; follow up with them as required for submitted bids and to obtain information regarding future work.
12. Perform conceptual estimates for clients as directed by Chief Estimator.

Requirements

Qualifications (including licensing, certifications)

1.      Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or another related degree; or one to three years related experience. Should have general knowledge of all trades. 

2.      Familiarity with construction field concepts, practices and procedures.

3.      Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; and the Internet.

4.      Ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints, specifications, and contracts.  Ability to create spreadsheets.

5.      Demonstrates ability to positively contribute to teams and collaborate with co-workers, clients, contractors, etc.

6.      Ability to adapt, prioritize and reprioritize workload dependent on daily needs of department or as directed.

7.      Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Must be able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.  Must be comfortable engaging in healthy conflict. 

8.      Embodies the WDS Way – Humble, Hungry, Loyal.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

This position performs sedentary work by sitting most of the time, walking and standing only occasionally, and exerting up to 20 pounds of force, occasionally and/or insignificant amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

1.      Stoop or bending downward and forward by bending at the waist.

2.      Kneel or bend legs at the knee to come to a rest on the knee(s).

3.      Crouch or bend downward and forward by bending the leg and spine.

4.      Finger dexterity including picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than the whole hand, and grasping items.

5.      Talk by expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately.

6.      Hear by perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make the discrimination in sound.

7.      Have close visual acuity to perform and activity such as viewing a computer, extensive reading, visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines.

The physical environments described here are representative of those that will be present in the role:

1.      Regularly operates out of the professional corporate office.

2.      No adverse environmental conditions expected.

3.      Requires some amount of travel nation-wide, including air travel.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes:

• Competitive salary
• Traveling per diem
• Year-end bonus
• Mileage reimbursement or company vehicle
• Sabbatical program
• Comprehensive benefits package