Civil, Structural, and Architectural (CSA) Estimator

About the role

A Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA) estimator with 3 to 10 years of industrial construction experience, working primarily on negotiated industrial projects within core markets. This position involves close collaboration with architects, engineers, owners, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the project from the first estimate through subcontracts being formalized.
• Contact subcontractors and suppliers requesting quotes to successfully bid or budget a project.
• Utilize estimating systems to comprise an accurate budget or bid.
• Perform conceptual estimates based on limited drawings and specifications.
• Provide innovative solutions to complex issues related to cost, lead-times, trade partners, and specified products or materials.
• Make reliable predictions related to cost and be comfortable estimating across all scopes of work.
• Ensure subcontractors are aware of and commit to the project schedule.
• Read and interpret drawings and specifications accurately.
• Identify, adapt to, and resolve complex issues, creating innovative approaches and solutions on a project-by-project basis.
• Clarify the scope of work with architects, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Coordinate estimates with other building disciplines, such as electrical, mechanical, and plumbing.
• Confer with field operations on project requirements, productions, job restrictions, staffing, competitive advantages, and subcontractor experience.
• Prepare detailed estimates as the design evolves, develop variance summaries between estimates, and conduct value engineering studies.
• Assemble a complete, presentation-worthy estimate package that clearly communicates project cost.
• Understand unit costs and the factors affecting construction cost.
• Work with other departments to ensure the bid package is submitted in accordance with company bidding procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or another technical field.
• Minimum of three to ten years of industrial construction or manufacturing estimating experience.
• Proven track record of design-bid, design/bid/build estimating success.
• Strong knowledge of construction paving, underground, concrete, and grading practices.
• Strong work ethic and a “can-do” attitude.
• Ability to look beyond given information, ask the right questions, and provide a complete project cost evaluation.
• Experience with the bidding process: soliciting bids, communicating with bidders, evaluating subcontractor proposals, using bid tally sheets, etc.
• Proficient at reading and interpreting drawings and specifications accurately.
• Strong communication skills with architects, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Ability to coordinate estimates with other building disciplines.
• Effective participation in a team environment, with both internal and external teammates.
• Conceptual estimating experience required.

Skills

• Knowledge of Division 1 - 14 CSI MasterFormat.
• Ability to read and interpret construction specifications and drawings.
• Thorough understanding of commercial construction systems, means, and methods.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office, estimating software (WinEst, Timberline, or similar), and take-off software (On-Screen Takeoff or similar).
• Thorough knowledge of construction costs as they relate to the CSI MasterFormat, with the ability to break out lump sum pricing into detailed scopes of work with definite quantities and units of measure.
• Expertise in construction methods and materials, including new construction and tenant improvements/fit-outs.
• Understanding of trade responsibilities within the overall construction contract.