Estimator - Fire Safety/Low Voltage

Duties

• Reviewing and analyzing project plans, specifications, bid documents, RFPs, addenda, alternates, and scope narratives to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Preparing estimates for fire alarm, fire life safety, access control, CCTV, intrusion, AV, DAS/ERRCS, monitoring, and other low-voltage systems as applicable.
• Performing detailed material and labor takeoffs from drawings and specifications.
• Reviewing fire alarm drawings, riser diagrams, device layouts, schedules, specifications, and sequence of operations to determine project scope and pricing requirements.
• Identifying scope gaps, conflicts, exclusions, clarifications, and potential risks within bid documents.
• Collaborating with project managers, operations, design, engineering, service, and field teams to gather information needed for accurate pricing.
• Utilizing estimating software and tools, including Bluebeam, to complete takeoffs and prepare estimates efficiently.
• Conducting site walks and pre-bid meetings to assess existing conditions, project logistics, access constraints, phasing, and other factors that may impact pricing.
• Preparing and submitting complete and accurate proposals, including scope inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, alternates, unit pricing, and required bid forms.
• Soliciting and reviewing vendor and subcontractor pricing for materials, equipment, monitoring, testing, specialty systems, and subcontracted scopes.
• Negotiating pricing with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to achieve competitive and favorable terms.
• Coordinating with manufacturers and distributors to obtain accurate material pricing, lead times, product availability, and technical information.
• Reviewing project requirements related to permits, inspections, testing, programming, commissioning, record drawings, closeout documents, warranties, and turnover.
• Preparing budgets, conceptual estimates, design-build estimates, change order pricing, and value engineering options as needed.
• Assisting with change order pricing, estimate revisions, and scope modifications throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintaining organized records of estimates, proposals, bid documents, contracts, correspondence, vendor quotes, subcontractor quotes, and project-related documentation.
• Participating in bid reviews, turnover meetings, and project handoff meetings with project management and operations teams.
• Maintaining knowledge of applicable codes, industry standards, local AHJ requirements, and company estimating practices.

Skills And Qualifications

• Experience estimating fire alarm, fire life safety, and low-voltage electrical systems.
• Proficient in construction estimating techniques, takeoff methods, labor units, material pricing, and bid preparation.
• A working knowledge of fire alarm systems, low-voltage communication systems, access control, CCTV, DAS/ERRCS, AV, monitoring, and related building system interfaces.
• The ability to read and interpret construction drawings, electrical drawings, fire alarm plans, riser diagrams, specifications, addenda, and scope documents.
• Understanding project requirements related to installation, testing, inspection, programming, commissioning, and closeout.
• Familiarity with cost control measures, contract management, bid review, and negotiation strategies.
• Experience using Bluebeam or similar software for digital takeoffs and estimating.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, PDF tools, estimating software, and project documentation systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail while managing multiple estimates, deadlines, and priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also being self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Knowledge of project management principles as they relate to estimating, bidding, budgeting, change orders, procurement, and project handoff.
• The ability to identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, code-related issues, and potential project risks.
• The ability to professionally communicate with general contractors, owners, vendors, subcontractors, engineers, consultants, project managers, and internal team members.