Estimator (Special Projects)

Department: Estimating | Employment Type: Full Time | Location: Pleasanton, CA

About the Role

The primary function of the Estimator is to be an important team member supporting multiple preconstruction efforts and to lead specific bid efforts.

Responsibilities

• Familiarity with roles and responsibilities of Project Engineers, Project Managers, Project Administrators, Superintendents, and Project Executives
• Basic understanding of CPM software and schedule creation, including interpreting milestones related to procurement, lead times, schedule activity durations, and critical path
• Exposure to various construction methods, building logistics, identifying constructability issues, and offering value analysis during Design Development and Construction Document phases
• Basic understanding of WEO requirements and their relation to project budgets
• Understanding all facets of bid day organization, including implementing clarifications and qualifications from subcontractors into estimates
• Developing subcontractor scopes from plans and specs for effective use on bid day
• Analyzing subcontractor proposals to identify scope items, differences, and exclusions with cost implications
• Developing subcontractor relationships and selecting appropriate subcontractors for projects
• Developing estimates at the Construction Document phase, including subcontractor input, WEO historical data, and sufficient plugs for missing information
• Tracking, understanding, and explaining cost differences between progress estimates
• Researching unit pricing and quantifying/distinguishing materials
• Anticipating basic scope and plugging scope not shown on conceptual plans
• Understanding GC’s overhead, fee structure, and the use/function of "contingency"
• Generating cost-saving ideas from estimates and documents
• Setting up and manipulating spreadsheets for budgets using historic data and current market conditions
• Basic understanding of WEO project cost reports and subcontract routing forms
• Utilizing lessons learned to improve future estimates
• Understanding risk with subcontractors and taking appropriate actions to protect WEO’s position, including standard and specific exclusions
• Basic understanding of insurance cost implications, Builders Risk Insurance, Owner/Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs, and Sub Guard Liability Insurance vs. subcontractor bonding
• Understanding basics of Owner’s Contract (AIA 101, AIA 111, AIA General Conditions) and WEO Master Subcontract Agreement (MSA) as they relate to cost implications
• Managing and communicating the scope of work description for Subcontract agreements, filling scope gaps appropriately
• Thinking strategically by considering internal and external factors, identifying strategies, and prioritizing team efforts
• Analyzing issues by gathering relevant information, considering broad factors, and seeking input from others
• Using sound judgment to make timely decisions under uncertainty and consulting others when needed
• Innovating by generating new ideas and combining possible solutions creatively
• Using technical/functional expertise and accessing other expert resources when appropriate
• Understanding the broader organization and business, keeping knowledge up to date, and using interdepartmental knowledge
• Committing to quality and focusing on customer needs by anticipating and meeting them
• Creating effective proposals with guidance to meet Owner’s needs
• Working efficiently by managing time, handling multiple demands, delegating appropriately, and managing meetings effectively
• Developing short and long-range plans that are comprehensive, realistic, and effective
• Identifying and implementing effective processes and procedures for accomplishing work
• Proactively engaging project managers to build relationships and understand project financial status
• Making subcontractor calls to establish and cultivate relationships
• Attending subcontractor industry events to broaden relationships and market WEO
• Implementing a common vision and providing clear direction and priorities
• Addressing difficult issues with support and standing firm when necessary
• Asserting ideas and persuading superiors to gain support and mobilize action
• Fostering teamwork and collaboration among team members
• Motivating others by encouraging and empowering them to achieve
• Championing change and challenging the status quo to foster new initiatives
• Coaching and developing others by assessing strengths and development needs, providing feedback, and fostering a learning organization
• Relating to people openly and developing effective relationships
• Identifying and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders
• Creating an atmosphere for smooth information flow and open expression of ideas
• Showing respect and appreciation for diversity in background, perspectives, and interests
• Resolving conflicts collaboratively and building consensus
• Assigning responsibilities, delegating, empowering, and coordinating work efforts
• Assisting and representing WEO in effective presentations and proposal reviews
• Exposure to meetings involving closing deals through understanding Owner’s needs, competitor analysis, and current market conditions

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent experience in a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience with a Subcontractor or General Contractor in the estimating profession
• Proficiency in basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proficiency in Outlook for managing calendars, address books, tasks, and email
• Ability to navigate and manage files in cloud-based platforms (Box.com, Dropbox)
• Experience with OST, WebEx, Skype for Business, BidMail, BIM 360 Glue, Bluebeam Revu, and PlanGrid
• Basic understanding of scheduling and CMiC applications
• Understanding of basic construction administration processes (construction documents, schedules, RFIs, submittals, material procurement)
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Basic time management and organization skills
• Completion of OSHA 30-Hour Safety Course
• First Aid and CPR certified

Skills

• Speaks clearly and expresses self well in groups and one-on-one conversations
• Actively listens and conveys understanding of comments and questions
• Prepares and delivers clear, smooth presentations
• Conveys information clearly through formal and informal documents
• Shows desire and willingness to progress to the Senior Estimator role
• Handles day-to-day work challenges confidently and adjusts to shifting priorities and rapid change
• Learns from experience and actively pursues self-development

Benefits

• 100% ESOP
• Competitive Pay
• Bonus Program
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• PTO/Sick
• 100% Life Insurance
• 401(K) with Match
• Student Debt Program

Pay

$110,000 - $160,000 / year

Physical Demands

Performance of the required duties may require physical ability to use construction personnel hoists, climb ladders, and negotiate work areas under construction. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The role requires use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, as well as sitting, talking, hearing, and standing throughout the workday. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in one of WEO’s California regional offices and may occasionally visit construction work sites. On-site exposure may include moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes, airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in these environments is usually moderate to very loud.