Project Estimator

About the Role

The Project Estimator is responsible for creating the Estimate for the construction project. The Estimate is an essential Contract Document that is used to manage the construction project and to determine overall project financial success. Utilizing knowledge of building methods, materials, and sequencing, the Project Estimator is responsible for making timely determinations that materially impact the scale and scope of the estimate. The Project Estimator also writes the applicable subcontractor contracts, verifies certificates of insurance, and procures the materials and labor to be in compliance with the Owner contract. Project Estimators may be assigned a specific scope within a large project or the entire scope for a smaller project, ranging from $10 million to $20 million.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of total construction experience with a minimum of 2 years as an estimator
• Intermediate capabilities in construction estimation software (preferred – Destini Estimator)
• Intermediate understanding of construction means, methods, materials, and building codes
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
• Detail‑oriented with a high degree of accuracy

Primary Duties

• Analyze drawings and specifications to ensure the assigned scope is estimated, contracted, and procured to meet contractual obligations
• Responsible for take‑off phase of project, including obtaining architect plans, inputting plans into take‑off software, and calculating parameters such as wall lengths, number of switches, etc.
• Create bid lists, analyzing which subcontractors are most suitable for specific projects based on size and complexity
• Direct bid invitations with subcontractors: send invitations, verify receipt, confirm intent to bid, supply additional information, and ensure adherence to timelines
• Manage scoping of projects, including receiving quotes from subcontractors, verifying completeness, identifying missing items, and pricing those items
• Oversee quantity surveys, bid tabulation, estimate assembly, owner approval forms, etc.
• Interface with subcontractors and suppliers through proper document distribution, solicitation, and pre‑qualification of vendors
• Provide guidance to scheduling preparation by interacting with project and scheduling personnel, subcontractors, and vendors
• Contribute to overhead and general condition planning and pricing, including staffing, equipment, and related costs
• Write and review all types of vendor contracts with effective inclusions, exclusions, and job/general requirements
• Collect, analyze, and inventory historical cost data for inclusion in the database

Secondary Duties

• Create internal and external Potential Impacts to properly notify the Owner, Architect, Engineer, and Subcontractor of possible quality concerns
• Compose RFIs that are clear and concise to be added as part of the contract documentation
• Manage the RFI Log to create, monitor, and close RFIs, distributing documentation to applicable project team members
• Create clear submittal‑log form requirements in the Contract Documents and utilize pull scheduling to establish priority dates, ensuring design team and subcontractors meet schedule requirements
• Create and manage the Contract Document Log, record set, and current set with all revised contract documents
• Incorporate RFIs into the record and current set per Digital Document Management standards
• Manage the submittal log, reviewing all types of submittals and shop drawings for correctness per the contract documents
• Create and manage the Expediting Log to obtain material on time based on accurate delivery dates, lead times, and coordination with subcontractors
• Create and complete checklists and issues in Autodesk for effective Quality Assurance/Quality Control management with subcontractors
• Implement all aspects of the QA/QC program, including A3’s, pre‑install meetings, and peer reviews
• Implement Lean Operating System concepts such as daily huddles, visual communication, and continuous improvement to reduce the 8 wastes
• Compile subcontractor and owner closeout documentation, including Closeout Manual, training, O&M’s, warranties, as‑builts, and attic stock

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer with repetitive movements
• Ascends or descends ladders, scaffolding, and steep slopes with agility (climb)
• Maintains body equilibrium to prevent falling from precarious situations (balance)
• Lowers the body to floor level and moves with agility (stoop or crawl)
• Extends out and retrieves objects outside immediate range (reach)
• Supports oneself and stays in an upright position (stand)
• Presses against something with substantial and steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward (push)