Estimator

The Nichols Companies; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Health Insurance

PTO

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Nichols Contracting, Inc. in Columbia, MD is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects.

The role includes handling JOC and eGordian bid packages and pursuing bids in the DMV and Florida regions, with a dedicated team for surveys and Sourcewell packaging. You will collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and suppliers to ensure budgets are realistic and bids are competitive, while maintaining thorough

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field.
• Proven estimator experience in construction, preferably with a general contractor.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulations.
• Proficiency in estimating software (ProEst, Bluebeam, PlanSwift) and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specs, and other documentation to understand scope of work.
• Conduct site visits to gather information for estimates.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and related expenses.
• Develop and maintain cost databases for pricing accuracy.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and alternatives.
• Obtain and evaluate bids from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Negotiate with subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing.
• Prepare budgets and cost breakdowns for proposals and client presentations.
• Monitor project costs to ensure adherence to budget.

Skills

Estimating software

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors in construction management

Engineering degree

Tools

ProEst

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

MS Office

Job description

Nichols Contracting, Inc. (NCI) is a family-owned and operated Construction and Contracting business headquartered in Columbia, MD with offices in Venice, Royal Palm Beach, and Orlando, FL with a team of 170 employees. NCI is a full-service general contractor focused on providing premier services in all aspects of the construction process, from concept to completion. We manage a broad range of commercial construction projects, including new construction, tenant fit outs, and renovations. NCI services a diverse group of markets including federal, state, and local governments, as well as a variety of corporate and special industry organizations that require complex life safety and critical infrastructure needs.

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects. This role involves analyzing project plans, specifications, and other documentation to create comprehensive estimates. The Estimator will collaborate with project managers, architects, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure that all costs are accounted for and that the project stays within budget. This position will also be responsible for specifically all JOC/eGourdian Bid packages. This position will be incentivized to pursue and bid on eGordian projects through existing and new JOC procurements in the DMV and FL regions. The position will have a dedicated team member to perform surveys in each region that Nichols works in. The position will also have a dedicated team member to coordinate sourcewell bid opportunities, compile sourcewell packages, and track through award and the purchasing phase.

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Review project plans, specifications, and other documentation to understand the scope of work.
• Conduct site visits to gather essential information for accurate estimates.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and other project-related expenses.
• Develop and maintain cost databases to ensure accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
• Identify potential cost-saving opportunities and alternatives.
• Obtain and evaluate bids from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Negotiate with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing.
• Ensure all subcontractor and supplier bids align with the project requirements.
• Prepare detailed budgets and cost breakdowns for project proposals.
• Assist in the preparation of bid proposals and presentations for clients.
• Monitor project costs throughout the construction process to ensure adherence to the budget.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates, bids, and contracts.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on cost estimates and budget status to management and clients.
• Prepare eGordian bid packages and price schedules for each opportunity.
• Update project estimates and budgets as necessary based on changes in scope or project conditions.
• Work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate and feasible estimates.
• Assist in value engineering efforts to optimize project costs without compromising quality.
• Identify potential risks and uncertainties in the project and incorporate appropriate contingencies into the estimates.
• Provide recommendations for risk mitigation strategies.
• Stay updated on industry trends, construction techniques, and materials to enhance estimating accuracy.
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities.

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience as an estimator in the construction industry, preferably with a general contractor.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulations.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., ProEst, Bluebeam, PlanSwift) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to independently ascend and descend stairs.
• Ability to independently reach, twist, and bend.
• Ability to independently remain stationary for extended periods of time; and
• Ability to independently lift up to 30 pounds when required by work assignment.

Benefits

401k, Health Insurance (Medical, Dental and Vision), PTO, Employer Paid Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays and much more

Employee Acknowledgement:

I have read the above position description and I understand and agree with the terms and requirements for this position. I also understand and agree that such requirements may be amended and/or adjusted at any time.

Persons with mental and physical disabilities as defined by the American’s With Disabilities Act are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

Nichols Contracting provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state of local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Accessibility:

If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster,