Estimator

Keller Brothers, Inc.; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Keller Brothers, Inc. seeks an Estimator to plan, direct, and coordinate daily estimating activities for high-value commercial construction projects.

You will independently prepare complete, competitive bids and budgets ranging from $10,000,000 to $200,000,000+, across hard-bid, negotiated, and budgeting work, with site visits from the main office. The role requires experience reading drawings, preparing detailed takeoffs, and coordinating with trade contractors to ensure compliant, accurate bid

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage deadlines across multiple bids.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu for takeoffs and markup tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate daily estimating activities.
• Prepare complete bids and budgets for commercial construction projects.
• Review plans/specs, conduct site visits, and attend pre-bid meetings as applicable.
• Create bid takeoffs and estimates; manage multiple bids simultaneously.
• Coordinate with subs, issue LOIs, and track bid participation.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Read/interpret drawings

Communication

Organizational skills

Bluebeam Revu

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

BuildingConnected or similar

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Estimator is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating daily estimating activities. This includes independently preparing complete, competitive bids and budgets for commercial construction projects ranging from $10,000,000 to $200,000,000+, across hard-bid, negotiated, and budgeting work. This position functions from the main office and requires site visits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Incidental job duties may be included but must be indicated. Other essential and incidental job duties may be assigned.

• Work cohesively with the Estimating Coordinator to manage and fulfill all requirements for bid submissions.
• Understand and prepare complete bids by reviewing plans and specifications in their entirety, including conducting site visits and attending pre-bid meetings, as applicable.
• Interpret bid documents and create spreadsheets that comprehensively summarize the scope of work.
• Generate, track, and review Requests for Information (RFIs) and ensure resolution.
• Prepare full project takeoffs and estimates while managing multiple bids simultaneously.
• Manage minority business goals, wage scale requirements, bid alternates, unit prices, and other components required for a compliant bid submission.
• Clearly communicate bid requirements to participating trade contractors, as applicable to their scope of work.
• Create bidder lists for projects and solicit trade contractor participation through an online bid management program.
• Closely track bid participation and review progress with the Business Unit Director at appropriate intervals.
• Develop and distribute project trade scopes of work as necessary.
• Actively communicate with trade contractors throughout the bidding process to ensure scope coordination.
  
• Foster relationships with new trade contractors and maintain relationships with existing trade contractors.
• For awarded projects, negotiate scope and pricing with anticipated trade contractor awardees and issue Letters of Intent.
• Mentor, direct, and review the work of Junior Estimators, including takeoffs and trade packages on larger bids, and approve smaller bids they lead.
• Conduct turnover meetings with the Project Management Team to outline project scope of work, highlight notable project components, and facilitate a seamless transition to the procurement and construction phases.
• Represent the Estimating Department on projects in preconstruction, including budgeting for larger projects, increased interaction with owners and design teams, value engineering, and assistance with the establishment and development of scope packages.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED

• 3+ years of estimating experience within a commercial general contracting and construction management firm.
• Proven track record of successfully hard bidding and budgeting projects in excess of $20,000,000 while maintaining healthy, long-term subcontractor relationships.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, primarily Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to conduct outreach calls to subcontractors.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage deadlines across multiple bids simultaneously.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu, including takeoff and markup tools.

PREFERRED

• Estimating experience with public schools and municipal projects, such as fire stations, libraries, police stations, and community centers.
• Experience with the subcontractor post-bid buyout and negotiation process, including issuing Letters of Intent.
• Experience with online bid management platforms, such as BuildingConnected or similar programs.
• OSHA 10-Hour certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

(The factors
described here are representative of those physical demands that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The environmental factors described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions. Additional factors, if applicable, must be specified.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. Standing and walking are required occasionally in the office and frequently during site visits, including on uneven ground at active jobsites. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee must be able to climb stairs and ladders for site access and occasionally tolerate exposure to heights during jobsite visits.