Estimator

Faulconer Construction; South Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Faulconer Construction is seeking an Estimator to prepare complete estimates for diverse projects. You will analyze plans, specs, geotechnical data, and quantities, then price labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors to maximize profitability.

The role involves interfacing with owners and engineers, contributing to business development, and supporting project teams, with travel for pre-bid meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• BS or BA degree in construction management, business, or related field.
• 3+ years of direct work experience in a civil construction estimating capacity.
• Thorough knowledge of standard estimating procedures and industry practices.
• Ability to read drawings, geotechnical reports, specs, and scopes of work.
• Ability to travel to prebid meetings/site visits (overnight may be required).

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete estimates for assigned projects with takeoff of scope.
• Review plans, specs, geotechnical info, and quantities for bid content.
• Write detailed scopes, terms, and exclusions for proposals.
• Interface with Owners and Architects/Engineers for price and value data.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and bid discussions; support attempted business development.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Prioritization under pressure

Analytical thinking

Bid strategy & value management

Education

BS or BA in construction management or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PDF applications

Cosential

HCSS HeavyBid

AGTEK

Smartbid

iSqft

Building Connected

Dodge Reports

BetaSam.gov

Job description

Reports directly to the Chief Estimator or Director of Estimating. Estimator is responsible for working towards the annual booking goal, understanding backlog needs, and working to maximize profitability. The Estimator will prepare complete estimates for assigned project(s) of varying size and complexity, for one or more disciplines, including the review and analysis of applicable project plans and specifications. The Estimator will be part of a team environment and may work with other team members based on bid needs. The Estimator will participate in business development, industry events, and building customer relations, while conducting business in a professional manner, striving for team excellence, and emphasizing Faulconer’s Core Values at all times.

Essential Functions:

• Follow in-house procedures for estimating. (Bid Books, Take-Off Forms, Sub/Supplier Solicitation, Minority Solicitation, Etc.)
• Review, discuss and incorporate similar past project knowledge, i.e safety concerns, productions, crew sizes, job costs into current job cost analysis.
• Review proposal specifications, drawings and geotechnical information, labor and material requirements, prepare itemized lists, site walks, and attend pre-bid meetings to determine scope of work and contents of estimate.
• Prepare estimates by calculating complete takeoff of scope of work. Determine cost effectiveness. Accurately quantify and price the labor, equipment, materials and subcontractors needed to perform the work.
• Write detailed scopes of work including pertinent terms and conditions, inclusions and exclusions for bid proposals.
• Interface with Owners and Architects/Engineers to provide necessary price, proposal and value management information.
• Follow up on submitted proposals and be prepared to discuss in weekly estimating meeting.
• Support Operations Staff as required
• Maintain knowledge of relevant software, i.e. takeoff, estimate/bid creation, scheduling, subcontractor solicitation, office management, customer relationship management
• When feasible, visit current project sites to obtain knowledge of productions and means and methods of construction activities utilized by field personnel.
• Assist with creation of yearly Business Plan. Market research (lead sources, media, publications, interaction with GC/Owner/Architect/Engineer…) will be required for this
• Keep up to date with current market trends (competitors, who is building what, who does most of a GC’s work…)
• Maintain CRM database with relevant information.

Business Development: 10%

• Actively engage in Business Development activities.
• Interface with Owners, GC’s, Architects/Engineers, and other contacts to develop future bid opportunities.
• Research future opportunities and projects by personal contacts or online search engines.
• Attend relevant industry events and participate in business development with Owners, Architects/Engineers, vendors and other contractors.
• Encouraged to take part, participate, and be engaged in industry or relevant trade group association committees, boards, etc.

Operations: 5%

• Prepare and be responsible for Hand-Off Meetings with Project Managers & Field Staff
• Provide estimating support for change orders as needed
• Participate in project "Kick-Off" meetings with Operations Staff
• Participate in Post Project Review Meetings with Operations Staff

Qualifications:

• BS or BA degree in an area related to construction management, business, or related field experience
• 3+ years of direct work experience in a civil construction estimating capacity, including all aspects of bid preparation
• Thorough knowledge of standard estimating procedures and techniques
• Thorough understanding of industry practices, standards, and processes
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings, geotechnical reports, specifications, and scopes of work and determine the cost impacts of each
• Ability to navigate a future or active construction site to evaluate existing conditions
• Ability to travel to prebid meetings/site visits. (Overnight visits may be required)
• Attendance at mandatory company events in NC and VA as needed
• Proficient with Excel, Word, PDF applications, Cosential, HCSS HeavyBid, AGTEK, and Smartbid.
• Ability to navigate iSqft, Building Connected, Smartbid, Dodge Reports, BetaSam.gov, and other similar platforms

Competencies and Personal Attributes:

• Exemplary verbal, written, math, and interpersonal communication skills
• Exemplary customer service and relationship management skills
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to effectively deal with changing priorities and timelines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team without being given direction