Estimator I Design - Indirect

Builders FirstSource; Henderson (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Builders FirstSource is seeking a materials estimator to analyze blueprints and selections, develop accurate material lists and cost estimates for bids and customers. You will review drawings, resolve issues with the Project Manager, and leverage estimating software to quantify wall structures and components.

The role supports sales with material availability, substitutions, and pricing data, contributing to cost-effective bids.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in construction technology from a two-year college or technical school preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience within the building construction industry.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints and documentation to develop materials lists and cost estimates for bids.
• Review blueprints, drawings, and selections sheets; resolve issues with Project Manager or customer.
• Use estimating software to determine quantities for walls, headers, beams, and floor components.
• Support sales by providing material availability, substitutions, and new materials information.
• Maintain current, up-to-date pricing data and optimize stock material usage.
• Consult with clients and vendors to discuss estimates and resolve issues; advise on cost reductions.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Cost estimation

Teamwork

Office suite

Estimating software

Geometry basics

Vendor liaison

Education

Associate degree in construction technology

Tools

DQ2000 Estimating

Microsoft Office

Job description

PURPOSE

Analyzes blueprints and other documentation to develop a materials list and cost estimate, which give a reasonably accurate account of material costs to the sales department and customers. These estimates are used by sales for bidding purposes; to confirm construction and labor costs on contract jobs.

• Receives information from the sales representative or customer on what materials are required in pricing a job.
• Reviews blueprints, drawings & selections sheets to understand specific details and/or any errors/issues. Resolves these issues with Project Manager and/or the customer.
• Using packaged estimating software (e.g. DQ2000, Estimating and Quote System), determines the linear and square footage to build wall structures and components such as headers for doors, beams, floor joists, etc.
• Assists sales department in supplying information on materials, such as availability, substitutions, and new materials.
• Maintains current, up-to-date pricing data.
• Determines how to maximize the use of stock material.
• Computes cost factors and prepares estimates used for management purposes such as preparing bids, selecting vendors or subcontractors, and determining cost effectiveness.
• Consults with clients, vendors, or other individuals to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. May help advise contractors on engineering issues such as how to reduce construction costs on the project.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Associate degree in construction technology from two-year college or technical school preferred. Must have prior (2-3 years) experience within the building construction industry.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints and computer manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with customers or team members. Must practice good teamwork.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as linear and square feet, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• One to two years related Windows, Microsoft Office experience and/or training. Must have ability to be trained on estimating software. Digitized software experience desirable.
• This position impacts the sales department, special projects and manufacturing. It influences the company's ability to compete successfully in bidding for new jobs by accurately pricing materials. It also influences the efficiency of the production lines by providing accurate information regarding materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

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.

• Subject to typical office environment.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands to finger handle, or work on the computer, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.