Estimator IV

DVJ Consulting Engineers; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

DVJ Consulting Engineers seeks a senior estimator specialized in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) to report to the PMO Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator. The role involves preparing cost estimates for buildings from drawings and specs and evaluating vendor estimates for accuracy.

Responsibilities include site visits for data gathering, material takeoffs for MEP systems, and collaborating with project teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure uniform estimates

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of cost estimating experience for types I-III and V buildings per code.
• 5–7 years of MEP estimating experience required.
• Expert in cost estimating theory, pricing, and contracts.
• Experience with Design Build, Design Bid Build, and JOC forms.

Responsibilities

• Prepare construction cost estimates from drawings, outlines and specs.
• Evaluate consultant estimates for accuracy and containment.
• Conduct site visits to gather data for estimates.
• Perform material takeoffs for MEP systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing).
• Review quotes, bids, change orders and value engineering for accuracy.
• Collaborate with PMs, engineers and architects to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Cost estimation

MEP estimating

Excel proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

BS/BA Degree in Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management

Tools

RS Means

Accubid

Trimble MEP

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Position Description:

• Senior level estimator who specializes in Mechanical, Electrical, and Pluming (MEP) trades to report to PMO Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator.
• Plan and participate in the preparation of construction cost estimates of buildings or other structures from drawings, outlines, and specifications.
• Prepare estimates per design based on scope and building type.
• Evaluate cost-estimating deliverables prepared by consultants for cost containment, accuracy, uniformity and completeness.
• Prepare fair cost estimates for cost proposals from Contractors for extra work.
• Perform special studies and prepare reports when contractors’ bids vary from the construction cost estimate.
• Conduct construction/project site visits gathering relevant information and determine what information to be used to produce project estimates.
• Conduct material takeoffs and quantity surveys for MEP systems, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components.
• Evaluate pricing documents, historical and vendor cost data for the development of cost estimates and price recommendations.
• Evaluate quotes, bids, change orders, value engineering reports, and claims for accuracy and completeness of estimates.
• Compile and analyze data on all factors that influence costs such as material, labor, equipment and profit.
• Prepare technical evaluations, cost estimating draft report, memos, letters, and present recommendation to management.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-savings measures.
• Perform other related estimating duties as assigned.
• Ability to compare cost estimates with contractors’ proposal to identify discrepancies.
• Ability to develop scope of work based on RFI/RFC, answers and estimates the detailed costs of those scopes of work independent of the contractor proposal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform basic calculations in Excel.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Ten (10) years minimum of recent professional experience in the preparation of complete cost estimates for type I, II, or III, and V building construction as defined by the State building code including 5 - 7 years of MEP estimating.
• BS/BA Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or other related degree. Additional qualifying experience in excess to the minimum stated above may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.
• Expert in theories, principles, and practices of cost estimating and contract pricing.
• Expert in Design Build, Design Bid Build and Job Order Contracting forms of contracting.
• Full knowledge of construction methods for buildings and structures.
• Full knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs.
• Full knowledge of MEP systems, construction methods, and industry standards.
• Extensive experience in developing and estimating the scope of work for change orders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Prevailing Wage/Union Labor rates.
• Knowledge and use of NECA and MCAA labor productivity.
• Knowledge and use of RS Means, Accubid, Trimble MEP, or Bluebeam Revu.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and thoroughness.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.