Estimator IV – Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP)

Elementconsulting; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Consulting is seeking a senior estimator specializing in MEP cost estimating to report to the PMO Program Controls Manager and Lead Estimator. You will plan and prepare construction cost estimates for buildings from drawings, outlines, and specifications, with emphasis on MEP systems.

The role requires extensive experience (10+ years) in estimating for Type I–V buildings, advanced knowledge of costs, and the ability to evaluate bids, change orders, and value engineering.

Qualifications

• 10 years minimum recent professional experience in the preparation of complete cost estimates for building construction (Type I, II, III, V) per State code, including 5–7 years in MEP estimating.
• BS/BA Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field; substitutions allowed on a year-for-year basis.
• Expert in cost estimating theories, principles, and contract pricing.
• Experience with Design Build, Design Bid Build, and Job Order Contracting contracting forms.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and report construction cost estimates for buildings from drawings, outlines, and specs.
• Evaluate cost estimates from consultants for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform material takeoffs and quantity surveys for MEP systems.
• Analyze quotes, bids, change orders, and value engineering reports for accuracy.
• Develop scope of work and detailed costs based on RFIs/RFCs.
• Collaborate with PMs, engineers, and architects to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Cost estimation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem solving

Excel proficiency

Education

BS/BA in Engineering or related field

Tools

RS Means

Accubid

Trimble MEP

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Duties:

• 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:

• 10 years minimum 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.

Salary dependent on education and experience. Salary range: $159K-$179K

Why Choose Element Consulting?

Element Consulting is a construction management company dedicated to providing clients with responsible and innovative solutions to their project needs, from inception to completion. Based out of El Segundo, CA, the firm offers program, project, and construction management services. We invite you to join us in 'Bringing the Right Elements Together for Our Clients' Success.'