Estimator
An Estimator is responsible for determining the overall costs associated with a construction or manufacturing project by analyzing labor, material, and time requirements.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Estimator
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An entry-level role focused on evaluating project specifications and requirements to prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services. The goal is to provide accurate information that will help with budgeting and project planning.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and documents.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Basic negotiating skills.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
- Basic understanding of construction processes and principles.
- Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
Responsibilities
- Assess project documents and specifications to estimate costs related to labor, materials, and time requirements.
- Coordinate with project managers and engineers to understand the scope of work.
- Analyze data and perform take-offs from drawings or project documentation.
- Assist in the preparation and submission of bid proposals.
- Maintain a database of historical data for use in future projects.
- Communicate with suppliers and subcontractors to gather pricing information.
- Assist in the monitoring of project phases to update costs as required.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An Estimator in the construction industry is responsible for calculating the total costs associated with a project or the manufacturing of goods. The role requires a mix of technical knowledge in the field, cost analysis skills, and the ability to read and interpret specifications and blueprints. An individual with 2-5 years of experience will be adept at collaborating with engineers, architects, clients, and vendors to achieve accurate estimations.
Required Skills
- Cost estimating
- Project management
- Numerical accuracy
- Analytical thinking
- Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Timberline, ProEst, or similar)
- Knowledge of construction practices and labor costs
- Ability to read blueprints and technical documents
- Negotiation and collaboration
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, or a related field.
- Proven experience as an estimator with a focus on construction projects.
- Expertise in reading and interpreting architectural and engineering plans.
- Strong understanding of construction processes and technologies.
- Familiarity with industry standard estimating software.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Good communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work with cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities
- Review project plans and specifications to determine the material and labor requirements.
- Prepare detailed estimates by analyzing plans and specifications, and calculating quantities and costs.
- Consult with suppliers, contractors, and clients to discuss estimates and resolve issues.
- Use software for data analysis, forecasting, and budgeting.
- Maintain records of estimated and actual costs.
- Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and client meetings to provide input on cost estimation.
- Coordinate with the project team to adjust estimates and project budgets as designs change.
- Assist in the preparation of tender documents and project proposals.
- Provide timely and accurate cost advice to management and project teams.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Senior Estimator is responsible for developing detailed cost estimates for construction projects based on contractual bids, including analysis of project requirements, inspection of design documents, and coordination with contractors, engineers, and architects. They are key in helping companies make informed decisions regarding project feasibility and cost-efficiency.
Required Skills
- Advanced skills in construction estimating and cost analysis.
- Proficient in using estimation software (e.g., Timberline, ProEst, or similar).
- Strong mathematical and analytical ability.
- Excellent time management and prioritization.
- Adept at detailed work requiring high levels of accuracy.
- Competent in reading and understanding construction documents and contracts.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork capabilities.
- Strong proficiency in MS Office and project management tools.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction estimating or a related field.
- Strong understanding of construction processes and principles.
- Proficiency with estimation software and spreadsheet design.
- Familiarity with construction contracts, documents, and standard practices.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
- Capacity to work on multiple projects with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities
- Review project plans and specifications to determine the scope of work and required contents of the estimate.
- Prepare accurate and detailed construction cost estimates using industry standard estimation software.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, clients, and contractors to discuss and formulate estimates.
- Resolve discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information required to support bid proposals.
- Assist with bids and project negotiations providing financial analysis and risk assessment.
- Analyze completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine the reason for any discrepancies.
- Provide improvement recommendations to cost estimating procedures to reduce future discrepancies between estimated and actual costs.
- Maintain files of working documents for back-up to estimating figures, including current (accurate) information on prices from suppliers through direct contact, sales brochures, price lists, etc.
- Participate in project meetings to provide insight on cost-related matters and report on the status of estimated costs.
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