Underground Utility Estimator

Summary

The Estimator is responsible to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for assigned projects, applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principles, and/or processes. The Estimator is also expected to follow-up with clients, in an effort to overcome obstacles that could stand in the way of being awarded the contract. For awarded contracts, the Estimator provides on-going cost estimate support to operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Estimator will perform the following duties in a safe, productive, and effective manner:

• Identifies and quantifies construction elements
• Enters quantities into appropriate software program for pricing
• Provides initial data for entry into Commence software
• Provides Contracts Department with applicable specifications documents to identify insurance requirements 
• Sends new contracts for “Corporate” review 
• Identifies, contacts, and creates relationships with vendors/suppliers in order to assess vendor/supplier capabilities for specific project
• Analyzes and scopes vendors/suppliers to determine best value and project continuity
• Based on analysis, proactively works to persuade vendors and/or suppliers to commit to best pricing
• Completes estimate:
  • Assembles quantities in pricing format to reflect bid form requirements
  • Creates baseline job duration
    Determines what special equipment might be job specific
  • Applies best value vendors/subs to estimate
• Identifies to whom we are bidding and prepares bid form, bid proposal letter and/or qualifications
  • Researches construction history for techniques related to job elements and productivity, value enhancing, value engineering, and alternative constructability
  • Ensures “Standard Conditions” are included in every proposal 
  • Includes proposal language that allows for reductions of 50% when job is 50% complete; also attempts to get language that allows for final retentions when 60 days of completion of Baker work
• Packages and sends proposal on time; reviews with Operations for productivity/manpower, etc.
• Follows up with client personally to ensure bid receipt and to identify potential obstacles in closing the deal 
• Develops client relationship for current and future jobs 
• Collects data on lost jobs to monitor competition and market
• Provides info to Marketing for commence update after bid
• Tracks project until awarded
• Contacts Chief Estimator/Estimating Manager when award is made
• Sets-up transition meeting for Project Manager
• Copies pricing, quotes, pertinent proposal information for Project Manager
• Prepares rough schedule for job duration including cash flow and man-hour requirements
• Sets meeting time for Project Manager and Project Manager’s invitees
• Conveys understanding of low-qualified vendors/subs and commitments to subs and General Contractor’s
• Provides overview of job and proposal to Project Manager and operations support
• Communicates General Contractor’s/owner’s schedule and needs with field supervision 
• Reviews potential operations alternatives
• Prices changes within necessary timeframe 
• Assists project team in receiving approval within 60 days of submittals 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, accounting or related field from an accredited college or university and 3 years’ related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft software programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in Estimating software (such as Timberline, UScost, WinEst) 

The following competencies are needed to successfully perform this job:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents, technical procedures, and government regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Good listening skills
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to calculate area and volume 
• Must be able to interface with clients and co-workers
• Ability to define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to factor safety and OSHA requirements into estimates