MEP Estimator

About Alston Construction:

Alston Construction Company is a nationwide general contractor, with more than 20 offices coast to coast. For over 35 years we have delivered on our promises to our employees, clients, and business partners. We offer extremely competitive salaries, a superb benefits package, and a great place to work! In addition to routinely receiving awards for our projects and safety performance, we have also received numerous “Best Places to Work” awards!

We look for passionate construction professionals who share our core values, to include: commitment, integrity, teamwork, and respect. As our CEO, Paul Little, says “In order to be successful at Alston Construction, you must enjoy seeing success in others.” If this sounds like you and what you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you!

Our top tier benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, prescription safety glasses, short-term disability, long-term disability, life  insurance/AD&D, HSA, health FSA, dependent daycare FSA, EAP, 401(k), Roth  401(k), After-Tax Roth In-Plan Conversion; paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, Tickets at Work, paid Identity Theft Protection (family coverage) and more!

Job Summary:  Responsible for assisting management in the general business operations of the company by the coordination, and successful completion of the estimating phase of Data Center projects.  The overall goal of the MEP Estimator is to provide a thorough, accurate, and competitive estimate that will result in the award of a profitable project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities will include:

The Estimator will be primarily involved with performing the following duties and responsibilities.    

• Use discretion and independent judgment and professional skills to perform daily duties and to resolve issues in order to minimize risk to the company.
• Provide thorough, accurate and competitive cost estimates through all phases of design, from concept to construction and permit documents.
• Preparing cost estimates and scopes of work for MEP systems from conceptual design through completed construction documents
• Identify value-engineered alternatives relating to construction methods, materials, schedule, and design.
• Determine proposal specifications and the scope of work by reviewing drawings, attending and/or managing bid and preconstruction meetings, etc.
• Analyze and document cost analysis from historical projects, purchase orders, contracts, and cost reports for future use in incorporating into estimates.
• Provide design assistance and cost data regarding project feasibility to the client, design professionals, and project team.
• Prepare bid package and provide leadership and coordination on bid solicitation and RFP’s.
• Develop scopes of work for sub-trades prior to and during bid solicitation.
• Perform takeoffs of multiple trades to minimize Alston Construction’s cost risks.
• Analyze proposals from subcontractors for cost, scope and completeness to determine award of work.
• Identify and qualify new subcontractors to ensure an adequate number of qualified and financially sound subcontractors are available and to expand bid solicitation coverage
• Prepare preliminary project schedules during the preconstruction phase and assist the Superintendent with the contracted schedule prior to construction.
• Organize and lead the transition of the project cost estimate to the Preconstruction/Project Manager.
• Assist the Preconstruction/Project Manager with pricing and negotiating owner and subcontractor change orders.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with prospective and current clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors.

This position will also require performance of the following duties:

• Advise Preconstruction Manager, Preconstruction Director or VP/GM of any potential projects with existing or new clients
• Maintain detailed records of working documents as a back-up for estimates figures, including assumptions made for conceptual designs.
• Update and maintain subcontractor and design consultant database.
• Participate in applicable corporate meetings and forums.
• Make recommendations for ways to improve business operations (including processes, procedures and best operating practices), looking for ways to increase client satisfaction, improve efficiency and improve profitability.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Licensing/Certifications:

• Degree in Construction Management, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience successfully estimating (conceptual and hard bid) construction projects for a general contractor. Would be beneficial to have 2 to 3 years of experience in specialized MEP estimating
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and familiarity with site conditions and construction phases.
• Design-build experience on relevant project types.
• Experience in value-engineering.
• Valid State-issued driver’s license and vehicle insurance which meets Alston Construction liability coverage requirements and satisfactory driving record.
• OSHA 10-hour Certification.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Alston Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.