Construction Estimator

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for assessing and analyzing construction projects to provide accurate cost estimates.  You will collaborate with various teams, including project manager, operations, and subcontractors, to gather essential information for evaluating project costs in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Our Company:

Friede & Associates is a fourth‐generation construction company that traces its beginning to the early 1900s. With both carpentry and concrete crews still a part of our business, our 50‐ person firm has completed projects in nearly every industry, and with virtually every type of construction, including tilt‐up, structural steel, pre‐engineered steel, panelization and wood construction. But today our firm is best known for its work from The Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton area south to Madison and beyond.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.   The essential functions of this job include, but are not limited to:

  • Project Assessment:

    • Review and analyze project plans, specifications, and other documents to understand the scope of work.

    • Conduct site visits to access the physical conditions, potential challenges, and logistical considerations that may impact the project cost.

  • Cost Estimation:

    • Prepare detailed cost estimate for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors services.

    • Evaluate and compare supplier and subcontractor bids to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.

    • Factor in overhead costs, profit margins, and other relevant expenses to develop accurate and competitive bid proposals.

  • Collaboration:

    • Coordinate with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to clarify project details and obtain necessary information for accurate cost estimation.

    • Participate in pre-bid meetings and discussion with stakeholders to address queries and ensure a clean understanding of project requirements.

  • Documentation:

    • Maintain organized records of project estimates, including all relevant documentation and correspondence.

    • Keep abreast of changes in construction costs, regulations, and industry trends to inform and update estimating processes.

  • Communication:

    • Communicate effectively with internal teams, subcontractors, and clients to ensure clarity and accuracy in all project-related communications.

    • Provide detailed explanations of cost breakdowns and assumptions to support project proposals.

  • Quality Control:

    • Review and validate estimates to ensure accuracy and completeness.

    • Conduct post-project analysis to compare estimate costs with actual costs, identifying areas for improvement and learning.

  • Budgeting and Forecasting:

    • Assist in the development of project budgets based on accurate cost estimates.

    • Provide input or financial forecasting and resource allocation.

  • Compliance and Ethics:

    • Stay informed about local building codes, regulations, and permit requirements to ensure compliance of cost estimates.

    • Ensure that all estimating activities adhere to legal and ethical standards.

    • Maintain awareness of industry regulations and compliance requirements.

    • Abide by policies and procedures through the project acquisition process.

  • Regular and punctual attendance and physical presence in the workplace.

  • Timely and accurate completion of duties.

  • Effectively communicate and cooperate with team members to achieve common goals.

  • Travel for work, up to 25% of the time.

Benefits:
Friede & Associates offers Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Short‐Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Section 125 Flex Plan, 401K Plan, Safety Incentive Plan, and Profit Sharing

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

It is the policy of Friede & Associates to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

The following are required competencies of the position that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job: 

  • Computer Skills:   Ability to operate all information technology related business systems, programs and applications in a manner that achieves efficiency, accuracy, and relevancy of information processing and reporting as it applies to this position.

  • Language Skills:  Ability to read and interpret documents such as dictated letters or memoranda, invoices, company policies and various documentation, paying close attention to grammar.  Ability to process routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to communicate effectively with employees and applicants of the organization.  Ability to effectively present information to other employees of the organization.  Requires excellent telephone skills.

  • Mathematical Skills:  Ability to correctly add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to correctly compute rate, ratio, and percentage.

  • Reasoning Ability:  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

  • Other Skills & Abilities: Requires the ability to operate a variety of standard business machines, such as a computer and keyboard, calculator, FAX, photocopier, telephone, postage machine, paper shredder, scanner, etc.  The ability to drive a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Physical Demands – Employee is frequently (more than 75% of time) required to: use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls, sit; to verbally communicate; and to hear. The employee is occasionally (up to 33% of the time) required to walk and stand. The employee must occasionally (up to 33% of the time) lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

  • Work Environment – The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. On the worksite, Employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne participles.

  • Protective Equipment – Protective equipment is required when on a job site.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field. Proven experience as an estimator in the construction industry. Strong proficiency in construction estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent analytical and mathematical skills. Knowledge of construction materials, methods, and industry standards. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Detail-oriented and able to manage projects simultaneously.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisor responsibilities for this position.