Position Description For Project Estimator

Reports To: Senior Project Estimator

Basic Function:

The Project Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for construction projects, ensuring competitive and precise bid submissions. This role requires strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively under tight bid deadlines. The Project Estimator plays a critical role in evaluating costs, reviewing project documentation, and collaborating with project teams to support successful project execution.

Job Responsibilities

Values

  • Demonstrate an understanding of company values by listening to employees, clients, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with DCI Group’s Values and Mission.
    • Devoted: Demonstrate a commitment to our people and clients by fostering strong relationships, supporting team development, and ensuring project success through collaboration and mentorship.
    • Genuine: Communicate openly and honestly with all stakeholders, delivering both good and challenging news with integrity. Lead by example, maintaining professionalism and ethical decision-making regardless of the situation.
    • Simple: Follow DCI’s fundamental approach to project management—Listen, Plan, Execute, Exceed—ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in every phase of construction.
    • Growth: Make decisions with a long-term perspective, considering the lasting impact on projects, client relationships, and team development.

Team Leadership and Relationships

  • Listen and collaborate with the Senior Project Estimator, project managers, and field teams to ensure accurate cost assessments.
  • Engage with subcontractors and suppliers, listening actively to obtain competitive pricing and ensure scope compliance.
  • Support and mentor junior team members in estimating processes, offering guidance and feedback.

Accountability

  • Ensure accuracy of estimates and alignment with company standards, project goals, and industry best practices.
  • Continuously evaluate and refine estimating tools, databases, and workflows to improve accuracy and efficiency.
  • Conduct post-bid reviews, listening to insights from project teams to assess estimate performance and implement improvements.

Budget and Cost Control

  • Demonstrate an understanding of estimating at concept and SD stages with minimal information.
  • Ability to develop complete accurate estimates with provided information at DD and CD stages.
  • Ability to estimate and understand differences for all contractual delivery methods.
  • Assist the project team to prepare and review detailed bid packages, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Perform cost estimates and take-offs across all trades, integrating cost-effective solutions.
  • Analyze project risks and opportunities to optimize cost strategies.
  • Provide solicitation support to project team for estimate preparation.

Schedule Management

  • Demonstrate time management skills to meet estimating deadlines.
  • Analyze project schedules to align estimates with realistic execution timelines.
  • Identify potential scheduling challenges and incorporate cost implications into estimates.

Quality

  • Complete work in compliance with company standards.
  • Review project drawings and specifications to ensure accurate scope coverage.
  • Identify and address potential design or construction challenges early in the estimating process.

Safety

  • Incorporate safety considerations into all cost estimates, ensuring compliance with company safety standards.
  • Collaborate with project team to identify high-risk construction activities and include appropriate safety measures in project estimates.
  • Stay informed on safety regulations and industry best practices to ensure estimates reflect necessary safety requirements.

Contract Management and Knowledge

  • Ability to estimate and understand differences for all contractual delivery methods.
  • Prepare and review change estimates, including change orders and construction claims.

Project Closeout

  • Participate in project closeout evaluations to refine future estimating strategies.
  • Maintain and update cost databases with insights from completed projects.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
  • Minimum of three years of experience in commercial construction estimating.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with project estimating software, project solicitation software, and project management software.
  • In-depth knowledge of construction trades, execution timelines, and risk management.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with teams, vendors, and subcontractors.