Lead Construction Estimator

  • Ephrata
  • Ames Construction, Inc.

Ames Construction, Inc., Ephrata PA, is a full-service commercial construction company providing traditional general contracting, design/build, construction management, real estate development, commercial HVAC and plumbing, and post-construction services. Established in 1974, Ames Construction is a growing organization with clients located in south-central and eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. Ames Construction is committed to exceeding client expectations and delivering projects on time and on budget. Built upon relationships, the Ames team of seasoned professionals serves clients with integrity and a commitment to excellence.

Position Title: Lead Construction Estimator

Reports To: Vice-President of Construction Management

Position Summary:

Estimator will take the project, review the specifications and drawings, pull the necessary components together and establish the anticipated cost of the project.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

Reviews drawings and specifications to determine quantities and to calculate pricing.

Communicates, solicits and interacts with subcontractors in various trades to obtain pricing for projects.

Determines quantities of materials in various trades

Attends pre-bid meetings and site visits to assess the conditions of the site or existing building, as necessary.

Solicits and receives bids, reviewing for scopes of work and pricing for completeness.

Communicates with bidders for final overview and assures completeness of bid prior to inclusion in an estimate or bid.

Reviews drawings and specifications for assigned portions of Preconstruction Projects to calculate budgets from schematic through final construction documents as assigned.

Communicates with team members and others as required, regarding scopes, pricing, construction details, etc.

Performs detailed take-off for self-performed work for retail stores, grocery stores, churches, car washes, and other commercial construction projects.

Prices work as required to budget for most trades.

Prepares Take-offs and prices self-perform work on assigned trades.

Provides complete estimates on assigned trades.

Develops strategies to pursue, estimate and win competitive bids.

Ability to budget work without 100% of documentation; conceptually budget, visualize and plan a project.

Engages in Value Engineering and Constructability review that would further develop into a presentation format.

Attends kick-off meeting with Estimators, Project Manager and Superintendents.

Participates in presentations to owners and architects as needed.

Purchases/buys subcontractors and suppliers to perform work for the company.

Presents estimates and/or a portion of an estimate to both internal team members and also external owners and architects.

Develops ability to evaluate projects and suggests possible alternatives to increase project profit or efficiency.

Non-Essential Functions:

The employee is expected to: exercise honesty, integrity and respect with all clients and co-workers, maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, demonstrate a positive attitude, communicate effectively with co-workers and clients, work with accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail, maintain good attendance, work safely in compliance with all safety policies, respect the work environment and keep it as neat and clean as possible, and exercise initiative to learn new skills and tasks and to help co-workers when possible.

The employee is also expected to perform such other duties and functions as required from time to time.

Qualifications:

3-5 years of construction estimating experience preferred.

Experience estimating retail stores, grocery stores, churches, car washes, and other commercial construction projects.

Bachelors Degree preferred, preferably in Engineering, Construction Technology, Architecture or similar field of study.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with contractors and fellow employees.

Understands various building construction types including structural systems, building skin and exterior systems, various finishes, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

Has an understanding of construction management, architecture or engineering.

Understands different trades required to estimate and construct a building. Understands the scopes of work and work between scopes.

Ability to make presentations.

Valid Drivers license.