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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Estimator Assistant

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

ConstructionPreconstructionEstimatingProject Management

🎯 Role Definition

As an Estimator Assistant, you will be an integral part of our preconstruction and estimating department, providing critical support to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness of our project cost estimates and bid proposals. This role is a fantastic entry point into the world of construction estimating, where you will learn the fundamentals of project cost analysis from the ground up. You will collaborate closely with Senior Estimators, Project Managers, and subcontractors to gather essential data, perform detailed takeoffs, and help compile comprehensive bid packages. Your meticulous work will directly impact our ability to win new projects and ensure their financial success from the very beginning.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Graduate (Construction Management, Engineering, or related field)
  • Project Coordinator or Project Engineer
  • Skilled Tradesperson seeking a transition into an office role

Advancement To:

  • Project Estimator
  • Senior Estimator
  • Preconstruction Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Project Coordinator
  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Purchasing Agent / Procurement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist Senior Estimators in the comprehensive preparation of detailed cost estimates by analyzing project plans, architectural drawings, and technical specifications.
  • Perform meticulous and accurate quantity takeoffs for various construction materials, labor, and equipment across all project disciplines.
  • Actively solicit, collect, and organize quotes and proposals from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers for various trade packages.
  • Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with a network of subcontractors and suppliers to ensure responsive and competitive bidding.
  • Maintain and meticulously organize all bid-related documents, including drawings, specifications, addenda, and subcontractor proposals, within our project management system.
  • Assist in the preparation and assembly of final bid packages for submission, ensuring all required forms, documents, and qualifications are included and accurately completed.
  • Conduct initial reviews of subcontractor bids to ensure they have provided a complete scope of work and have met all project requirements.
  • Help create detailed scopes of work for various trade packages to be sent out for bid, ensuring clarity and completeness.
  • Attend pre-bid meetings and site walk-throughs to gather critical information about project sites and existing conditions that may impact cost.
  • Support the estimating team in analyzing and leveling bids received from subcontractors to determine the best value for the project.
  • Maintain and update the company's historical cost database with data from completed projects to improve the accuracy of future estimates.
  • Prepare and distribute bid invitations and other project-related correspondence to the subcontractor and vendor community.
  • Assist in identifying potential project risks, unforeseen conditions, and scope gaps during the estimating process.
  • Create and manage detailed logs and tracking sheets for subcontractor communication, bid submissions, and project addenda.
  • Support the handover of successful bids to the project management team, providing them with a clear understanding of the project scope and budget.
  • Research and gather pricing information for new materials, equipment, and labor rates to keep our estimating data current.
  • Utilize estimating software, such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar platforms, to perform digital takeoffs and measurements.
  • Assist in the preparation of preliminary project schedules and logistics plans to be included with bid proposals.
  • Help prepare and present detailed estimate summaries and reports for internal review with senior management.
  • Participate in post-bid analysis to review project outcomes, identify lessons learned, and refine future estimating strategies.
  • Track and manage the distribution of all project addenda to relevant subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring all bidders are using the most current information.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to inform estimating strategies.
  • Contribute to the organization's database and process improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
  • Assist in the creation of marketing materials and presentations related to project bids.
  • Provide administrative support to the estimating department as needed, including filing, data entry, and scheduling.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction blueprints, specifications, and other contract documents.
  • Experience with estimating and digital takeoff software (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, Planswift).
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to create complex spreadsheets, formulas, and pivot tables.
  • Strong mathematical and analytical skills for performing accurate calculations and cost analysis.
  • Foundational knowledge of construction means, methods, materials, and industry terminology.
  • Familiarity with construction management software (e.g., Procore, Viewpoint, CMiC).
  • Competency in creating and managing databases for historical cost data and subcontractor information.
  • Ability to perform detailed and accurate quantity takeoffs for civil, structural, architectural, and MEP scopes.
  • Basic understanding of project scheduling principles and software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
  • Strong computer literacy and the ability to quickly learn new software and systems.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and precision.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with team members, clients, and subcontractors.
  • Proactive and resourceful problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for building and maintaining professional relationships.
  • A curious and inquisitive mindset with a strong desire to learn and grow within the industry.
  • Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent. An Associate's degree in a related field is highly desirable.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Management
  • Civil Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Building Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-3 years of experience in the construction industry, preferably in a project coordination, field engineering, or estimating-related role.

Preferred:

  • Internship or co-op experience within a general contractor or subcontractor's estimating department.
  • Hands-on field experience in a construction trade is considered a significant asset.
  • Direct experience with commercial, industrial, or institutional construction projects.
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