Cost Estimator - Chattanooga, TN

Company Overview

RSI provides full-service environmental solutions supporting clients through all phases of cleanup, with expertise in regulatory compliance, characterization, monitoring, renewable energy, and project management. Built on a strong foundation of collaboration and a people-first culture, RSI is known for being easy to work with and delivering results through long-term partnerships.

RSI is part of a family of companies unified by purpose to deliver safe, reliable solutions to our clients’ unique challenges. We are committed to providing technically superior service, adding value at every stage, and leaving things better than we found them.

RSI is currently recruiting a Cost Estimator for our client in Chattanooga. The Cost Estimator is responsible for activities related to estimating all elements of project cost including labor (manual and non-manual), materials, equipment, supplies, consumables and expenses, construction equipment rental and operating costs, subcontracts, contingency, etc. In this position the individual would support cost estimating efforts as directed during project and/or proposal activities, assist in historical data analysis and maintenance of historical databases, and execute tasks within well-defined parameters.

Individuals should have their primary job experience as a cost estimator with work ideally in the power/transmission field. The ideal candidate will reside in Chattanooga TN and be willing to come to the Chattanooga office for team meetings routinely. This is a hybrid/remote role.

• Prepares conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates involving all components/disciplines with complex construction projects (although expertise may be greater in one or more disciplines).
• For estimating purposes, determines a logical sequence of construction activities; construction equipment required; support activities needed; impact of site-specific productivity factors; overheads; quantities, cost of materials, and manpower required.
• Researches comparable projects, industry methods, estimating techniques, and innovations that can improve the accuracy, efficiency, and credibility of cost estimates and other total cost management activities.
• Monitors and evaluates estimate accuracy and adjusts methods/data to achieve maximum desired results.
• Participates in project walk-downs, suggests productivity improvements, performs value engineering analysis, and incorporates lessons learned from previous projects into cost estimates.
• Critically reviews estimates prepared by others, identifying opportunities for improvement to the responsible engineer or project team.
• May be responsible for developing/revising estimating or other data management tools & methods; implementing/maintaining system improvements; & creating/managing links to other sources.
• Operates in a teamwork environment to resolve issues with the project team and others.
• Interfaces with engineering, planning, and construction personnel on a continuous basis.
• As required, prepares reports such as trend analysis, comparisons, & benchmarking and presents to the project team, management, or others.
• Travels to corporate offices and project sites as needed.

• Minimum of one year of work experience in Cost estimating (ideally in the power/transmission field).
• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field, or equivalent education, training & experience.
• Certification by AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) as a Certified Cost Engineer (CCE) or Certified Cost Consultant (CCC) is desired as evidence of proficiency.

• Experience working with conceptual, preliminary and detailed cost estimates
• Experience construction, engineering or electrical power system environment desirable
• PC software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Cost estimating techniques & software
• Statistical analysis
• Interpretation of engineering data and drawing information
• Engineering Economy
• Value Engineering concepts & methods
• Benchmarking methods
• General Financial & Accounting Practices
• Understand in…