Traveling Construction Estimator | Bid & Cost Specialist

Req  – Travel:
Up to 25% – Number of Openings: 1

The Estimator is responsible for preparing time, cost, and labor estimates for assigned projects, applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principles, and/or processes. The Estimator follows up with clients to overcome obstacles to contract award and provides on‑going cost estimate support to operations for awarded contracts.

• Identifies and quantifies construction elements
• Enters quantities into appropriate software program for pricing
• Provides initial data for entry into Commence software
• Provides Contracts Department with applicable specification documents to identify insurance requirements
• Sends new contracts for "Corporate" review
• Identifies, contacts, and creates relationships with vendors/suppliers to assess capabilities for specific projects
• Analyzes and scopes vendors/suppliers to determine best value and project continuity
• Based on analysis, proactively works to persuade vendors and/or suppliers to commit to best pricing
• Completes estimate:
  • Assembles quantities in pricing format to reflect bid form requirements
  • Creates baseline job duration
  • Determines what special equipment might be job specific
  • Applies best value vendors/subs to estimate
• Identifies to whom we are bidding and prepares bid form, bid proposal letter and/or qualifications:
  • Researches construction history for techniques related to job elements and productivity, value enhancing, value engineering, and alternative constructability
  • Ensures "Standard Conditions" are included in every proposal
  • Includes proposal language that allows for reductions of 50% when job is 50% complete; attempts to secure language that allows for final retentions after 60 days of completion of Baker work
• Packages and sends proposal on time; reviews with Operations for productivity/manpower, etc.
• Follows up with client personally to ensure bid receipt and to identify potential obstacles in closing the deal
• Develops client relationship for current and future jobs
• Collects data on lost jobs to monitor competition and market
• Provides info to Marketing for commence update after bid
• Tracks project until awarded
• Contacts Chief Estimator/Estimating Manager when award is made
• Sets up transition meeting for Project Manager
• Copies pricing, quotes, and pertinent proposal information for Project Manager
• Prepares rough schedule for job duration, including cash flow and man‑hour requirements
• Sets meeting time for Project Manager and Project Manager's invitees
• Conveys understanding of low‑qualified vendors/subs and commitments to subs and General Contractor's
• Provides overview of job and proposal to Project Manager and operations support
• Communicates General Contractor's/owner's schedule and needs with field supervision
• Reviews potential operations alternatives
• Prices changes within necessary timeframe
• Assists project team in receiving approval within 60 days of submittals

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, accounting or related field from an accredited college or university and 3 years' related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft software programs such as Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Proficiency in Estimating software (such as Timberline, UScost, Win Est)

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents, technical procedures, and government regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Good listening skills
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to calculate area and volume
• Must be able to interface with clients and co-workers
• Ability to define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to factor safety and OSHA requirements into estimates

Baker is an EOE Disability/Veterans Employer.