Estimator

The Estimator position at our client in Pittsburgh involves a variety of critical responsibilities focused on retail commercial construction. You will read and interpret blueprints, assess subcontractor inputs for project scope, and perform quantity take-offs. Additionally, you’ll develop project schedules, compile and submit bids, and review accepted proposals for successful project handover. Collaboration with assistant project managers to ensure effective subcontractor procurement is also a key aspect. You’ll be working in a fast-paced environment that requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

To apply for the Estimator position with our client in the retail commercial construction sector, candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience. Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, are vital, as is proficiency in estimating software like Bluebeam. Applicants must be able to read and interpret blueprints and design documents, manage project schedules, and demonstrate strong organizational skills along with integrity. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to the Pittsburgh office are also required.

The Estimator position at our client in Pittsburgh is a full-time role, offering a stable work schedule from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. This on-site position allows you to work closely with a dedicated team, facilitating effective communication and collaboration throughout the estimating process.

As an Estimator at our client's office in Pittsburgh, you will primarily utilize Microsoft Office, especially Excel, for various calculations and reporting tasks. Additionally, Bluebeam and other estimating software are essential tools you'll use for reading plans, performing quantity take-offs, and compiling bids. Familiarity with these platforms is crucial for success in this role.

In addition to the core qualifications, candidates applying for the Estimator position in Pittsburgh must provide a detailed project list showcasing retail commercial projects they have estimated, both past and current. Furthermore, candidates will need to pass a pre-employment drug test, including marijuana screening, and undergo a criminal background check before receiving an official job offer.

When answering this question, showcase your background in retail commercial construction, detailing how many years you've worked in estimating within this sector. Highlight specific projects or challenges you've faced, and explain your role in creating accurate cost estimates that align with client needs and construction requirements.

To answer this effectively, mention your approach to gathering input from subcontractors, reviewing blueprints meticulously, and using estimating software to enhance accuracy. Discuss any checks or balances you implement, such as revising estimates based on feedback or running simulations to predict costs.

Select a specific instance to discuss, focusing on the challenge you faced, how you went about resolving it, and the outcome. Be clear about your thought process and include how your solutions benefited the project, team, or client.

Discuss any estimating software such as Bluebeam that you have experience with. Highlight how you've utilized these tools in your past roles, including the key functions you’ve found most valuable for reading plans, performing quantity take-offs, or developing project bids.

In your response, emphasize your organizational skills and time management techniques. Discuss prioritizing tasks based on urgency, communicating effectively with team members, and utilizing tools that enable you to work efficiently without sacrificing the thoroughness of your estimates.

Discuss your process for receiving and integrating client feedback into your estimates. Highlight your communication skills, your willingness to adapt, and the measures you take to ensure that the revised estimates still align with the project's overall budget and requirements.

Highlight qualities such as attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, integrity, and effective communication skills. Explain how these traits contribute to the estimator's role in collaborating with subcontractors and delivering accurate, timely estimates that meet client expectations.

Clarify the collaborative nature of the role, explaining how assistant project managers can provide critical insights that help form a comprehensive estimate. Mention coordination for subcontractor procurement as a vital factor in delivering successful construction projects.

Discuss your strategies for staying informed, such as attending industry seminars, participating in training, or subscribing to relevant publications. Emphasize the importance of continuous education for maintaining competitiveness and enhancing your estimating skills.

Explain your method for analyzing discrepancies, including how you communicate with subcontractors to clarify issues. Discuss your process for evaluating bids against project requirements to choose the best option while ensuring all aspects of the project budget are adhered to.