Estimator job description
Updated March 14, 2024
10 min read
Estimators are essential members of a project team as they are in charge of analyzing different processes in production to determine the amount of time, money, effort, and manpower that the project needs. They are expected to have a good understanding of the nature of the business as well as the environment in which it exists.
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Example estimator requirements on a job description
Estimator requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in estimator job postings.
Sample estimator requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management or related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in construction cost estimation
- Proven expertise in developing cost estimates for construction projects
- Proficiency with industry-standard estimating software
- Familiarity with construction materials, methods and regulations
Sample required estimator soft skills
- Excellent communication, organizational and project management skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to read and understand plans and technical drawings
- Ability to set and meet deadlines
Estimator job description example 1
84 Lumber estimator job description
The Estimator position is responsible for residential and commercial takeoffs for both installed and material projects. This incumbent reviews plans and specifications relative to the schedule and scope of work, and works closely with salespeople to coordinate construction projects and paperwork. Estimators will: Read blueprints Utilize computer for blueprint takeoffs Communicate with professional builders Communicate with salesmen The Estimator position is responsible for residential and commercial takeoffs for both installed and material projects. This incumbent reviews plans and specifications relative to the schedule and scope of work, and works closely with salespeople to coordinate construction projects and paperwork. Estimators will: Read blueprints Utilize computer for blueprint takeoffs Communicate with professional builders Communicate with salesmen
Required Skills
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations; write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals; effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.Required Experience
Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or at least 2 years of specific experience and/or training related to the essential functions of the job; or equivalent combination of education and training. Ability to read blueprints and perform material takeoffs/ estimates. Computer skills necessary for blueprint takeoffs.Required Qualifications
Associate's Degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or 6 months to 1 year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to use architectural technology to read blueprints and perform material takeoffs.
Computer skills: On-Screen takeoff software, Microsoft Office Suite, Intermediate Excel skills.
Intermediate knowledge of building codes, UL assembly, wood framing process preferred.
Experience using Square Takeoff preferred.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations; write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals; effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
Required Skills
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations; write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals; effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.Required Experience
Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or at least 2 years of specific experience and/or training related to the essential functions of the job; or equivalent combination of education and training. Ability to read blueprints and perform material takeoffs/ estimates. Computer skills necessary for blueprint takeoffs.Required Qualifications
Associate's Degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or 6 months to 1 year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to use architectural technology to read blueprints and perform material takeoffs.
Computer skills: On-Screen takeoff software, Microsoft Office Suite, Intermediate Excel skills.
Intermediate knowledge of building codes, UL assembly, wood framing process preferred.
Experience using Square Takeoff preferred.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations; write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals; effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
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Estimator job description example 2
RRD estimator job description
Responsible for frequently preparing estimates on a variety of work that is transactional/routine/repeat and occasionally may be unique requiring the comparison of multiple options to build an estimate. Receive specifications from Customer Service and Sales, clarify any missing information and use pricing tools to generate pricing scenarios that best fit the customer needs. Build pricing estimates. Review historical quotes on renewals and update pricing to current costs.
+ Receive job specification from customer service or Sales to ensure that the information needed to build an estimate has been provided. Contact Sales to gather missing/incomplete information required to price a job.
+ Enter specifications in to pricing systems/software to build pricing scenarios. Make selections for manufacturing equipment groups and locations to best match the customers delivery requirements and offer the best price option.
+ May review historical estimates to determine the new estimate. May make alterations to scenarios to offer customer multiple options.
+ May work with manufacturing operations on new or unique opportunities to ensure projects can be produced in house. May engage Sourcing on work that requires outside vendors to produce and establish cost basis.
+ Will be required to do some print planning (training provided)
RRD is an EEO/AA including Vets and Disabled Employer
Required Skills
Experience in Estimating required. Experience in Print Planning is ideal, but we can train to plan as well.
Requires very good knowledge of general administrative/manufacturing operations procedures and knowledge of job specific processes to successfully execute and complete the more progressive/complex duties of the job. Ability to follow company policy and understand any rules or regulations governing the work being completed and impact work has on department or company. Must have very good knowledge of technology to include computers and software programs such as MS Office or MAC word processing, spreadsheets or other programs specific to the job in order to complete duties successfully. Requires good knowledge of multiple functions or areas of the business in which there is frequent contact with while completing daily work assignments of the job. Must have very good oral and written communication skills sufficient to explain departmental policy, methods and/or procedures when completing assignments. Requires very good organizational skills sufficient to accomplish work by established deadlines and ability to coordinate phases of work with others.
Required Experience
+ Receive job specification from customer service or Sales to ensure that the information needed to build an estimate has been provided. Contact Sales to gather missing/incomplete information required to price a job.
+ Enter specifications in to pricing systems/software to build pricing scenarios. Make selections for manufacturing equipment groups and locations to best match the customers delivery requirements and offer the best price option.
+ May review historical estimates to determine the new estimate. May make alterations to scenarios to offer customer multiple options.
+ May work with manufacturing operations on new or unique opportunities to ensure projects can be produced in house. May engage Sourcing on work that requires outside vendors to produce and establish cost basis.
+ Will be required to do some print planning (training provided)
RRD is an EEO/AA including Vets and Disabled Employer
Required Skills
Experience in Estimating required. Experience in Print Planning is ideal, but we can train to plan as well.
Requires very good knowledge of general administrative/manufacturing operations procedures and knowledge of job specific processes to successfully execute and complete the more progressive/complex duties of the job. Ability to follow company policy and understand any rules or regulations governing the work being completed and impact work has on department or company. Must have very good knowledge of technology to include computers and software programs such as MS Office or MAC word processing, spreadsheets or other programs specific to the job in order to complete duties successfully. Requires good knowledge of multiple functions or areas of the business in which there is frequent contact with while completing daily work assignments of the job. Must have very good oral and written communication skills sufficient to explain departmental policy, methods and/or procedures when completing assignments. Requires very good organizational skills sufficient to accomplish work by established deadlines and ability to coordinate phases of work with others.
Required Experience
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Estimator job description example 3
ServiceMaster Restore estimator job description
Position Overview: As a important member of our Disaster Restoration Team you will be providing the initial inspection and meeting with our clients who have experienced damage to their property from water, flood fire and storm. Your detailed inspection of damages and preparation of initial response plan will allow our team to help return these residential and commercial clients to pre disaster condition. You will be part of the regions most highly regarded specialty cleaning, property restoration and repair team. Your current experience along with extensive ongoing training will enable you to provide the legendary service that ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh is known for. You will use your sales and communication skills to provide "Peace of Mind" to our clients. Your earning potential will be determined by the expertise you develop along with the effort you put forth as a Disaster Restoration Sales Estimator.
Who we are:
ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh is one of the areas oldest and most respected property damage restoration and repair firms. For over 42 years we have delivered customer pleasing, award winning service that has resulted in continued growth in revenue, customers serviced and staff performance. We are located in Oakmont but service the Western Pennsylvania area and beyond. We are a family like business that focuses on the outstanding customer experience our local customers enjoy, delivery of required performance our insurance partners require as well as enhancing the lives of our employees and service partners.
What we do:
We provide emergency property restoration and reconstruction services to residential , commercial and institutional clients in the western Pennsylvania area and beyond. Our service teams operate in a similar manner as a hospital emergency room in providing
a wide variety of services to damaged or injured property. Our customers are leading insurance companies, property management companies as well as local hospitals, colleges and venues. Our staff provides expert guidance to those who experience unplanned and unexpected property damage. We provide expert drying of buildings after flooding and waterdamage, detailed cleaning, sanitizing and deodorization and comprehensive repair and reconstruction services. We are "The Best Call to Make in the Worst Situation" !
Through our 4 service divisions we provide retail specialty services to residential and commercial clients; emergency water,fire and smoke restoration to a wide variety of clients local and regional, we provide complete repair and reconstruction services as well as environmental and hurricane and national response to catastrophic events.
General Description of Duties
Respond to assigned leads to inspect and provide scope for damages from fire, water, smoke and storms Present extreme professionalism as you introduce yourself and company to the property owner Quickly access the needs of the property and client and prepare on the spot presentation Present the company value proposition to the customer selling your self, the process and the company Explain in detail what needs to happen and lead client to the right decision Obtain all required signed documents once the client gives the go ahead Do detailed moisture inspection or smoke and fire inspection to determine conditions and extent of damage Provide photos, drawings and other detailed reporting to allow for mobilization of emergency response teams Communicate with office to discuss equipment and manpower needs for emergency response Review with client what will be happening next and set proper expectations for what they will experience Set the project up for success by your product knowledge, detail of your inspection, communication and sales skills
What We Offer:
Very competitive compensation plan with monthly bonus and incentives
Continuous training and development in a recession proof business
Health Insurance Plan
Company paid Life Insurance
Company paid long term disability
Paid Holidays
Paid vacation
Company 401k Program
Personal Time Off Programs
Clothing allowance
An opportunity to make a difference in the peoples lives that we serve
Job Requirements
High school graduate or equivalent; college degree preferred 3-5 years experience in the Disaster Restoration field; IICRC Certifications preferred Experience with Xactamate estimating software considered a major benefit Sales experience not required but this is a consultative sales position that requires willingness to close deals Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record Good verbal and written and communication skills Outstanding customer service skills Highly motivated, strong work ethic and enjoy the selling process Build rapport easily and establish trust, leading to lasting customer relationships Can effectively present information to customers one-on-one and in small groups Has a good aptitude for basic math-- necessary for doing calculations related to the sales process Some work required outside of traditional working hours as part of our emergency response program
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Incumbent must be prepared to:
Move up to 40 pounds occasionally, by lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise repositioning objects. Crawling, bending and stooping and reaching to provide materials inspections and conditions accessments Moving, setting and using step ladders and extension ladders to 16 ft Express or exchange ideas with others quickly, accurately, and receive and act on detailed information. Be capable of quickly accessing conditions, draw on training and experience to quickly come up with a solution and communicate to both the property owner and the office/production teams Be exposed to various inside working conditions: The change of building environment such as with or without air conditioning and heating.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The Company reserves the right to modify this description in the future, with or without notice to the employee. This Job Description does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and employment with the Company remains at will. These responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to The ServiceMaster Company, LLC.
Who we are:
ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh is one of the areas oldest and most respected property damage restoration and repair firms. For over 42 years we have delivered customer pleasing, award winning service that has resulted in continued growth in revenue, customers serviced and staff performance. We are located in Oakmont but service the Western Pennsylvania area and beyond. We are a family like business that focuses on the outstanding customer experience our local customers enjoy, delivery of required performance our insurance partners require as well as enhancing the lives of our employees and service partners.
What we do:
We provide emergency property restoration and reconstruction services to residential , commercial and institutional clients in the western Pennsylvania area and beyond. Our service teams operate in a similar manner as a hospital emergency room in providing
a wide variety of services to damaged or injured property. Our customers are leading insurance companies, property management companies as well as local hospitals, colleges and venues. Our staff provides expert guidance to those who experience unplanned and unexpected property damage. We provide expert drying of buildings after flooding and waterdamage, detailed cleaning, sanitizing and deodorization and comprehensive repair and reconstruction services. We are "The Best Call to Make in the Worst Situation" !
Through our 4 service divisions we provide retail specialty services to residential and commercial clients; emergency water,fire and smoke restoration to a wide variety of clients local and regional, we provide complete repair and reconstruction services as well as environmental and hurricane and national response to catastrophic events.
General Description of Duties
Respond to assigned leads to inspect and provide scope for damages from fire, water, smoke and storms Present extreme professionalism as you introduce yourself and company to the property owner Quickly access the needs of the property and client and prepare on the spot presentation Present the company value proposition to the customer selling your self, the process and the company Explain in detail what needs to happen and lead client to the right decision Obtain all required signed documents once the client gives the go ahead Do detailed moisture inspection or smoke and fire inspection to determine conditions and extent of damage Provide photos, drawings and other detailed reporting to allow for mobilization of emergency response teams Communicate with office to discuss equipment and manpower needs for emergency response Review with client what will be happening next and set proper expectations for what they will experience Set the project up for success by your product knowledge, detail of your inspection, communication and sales skills
What We Offer:
Very competitive compensation plan with monthly bonus and incentives
Continuous training and development in a recession proof business
Health Insurance Plan
Company paid Life Insurance
Company paid long term disability
Paid Holidays
Paid vacation
Company 401k Program
Personal Time Off Programs
Clothing allowance
An opportunity to make a difference in the peoples lives that we serve
Job Requirements
High school graduate or equivalent; college degree preferred 3-5 years experience in the Disaster Restoration field; IICRC Certifications preferred Experience with Xactamate estimating software considered a major benefit Sales experience not required but this is a consultative sales position that requires willingness to close deals Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record Good verbal and written and communication skills Outstanding customer service skills Highly motivated, strong work ethic and enjoy the selling process Build rapport easily and establish trust, leading to lasting customer relationships Can effectively present information to customers one-on-one and in small groups Has a good aptitude for basic math-- necessary for doing calculations related to the sales process Some work required outside of traditional working hours as part of our emergency response program
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Incumbent must be prepared to:
Move up to 40 pounds occasionally, by lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise repositioning objects. Crawling, bending and stooping and reaching to provide materials inspections and conditions accessments Moving, setting and using step ladders and extension ladders to 16 ft Express or exchange ideas with others quickly, accurately, and receive and act on detailed information. Be capable of quickly accessing conditions, draw on training and experience to quickly come up with a solution and communicate to both the property owner and the office/production teams Be exposed to various inside working conditions: The change of building environment such as with or without air conditioning and heating.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The Company reserves the right to modify this description in the future, with or without notice to the employee. This Job Description does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and employment with the Company remains at will. These responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to The ServiceMaster Company, LLC.
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Updated March 14, 2024
Updated March 14, 2024