What are the responsibilities and job description for the Asst. Estimator position at H. J. Russell & Company?
SUMMARY
The Assistant Estimator position will be located in Boston, MA. The individual in this role will work closely with the Preconstruction Manager on estimating, budgeting, quantity takeoffs, and bid preparation for diverse project portfolios ranging from residential ground-up construction to interior fit-out in private and public sector projects.
WHY THIS JOB IS IMPORTANT
Accurate and competitive cost estimation is crucial for the success of any construction project. The Assistant Estimator role at Russell directly influences our ability to win contracts and execute projects within budget. This role is essential in helping us uphold our commitment to community and economic empowerment by enabling the successful completion of projects.
The Company has an opportunity for an Assistant Estimator who will help Russell position to win and deliver to the client by providing accurate and competitive cost estimates.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
This role has the following key duties and responsibilities:
- You will be responsible for reading and interpreting plans and specifications to verify all the project’s scope of work is included
- You will review contractual documents to determine scope of work changes
- You will perform quantity takeoffs for all types of construction systems and materials
- You will prepare detailed breakdowns of components and elements of estimates for systems
- You will prepare detailed cost estimates using DESTINI Estimating and Bluebeam software
- You will assist the Preconstruction Manager with the preparation of project schedules
- You will create and issue Invitations to Bid to request proposals from subcontractors using BuildingConnected software
- You will evaluate subcontractor proposals relative to their scope of work.
- You will assist Project Managers with subcontractor analysis.
- You will attend Pre-Bid meetings and site walks.
- You will conduct project estimating/progress meetings.
- You will coordinate site visits with the subcontractors, design team and owners.
- You will update and maintain the vendor list of subcontractors.
- You will be responsible for maintaining the historical estimating database.
- You will participate in strategic planning for the Preconstruction group.
- You will perform your work in a safe manner and actively encourage others to comply with safety rules and regulations.
- You will ensure the Superintendent is informed of all issues that relate to and/or affect fieldwork.
- You will be responsible for reviewing construction progress and becoming familiar with ongoing work by walking the job.
- You will conduct meetings in the absence of the Project Manager and address issues on his/her behalf.
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Building Construction Management or Civil Engineering
- 2 years of experience performing project estimates for construction projects
- Experience with Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, and DESTINI software
Language and Communication Skills
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers and employees
Mathematical Skills
- Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry
- Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and review things as they are built.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
- Simply stated, we put people first. As part of our Mission Statement, we strive to earn the loyalty of our employees through a demonstrated commitment to their development and through rewarding exemplary performance. We take the time to get to know our employees personally, and together develop individualized plans for career advancement and fulfillment with Russell. Our goal is to provide career growth and development which allows employees to envision and desire a long-term career with our company.
Our culture is rooted in the Russell Fundamentals, a series of 25 characteristics that guide the behavior of our employees and include key tenants like Do the right thing, always; Embrace diversity; Show meaningful appreciation; Deliver results; and Keep things fun. Our intentional focus on creating an outstanding workplace experience has earned our firm numerous recognitions, including being named one of USA Today’s Top Workplaces in 2024 and earning awards for Cultural Excellence in the areas of Leadership, Innovation, Compensation and Benefits, and Purpose and Values. In a recent survey, 90% of our employees said that H.J. Russell motivates them to give their very best at work and 85% report feeling respected and supported in their roles.
In addition to our exceptional culture, we offer the following suite of benefits:
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- Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-Sponsored Life & AD&D
- Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
- 401(k) with Employer Matching Contribution
- Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance & Other Voluntary Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program