Project Bid Estimator I

Summary/objective:

Under the direction of the Bid Team Lead, the Project Engineer-Estimator I will be responsible for bidding, estimating all aspects of the assigned estimating projects from start to finish. This position will create and manage detailed project cost estimating tasks, timelines, define and coordinate resources as required to ensure the smooth execution and completion of projects.

This position is responsible for prospect research and cultivation, writing letters of intent, grant proposals, and reports to funding sources. The Project Engineer-Estimator I also manages the grant calendar, maintains data systems for accurate tracking of funding, provides clear and timely reporting to funders, and works closely with the Project Manager to identify appropriate opportunities to match potential prospects.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manage pre-qualification and pre-bid submissions.
• Communicate with new and existing customers to solicit for and receive new bid/proposal requests.
• Proactive and takes initiative to find and bid on projects that align with the main focus and projects that are outside of main focus. Monitor bid websites for appropriate projects to pursue.
• Organize all files associated with new bid requests and file into the company server and create new job folders. Good Tracking and documentation of all information.
• Proficient at writing contract proposals, meeting guidelines laid out in the RFP.
• Prepare bid packages, bid documents and their key components including items such as bonding, insurance indemnification, damage clauses and inclusion/exclusion lists.
• Ensure required bid documents are accurate, prepared per requirements and ready for submittal before bid deadline.
• Send out pricing requests to material suppliers and subcontractors.
• Capable of estimating projects and acquiring quotes from subcontractors.
• Generate trucking haul route and time reports.
• Visit site, take pre-bid photos, and record information regarding access, topography, availability of services, possible hazards, etc.
• Confer with engineers, architects, state agencies, owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers on project plans and specifications.
• Develop customer relationships to enhance bid opportunities. Capable of communicating with clients of any contract we are working on.
• Help maintain a database of internal project costs to facilitate improved estimating practices and accuracy.
• Track and follow through with any extra-contractual obligations that are required to facilitate the project and deliver a quality product to the customer while maintaining relationships with private landowners and the general public.
• Attend pre-bid project meetings and job walks.
• Work with Bid Team Lead to develop takeoffs.
• Consult with Bid Team Lead, Project Engineers, Project Estimators, Project Coordinators, and Operations Team, to discuss and formulate estimates, effect cost reductions, and resolve problems.
• Compile and analyze subcontract quotes.
• Submit prepared bids assuring accuracy and completeness.
• Arrange schedules.
• Coordinate project schedule into overall operations schedule with Bid Team Lead.
• Capable of communicating with Field Supervisors and Operations Supervisor about contractual obligations, requirements, and timetables.
• Review production status daily with Bid Team Lead, Project Engineers, Project Estimators, and Field Supervisors.
• Capable of tracking cost and production timetables as laid out in the bids.
• Analyze progress consistently and compare it to budget (estimate) to avoid overruns and costly delays.
• Capable of communication with end use providers to negotiate sales of products and follow up on quality control issues.
• Able to communicate with unanticipated third parties to forward the project and prevent obstacles and delays.
• Responsible for picking up, tracking, and return of USFS ticket books.
• Familiar with team atmosphere work environment. Ability to work in a team environment and fit in with company culture and processes.
• Expected and accountable to maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, co-workers, and management.
• Works with project team during and after project to review job cost and execution to identify lessons learned for estimating of future projects.
• Analyzes unsuccessful bids to determine errors or corrections needed to bid future projects.
• Maintains estimating database to use historic costs for future projects.
• Special projects as assigned.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of Position: Understanding of principles, practices, and standards of job or department.
• Attention to Detail: Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job, accurately checking processes and tasks, being watchful over a period of time.
• Confidentiality: Ensures the confidentiality of all sensitive data.
• Communication Skills: The ability to communicate clearly both verbally and written.
• Time Management: The ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Decision Making/Judgement: The ability to recognize and respond to problems, systematically gather information, sort through complex issues, seek input from others, address root cause of issues, make timely decisions, make difficult decisions, use consensus when possible, and communicate decisions to others.
• Compliance: Adheres to all regulatory and organizational policies and procedures.
• Innovation: The ability to generate and implement original ideas and practices.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to continuous change and business needs.
• Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying up to date with industry trends.
• Teamwork: The ability to effectively collaborate with others to achieve common goals and objectives. This involves working cooperatively with team members, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing to a supportive and productive team environment.
• Quality of Work: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, looks for ways to improve and promote quality, applies feedback to improve performance, and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Dependability/Reliability: Can be relied upon to complete tasks and meet deadlines, demonstrates a high level of reliability in all aspects of work, maintains regular attendance and punctuality, and meets commitments consistently.
• Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Initiative: Solves complex issues with good results, takes proactive steps to support team goals and address issues before they escalate, and seeks out opportunities to contribute beyond assigned duties to benefit the team.

Skills:

• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook). Must be proficient in MS Excel spread sheets.
• Strong math, problem solving, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Experience or proven knowledge in using or able to learn Bid-To-Win estimating software program.
• Accounting, cost estimation, and budgeting.
• Ability to read plans and interpret specifications a plus.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands 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. Time is divided between office and field. Percent of time varies depending on the specific workload. Typical 65% office and 35% field.
• Sitting 67% - 75% of the day in a modifiable position.
• Walking and standing, also in modifiable position.
• Lifting from the waist up and carrying items weighing up to 50# during the day.
• Reaching for items of negligible weight frequently during the day, often requiring full-length arms’ reach. Includes the ability to reach overhead shelves and push/pull drawers.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Tactile sensory requirements include the ability to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Employees are occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and walk.

Work environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The work area is not in a controlled environment and often works in outside weather conditions. Must have the ability to walk and maneuver steep terrain conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate when in the office, or moderately loud when in the field.
• Works alone and with others.
• Works inside and often works in outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to dirt, dust, heat, cold, noise, fumes, odors, wetness, humidity, vibration and darkness or poor lighting conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate when in the office, or moderately loud when in the field.
• Working in the outdoor job locations, safety conditions exposure includes but is not limited to elevated workplace, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and fire hazards.
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Travel required:

• Position travels outside the local area but usually within Northern California up to 30% of the time.

Required education and experience:

• High school or equivalent (Required)
• Project Coordinator, Project Management, or Estimating 1 year.

Preferred education and experience:

• AA Degree or Bachelor's (Preferred) in Mathematics, Engineering, Business Accounting, or Project Management.

Additional eligibility requirements:

• Must work a 5 day per week 10-hour schedule with occasional Saturday and Sunday availability as business needs require.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Clean Driving Record: 5 years (Required).
• Must pass pre-employment Drug Screen.

Other duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.