Estimator

Calista Corporation•Houston, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Estimator, you will work onsite in Houston, TX and will be responsible for the preparation of accurate, competitive cost estimates for heavy civil construction projects. You will support the estimating process for all projects bid and awarded by analyzing project documents, developing quantity takeoffs, pricing labor, equipment, and materials, and assembling complete bid proposals in accordance with company standards and procedures. You will follow established estimating methods, tools, and processes and contributes to continuous improvement of estimating practices, cost data, and systems.

Requirements

Advanced ability to prepare accurate budgets and cost estimates with strong knowledge of fiscal management principles.
Strong knowledge of civil construction methods, practices, and industry standards.
Understanding of revenue models, project ledgers, and cost-to-completion concepts.
Proficiency with estimating software, particularly HCSS HeavyBid, and online bid solicitation platforms.
Ability to participate in job kick-off meetings and support the transfer of estimating information to project teams.
Ability to assist with work plan preparation and periodic project reviews as requested.
Ability to track and price change impacts.
Ability to maintain bid calendars and ensure timely estimate completion and handoff.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage estimating job folders and databases.
Proficiency with HCSS, Bluebeam, OST/On-Screen Takeoff, and Microsoft Office products.
Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and under deadline pressure.
Ability to clearly and professionally communicate estimate assumptions and work product.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Willingness to comply with company policies and core values.
Ability to travel up to 25% for work-related purposes.
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or similar degree; experience and equivalent skills may be substituted.
Valid state driver’s license and must be qualified to operate a vehicle under the conditions of the Company’s Driving Policy is required.
Ability to pass drug, driving, and background screening.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of ten (10) years related construction estimating experience preferred.
US Army Corps of Engineers, TXDOT, Harris and Montgomery County, and other local, state and federal construction estimating experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze historical project performance data to support accurate estimating and future bid development.
Assist with maintaining historical cost data, bid management systems, and estimating software.
Work collaboratively with senior company managers to ensure estimating deliverables meet established standards, including bid packages, formats, and budget tracking tools.
Utilize HCSS HeavyBid in accordance with established processes and procedures.
Maintain and update HCSS HeavyBid libraries as assigned.
Update equipment rates annually and labor rates quarterly, accounting for project-specific wage requirements when applicable.
Ensure project estimates conform to company standards for budget creation and cost data usage.
Review project plans and specifications to confirm scope completeness.
Identify potential risks, cost impacts, constructability concerns, and long-lead procurement items.
Solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing and maintain supporting documentation within estimating software.
Maintain bid history records and track prospective work opportunities.
Prepare instructions to bidders, bid forms, and other solicitation documents as required.
Review general conditions, schedules, scopes of work, site logistics, and related exhibits in coordination with Operations.
Ensure continuity of project information from estimate through budget handoff.
Review and evaluate specialty contractor bids and scopes.
Coordinate technical proposal requirements with the Marketing Department.
Collaborate with operational staff to review constructability and execution considerations.
Monitor and communicate construction and material cost trends impacting project estimates.
Evaluate alternate means and methods to determine cost-effective solutions.
Build and maintain effective professional relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Maintain a constant state of alertness and perform work safely.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive wages and bonus programs
Tuition reimbursement.
Health insurance through the Federal Employee Benefit Program (FEHB) with many plans to choose from with ridiculously low employee premiums.
FSA health care and/or dependent care/HSA with HDHP.
Dental and Vision Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
Company paid Life Insurance, AD&D, and LTD.
Voluntary paid Life Insurance and AD&D as well as STD, Accident, Cancer/Critical illness, and Whole Life Insurance.
Paid time off
10 Regular Holidays, 1 Bonus – Work Anniversary “Floating” Holiday.
401(K) match at $0.50 on the dollar up to 6% of your contribution.