Solar Estimator

RES•Denver, CO

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Estimator - Solar prepares cost estimates for structural, mechanical, and electrical systems for independent power producer (IPP) owned utility-sized self-performed construction of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation plants. This role demonstrates an understanding of the interrelationship of the cost of labor, material, equipment, and productivity in the unit costs used at each level of an estimate. The Estimator – Solar is responsible for creating accurate, cost competitive and timely preparation of estimates for the Company’s renewable energy construction business to be budgeted or bid, incorporating knowledge of construction means and methods, costs, and industry principles. This role will be hybrid requiring a minimum of 3 days in office.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED with equivalent experience within the industry required.
Associate’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related area of study; OR high school with equivalent relevant industry experience required.
2 or more years' experience estimating utility-sized solar, ground-mounted power plant system self-performed construction required.
Ability to travel 5 to 15% required.
Experience with EPC and BOP estimate structure for creation of proposals for ground mounted, large utility, and utility grade solar construction projects.
Ability to recognize and recommend alternative designs/scope definitions which support consistency, standardization, and cost competitiveness.
Demonstrates thorough understanding of tasks and processes associated with the construction of utility grade solar projects.
Familiarity with design build construction methods, utilizing creative thought processes and experience, to produce production-based cost estimates with detailed costs for resource budget estimates.
Ability to complete quantity take offs from construction plans.
Experience with estimating software.
Proficient with Blue Beam/Adobe for purposes of quantity take-off.
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project, OneNote, Teams), and SharePoint.
Ability to evaluate site conditions from plans, geotechnical reports and/or site visits for creation of cost estimates utilizing best labor, equipment, and material resources for most competitive and accurate proposal estimates.
Ability to apply varying levels of detail for both indicative and hard bid proposals.
Strong skills in vendor and subcontractor interface and negotiation.
Advanced communication skills with ability to clearly describe advantages and disadvantages of cost related to various design options.
Able to travel to sites to review site conditions during the proposal phase, evaluate resources and production during the construction phase.
Functional competencies include attention to detail, collaboration, continuous improvement, prioritization and accountability.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
1 or more years of field-based construction experience preferred.
Experience with HCSS HeavyBid is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Reviews and understands content of all Request for Proposals (RFP) documents to determine scope of work and required pricing elements for inclusion within the estimate.
Contributes to a team of project estimators for respective statements of work (SOWs) to prepare accurate, competitive and timely estimates for Bid Build and EPC (Engineer-Procure-Construct) construction Request for Proposals (RFPs).
Collaborates with Opportunity Lead Estimator for additional project information, engineering support services and deliverables as basis of estimate.
Receives, prioritizes, and distributes requests for quote to vendors and subcontractors; analyzes responses for accuracy, completeness and efficacy per request and project schedule milestones.
Uses standardized tools and processes to prepare accurate, competitive, and timely estimates of project cost and schedule.
Completes take-offs to calculate estimate quantities and units of work for EPC and BOP self-perform utility-sized solar construction scopes of work, inclusive of civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
Identifies project risks and records in Risk Register during preparation of estimate.
Attends work regularly and punctually, as scheduled or expected.
Complies with Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and Company Policies & Procedures.
Presents, supports, and leads-by-example with a safety and quality-oriented attitude.
Collaborates with Opportunity Lead Estimator to create estimate-related bid proposal documents to meet RFP submittal requirements, such as Schedule of Value (SOV,) client provided technical forms, and Assumptions Clarifications Exclusions (ACE) documents.
Collaborates with Opportunity Lead Estimator and Preconstruction Manager for alignment of estimated resources and duration represented in project estimate to achieve client defined milestones identified within project schedule.
Presents project scope, identified risks and cost estimate through estimate review process.
Gathers details and maintains current market data necessary to accurately estimate construction, material and soft costs associated with project construction.
Provides leadership, coaching and/or mentoring to Estimator Associates and newly-hired Estimating Team members.