Construction Cost Estimator

What We Do:

SMK Services, Inc. (SMK) is a Construction Management and Engineering services consultancy based in Belmont Massachusetts. Our client base spans from Public Agencies, Professional Engineering firms, General Contractors to Subcontractors. We currently provide services in Project Management, Constructability, Construction and Design Scheduling, Construction Estimating, Change and Claims Analysis and Inspectional Services.  With a growing customer base and an expanding list of services provided, SMK is currently seeking a Construction Estimator to join our team in the Greater Boston Area.

The Role:

Along with the Scheduler and Project Managers, the Estimator will be responsible for managing a shared scheduling/estimating database. The Estimator will also review and record updates to select government agency project controls manuals and communicate estimating changes to the wider SMK team. The Estimator will also administer, update, and maintain the SMK’s estimating software.

In addition to SMK’s internal tasks, the Estimator will also have external responsibilities when working for clients in the design and construction phases of a project. In the design phase, the Estimator will work closely with the SMK Project Manager, Scheduler, and Subject Matter Experts to develop Construction Cost Estimates (CCE) at various stages of design. The CCEs will be developed in lockstep with the Construction Contract Time Determination (CTD) schedule and constructability assessment efforts. The Estimator will also participate in Value Engineering (VE), risk analysis, and constructability reviews for projects in the design phase.

During the construction phase, the Estimator will work closely with the SMK and client project teams to perform Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) and will review contractor cost proposals for change order work. The Estimator will work closely with the Scheduler and Project Manager to review Time Impact Analyses (TIA) and acceleration schedule cost proposals. The Estimator will also assist the Project Manager and Scheduler in studying delays, recommending solutions, and supporting the evaluation of changes and claims by the contractor.

This position is for you if you’re interested in working on a variety of infrastructure projects, enjoy interfacing with owners and designers, owning your role, and are looking to work with a fun, experienced, and diverse team.

Company Culture:

SMK is an exciting, collaborative, supportive environment where we take pride in and celebrate the work we do. SMK works hard to instill a strong sense of community, where colleague’s voices are heard, growth is encouraged, and the leadership team is open and accessible. As our company continues to grow, the successful candidate will help our company culture grow as well.

Opportunities for Growth:

We are a growing business that is quickly and constantly evolving. This growth provides fantastic opportunities for employees to evolve with the business and advance their careers. We strongly encourage and support our colleagues in developing their careers into areas of the business and industry that they find interesting and are passionate about. SMK offers professional development opportunities to broaden employee knowledge and to provide employees with the latest and greatest in industry developments.

Responsibilities:

In this role you will be responsible for carrying out a variety of tasks. Some core responsibilities will include:

• Update and maintain estimating database and construction software.
• Develop construction cost estimates for transportation, transit, heavy civil, and other infrastructure projects; develop cost estimates during all stages of design.
• Develop and document basis of estimate documentation, including key assumptions and exclusions.
• Facilitate negotiations with contractors on cost estimates/proposals.
• Active participation in VE, Risk and Constructability workshops.
• Provide accurate take-offs of all indirects, labor, material, and equipment to create a “Bottom-up Estimate”.
• Develop ICEs and review scope to evaluate contractor cost proposals.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with, and sustain, a database of qualified subject matter experts and vendors to ensure real world costs and production values are current.
• Visit the project site and evaluate actual conditions for estimating purposes.
• Review all design documents and establish a complete understanding of the scope of work being estimated.

Key Attributes:

• An intuitive knowledge and ability to quickly understand principles of construction and contractor means and methods.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop written reports, charts, and graphs to support and present analyses.
• Ability to schedule, manage, prioritize responsibilities, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to think critically and problem solve in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam, Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in HCSS, Bid2Win, and/or Estimating Link.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Project or Primavera preferred.
• Demonstrated construction math and computer skills including Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Good understanding of production rates, crew sizes, and general means and methods for horizontal construction. Experience in vertical construction would be beneficial but is not necessary.
• Ability to evaluate, quantify and capture specification requirements within the estimate.
• Ability to develop a “Bottom-up Estimate” in collaboration with others.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to pass background checks as required.

Additional Employment Information:

• Full time salaried position
• Starting salary of $110k/yr to $140k/yr dependent on experience
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan contribution
• Paid office parking
• Cell phone allowance
• Medical and dental insurance
• SMK follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely and from the office on set days. The ability to work remotely is based on several factors, including workload demands for tasks that require a high degree of collaboration, in person client meetings, employee training, and employee experience level.
• Work location is primarily office-based, with the opportunity to attend occasional site visits within New England.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

SMK provides equal employment opportunity in employment and advancement for all persons regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran and persons with a disability, at all employment levels, including the executive level. We do not and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran and persons with a disability for any position for which the applicant or employee is qualified. Such affirmative action shall apply to all employment practices, including, but not limited to hiring, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment, recruitment advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship and on-the-job training.

To Apply, Please Contact:‍

Recruitment@smkservicesinc.com‍

30 Church Street, Suite #320, Belmont, MA 02478