Estimator

Company Overview:

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, Inc. (Columbia Energy) has been in business for over 30 years. We began as an engineering firm in support of nuclear cleanup operations for the U.S. Department of Energy at Hanford in Richland, Washington. We have progressively grown from our origins into a full-service engineering and fabrication company providing cost-effective solutions in the nuclear, defense, energy, and hazardous waste industries.

We are an established small business headquartered in Richland, Washington. We offer full-service engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, electrical, database and software engineering, technology development, and geophysics/subsurface imaging. We also have facilities in Tucson, Arizona and Aiken, South Carolina. We are presently licensed to provide engineering within the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and South Carolina.

We are currently looking to hire one full time Estimator to join our growing team! We offer competitive wages, great benefits and a positive work environment.

Job Summary:
The Estimator is charged with effectively estimating projects to result in the award of work for Columbia Energy. The role is responsible for establishing and maintaining an accurate subcontractor and supplier base from which bids are solicited. The Estimator is responsible for ensuring adequate coverage is received on projects and that the spreadsheet / final pricing is accurate and competitive in nature. The position is responsible for Subcontractor negotiations, with a focus on achieving the highest value for the company. The Estimator is responsible for the accuracy of the bid and covering the scope of the project and covering buy-out of subcontracts. Estimator's role is significant to obtaining work for the company.

The Estimator is responsible for analyzing blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for fabrication projects. The role will review the bid information to determine material and labor requirements and prepare itemized takeoff lists. The Estimator will prepare material, subcontract and self-perform labor costs to each item of work required for each project. This professional must be well-organized and able to multitask while working under strict deadlines on multiple estimates at one time. This person must also be articulate with a professional demeanor able to work with a wide range of technical professionals and consult with clients, vendors, or other individuals to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.

Essential Responsibilities/Duties: 

• Update master estimating documents formatting and formulas as needed.
• Research the cost of items such as materials, transportation, labor and equipment.
• Establish and maintain relationships with contractors and vendors.
• Work with Project managers to facilitate the hand off of awarded contracts.
• Work with project managers to review closed projects to facilitate lessons learned to improve estimating process.
• Document assumptions and exceptions made during the estimating process.
• Collaborate with others to determine the most efficient fabrication approach minimizing cost.
• Read and interpret Request for Proposals, detailed specifications, blueprints/fabrication drawings, prepare “take off” of materials, estimate all necessary labor, materials, and other direct costs to prepare a detailed and accurate price estimate.
• Work directly with internal teams to understand current resource loading for integration of new opportunities.
• Be comfortable to discuss alternative recommendations on projects in which management requires alternative estimates to meet client needs.
• Prepare detail oriented and accurate pricing estimates on new projects and support project managers as necessary to develop pricing estimates on change orders on existing contracts and summarize results with appropriate leaders to ensure all aspects of job.
• Conduct business in a professional and ethical manner to serve customers and increase the goodwill and profit of the company. Communicate in a professional manner.
• Work independently or on a team to complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Prepare detailed schedules and technical information to support proposal development.
• Maintain current and previous estimate revisions and price back up information.
• Responsible for presenting cost and bid information to project manager after award, ensuring a successful transition from proposal to project kick-off. Emphasis on fabrication and subcontracting plan to execute the project in accordance with the proposal and the estimate.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 7 years’ estimating experience, fabrication and machining preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, specification, etc.
• Ability to accurately perform take-offs, verify quantities, etc.
• Strong knowledge of Office suite programs, especially Excel and MS Project.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at a time.
• Ability to meet sensitive timelines.
• Adhere to and follow the Columbia Energy estimating guidelines and procedures.

• Experience completing conceptual budgets with minimal information.
• Ability to deal with unforeseen challenges and variety of personality types.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous business situations and competing priorities.
• Experience soliciting bids, qualifying quotes, preparing competitive and successful proposals.
• Ability to produce an accurate scope of work from drawings, walk-throughs, conversations with clients, etc.
• Strict adherence to professional and ethical standards of practice.
• Powerful and confident communication skills with the ability to effectively present to all levels of the organization.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Full Covid-19 vaccination required by 1/18/2022.

Key Success Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail
• Devotion to excellent customer service.
• Highly motivated self-starter with ability to perform well with varying degrees of supervision
• Ability to think strategically and translate concepts into actionable items

Core Competencies:

• Consistency and Reliability
• Communication
• Trustworthiness and Ethics
• Meeting Standards

Benefits:

• Generous compensation plan
• Employer Paid Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• 401K Plan

Physical Requirements:

Employee will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, sitting, walking, with some bending, squatting, and lifting. Will talk and hear to communicate. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, pull: objects, materials repetitively. May be required to lift, carry and move up to 40lbs.

Working Conditions while Performing Essential Functions:

This position is performed in an office setting with occasional relocations to our fabrication shop. The atmosphere is fast paced and deadline oriented with focus on safety and quality. 

Columbia Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.