Cost Estimators

13-1051.00

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
• Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
• Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
• Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
• Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
• Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
• Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.
• Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.
• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.

Technology Skills

• Accounting software - Choice Job Cost; ConEst T&M Billing Manager; Cost accounting software; CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator; Intuit QuickBooks 🔥; Sage 50 Accounting
• Analytical or scientific software - ConEst Electrical Formulas; Construction Management Software ProEst; Decisioneering Crystal Ball; QSM SLIM Suite; Resources Calculations Incorporated SoftCost; WinEstimator WinEst
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk Revit 🔥; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; ConEst IntelliBid Design Build; ConEst SureCount; Dassault Systemes CATIA
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Microsoft Business Contact Manager
• Data base reporting software - Oracle Hyperion; SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports; Software AG enterprise software
• Data base user interface and query software - Assured Software JPP; Microsoft Access 🔥; Sage 100 Contractor; Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate; Xactware Xactimate
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥; Laserfiche Avante
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Microsoft Dynamics 🔥; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; SAP software 🔥
• Expert system software - EFI Hagen OA
• Financial analysis software - ConEst Intellibid; Cost estimating software; CPR Visual Estimator; IBM Costimater; Palisade @Risk; PRICE Sytems TruePlanning; Primavera Cost Management; Softstar Costar COCOMO II
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Trimble SketchUp Pro 🔥
• License management software - ConEst Permit Trac
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - ConEst BidTrac; ConEst JobTrac; Galorath SEER; Galorath SEER-SEM; HCSS HeavyBid; HCSS HeavyJob; Logic Software Easy Projects.NET; Microsoft Project 🔥; On Center On-Screen Takeoff; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Apple AppleWorks; Corel QuattroPro; IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft OneNote; Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Estimate costs of goods or services.
• Confer with others about financial matters.
• Analyze business or financial data.
• Monitor financial indicators.
• Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
• Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
• Establish business management methods.
• Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
• Develop business or financial information systems.
• Prepare financial documents.
• Collect data about project sites.
• Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
• Maintain data in information systems or databases.