Estimator

About Banneker

Banneker Ventures is a vertically integrated real estate development and construction management firm with nearly 20 years of experience delivering more than $1 billion of transformative mixed-use, multifamily, and civic projects across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. Guided by our commitment to Building a Better World, we partner with public agencies, private developers, and community stakeholders to deliver world-class projects with lasting impact.

Overview and Purpose

The Estimator is a key contributor to the preconstruction team, responsible for performing accurate and timely quantity take-offs and supporting the overall bid process. This individual works under the guidance of a Mid Level or Senior Estimator to develop a fundamental understanding of all aspects of project estimating, from reviewing drawings to preparing bid documents. This role is essential for building the foundation of every bid and ensuring the accuracy of all initial cost data.

Key Responsibilities

• Quantity Take-offs: Perform accurate quantity take-offs for specific trades or project components using standard estimating software, ensuring all calculations are double-checked for accuracy.
• Cost Compilation: Assist in compiling detailed material lists, labor hours, and equipment costs based on the take-offs and industry pricing.
• Document Review: Methodically review project drawings and specifications to identify key estimating requirements and potential issues.
• Bid Solicitation Support: Follow up with subcontractors and vendors to ensure the timely receipt of bids and clarify any questions they may have.
• Data Entry: Accurately input subcontractor bids and pricing into bid comparison sheets and other internal documents.
• File Management: Maintain organized and up-to-date files for each project, including all bid documents, drawings, and correspondence.
• Professional Development: Continuously learn and develop estimating skills by participating in training sessions and seeking guidance from senior staff.
• Subcontractor Database Entry: Assist in keeping the subcontractor and vendor database up to date with new contacts and information.
• Bid Clarification: Prepare and submit requests for information (RFIs) to the design team for clarification on drawings and specifications.
• Trade-Specific Knowledge: Develop expertise in one or more specific trades to improve the accuracy and speed of take-offs for those areas.

KPIs

• Take-off Accuracy: Number of errors or omissions identified in take-offs during the review process.
• Volume of Take-offs: Number of trades or projects estimated per month.
• Software Proficiency: Demonstrated competence with all estimating software and tools.
• Learning Progression: Progress towards mastering new estimating skills or software modules.
• Data Entry Accuracy: Percentage of bid data entered without errors into internal systems.
• Timeliness of Take-offs: Adherence to internal deadlines for completing assigned take-offs.
• Subcontractor Follow-up Rate: Percentage of bid requests followed up on within 24 hours.
• File Organization Score: Internal audit score on project file organization.
• Bid Log Accuracy: Number of errors found in the bid log for assigned projects.
• Material Cost Research Accuracy: The variance between researched material costs and actual costs.
• Proactive Problem Identification: Number of potential issues identified in drawings or specs during initial review.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree or certificate in a related field preferred 
• 1 to 3 years of experience in the position 
• Introductory knowledge of construction from a general contractor perspective