Junior Estimator

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Rural Electric is not sponsoring visas at this time.
Rural is seeking a junior estimator to join it's business development team. The junior estimator is responsible for assisting senior estimators by reviewing blueprints, calculating material quantities, determining labor costs, and compiling data to create accurate cost estimates for electrical projects, while learning the intricacies of electrical estimating practices and industry standards, often under close supervision.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
  • Blueprint and Specification Analysis: carefully review electrical blueprints and specifications to identify the scope of work for proposed project sites, record findings, and solicit input from field operations to include in final project estimate.
  • Material take-off: calculate the quantity of electrical materials needed to ensure accuracy of data used in estimates.
  • Labor cost estimation: analyze and compile estimate data that impact the cost of labor, materials, equipment requirements, location, and other factors.
  • Vendor pricing research: soliciting accurate pricing from qualified subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers, to ensure adequate competitive coverage of each estimate line item.
  • Analyze alternative solutions and construction methods to increase competitiveness of the bid.
  • Utilize existing cost history as a check to complete estimate.
  • Apply mathematical calculations requiring advanced analytical processes to ensure logically estimated costs are accurate.
  • Analyze and communicate bidding risks, strategies and present estimate/bid to Senior/Chief Estimator for review to ensure accuracy and completeness.
  • Participate in estimate and bid reviews with Senior/Chief Estimator and Management to develop estimating skills.
  • Communicate estimate bid information to field operations at pre-construction meetings to ensure understanding of scope of job.
  • Maintain files within the Company's database for working documents as backup for estimate figures, including current (accurate and timely) information on prices from suppliers through direct contact, sales brochures, price lists, etc.
  • Support other department personnel as required to support assigned project's success.
  • May review and recommend design options and best solution based on cost, engineering quality, location, or availability of materials.
  • Interface with Project Management personnel in support of project kickoff and operational execution.
  • Maintain library of project job costs within the Company's database for use in future project estimates.
  • Follow company safety policy and protocols.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Knowledge:
  • Prior electrical project and take-off experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of the assigned discipline, estimating techniques, and cost control, plus the ability to interpret computerized cost data and essential systems.
  • Use of estimating software required; Accubid & Bid 2Win is a plus.
  • Proficiency with all MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Proficiency with Bluebeam or Adobe
  • Working knowledge of electrical and underground construction principles.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Education, Qualifications, & Experience (including but not limited to):
  • 1-2 years of electrical estimating, controls, and/or engineering experience in industrial electrical construction.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Phone: 480-986-1488
Email: Recruiting@ruralelectric.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, click HERE



Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Junior Estimator?

A: To succeed as a Junior Estimator, key technical skills include proficiency in estimating software, knowledge of construction methods and materials, and understanding of building codes and regulations. Soft skills such as strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial, as Junior Estimators must effectively collaborate with project teams, interpret complex data, and present accurate estimates to stakeholders. By combining these technical and soft skills, Junior Estimators can build a strong foundation for career growth and effectiveness in the role, ultimately advancing to senior estimating positions or transitioning into project management roles.

Q: What is the career path for a Junior Estimator?

A: A Junior Estimator typically starts their career progression by gaining hands-on experience in estimating and cost management, often moving into roles such as Estimating Assistant or Estimator, where they develop skills in data analysis, cost estimation, and project planning. As they gain experience and expertise, they may progress to mid-level roles like Senior Estimator or Estimating Manager, where they oversee teams, develop estimating procedures, and contribute to business growth. Ultimately, a seasoned Estimator may transition into senior leadership positions, such as Operations Manager or Business Development Director, or pursue specialized roles like Cost Consultant or Project Manager.



Rural Electric, Inc. job posting for a Junior Estimator in Mesa, AZ with a salary of $43,900 to $67,500 Annually with a map of Mesa location.