Description
We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels heard and respected, and extending our culture of care so that every individual can reach their full potential. We want you to have a sense of belonging and feel valued for your contributions and the perspectives you bring.
Summary:
The Lead Estimator – Solar prepares Solar cost estimates for renewable energy and utility-owned projects with a complete understanding of the interrelationship of the cost of labor, material, equipment, and productivity in the unit costs used in all scopes of project estimate. Manages accurate, cost competitive and timely preparation of estimates for the Company’s Solar construction business to be bid, incorporating extensive knowledge of construction means and methods, costs, and industry principles.
Estimates Engineer Procure Construct (EPC) self-performed project costs related to utility grade solar plants for RES Development (US, Canada) and 3rd party client projects. Project scope responsibilities include, but not limited to procurement and implementation of: temporary construction facilities, project and field management, permitting, 3rd party labor, tracker pile, tracker systems, PV modules, PCS stations, 2kV DC wiring harness systems and cabling, combiner boxes/LBDs, aboveground/underground cable conveyance systems, auxiliary AC power equipment and wiring, SCADA system and related communication cabling, engineering services, testing and commissioning, taxes, contingency, warranties, margin. Solar Estimators need to have solid knowledge of solar array foundations, plant architecture, comprised of an intimate understanding of major solar equipment manufacturers and the cost relationship to periphery systems within the plant following design development changes. Estimator needs to stay atop of solar technology evolutions, cost optimization/mitigation strategies, risk analysis, and industry market trends to produce strategically competitive bids.
Requirements:
- Leads and handles multiple complex project estimate assignments concurrently under minimal supervision, using standardized tools and processes to prepare accurate, competitive, and timely estimates of project cost and schedule.
- Reviews and understands content of all RFP documents to determine project scopes of work and required pricing elements for inclusion within the estimate.
- Leads a team of contributing estimators for respective SOWs to prepare accurate, competitive, and timely estimates for Bid-Build and EPC (Engineer-Procure-Construct) construction Request for Proposals (RFPs).
- Collaborates with Preconstruction Manager for engineering support services and deliverables as basis of estimate.
- Receives, prioritizes, and distributes requests for quote to vendors and subcontractors; analyzes responses for accuracy, completeness and efficacy per request and project schedule milestones.
- Completes take-offs to calculate estimate quantities and units of work for substation EPC self-perform substation construction scopes of work.
- Gathers details and maintains current market data necessary to accurately estimate construction, material and soft costs associated with project construction.
- Produces labor analysis evaluation which will determine impacts to estimates based on local labor availability and requirements, current commodity pricing, and client’s project specifications.
- Identifies and quantifies project risks and opportunities, which will be tracked in an ongoing Register.
- Collaborates with Preconstruction Manager for alignment of estimated resources and duration represented in project estimate to achieve client defined milestones identified within project schedule.
- Reviews all estimate entries for accuracy from direct reports as well as reviewing with chief estimator. Analyzes multi-discipline estimated costs related to client RFP information and design and costs to complete the estimate.
- Coordinates with chief estimator on workload/bandwidth based on a regular basis using tools such as bid calendar to ensure a sustainable work/life balance for the team.
- Collaborates with Procurement on requests for pricing for company approved vendors.
- Collaborates with Project Controls and Site Teams on actual productivity for main installation activities as well as budget pushes from HeavyBid to HeavyJob.
- Performs comparison analysis from current active estimates against past iterations/similar opportunities and explain cost variances in similar category items.
- Performs bid matrices for comparison on multiple quotes for subcontractors and vendors.
- Presents thorough detailed cost estimates to stakeholders during bid review processes.
- Attends work regularly and punctually, as scheduled or expected.
- Complies with Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and Company Policies & Procedures.
- Recognizes and recommends alternative designs and scope definitions that support consistency, standardization, and cost competitiveness.
- Provides indicative budgets per client requests prior to RFP issuance.
- Creates project estimate-related bid proposal documents to meet RFP submittal requirements, such as SOV, client provided technical forms, and ACE documents.
- Presents project scope, identified risks and cost estimate for Operations and Executive reviews.
- Collaborates with Proposal Strategist and Preconstruction Manager for assembly of final RFP response during bidding process.
- Assists in compiling historical cost data for projects.
- Presents, supports, and leads-by-example with a safety and quality-oriented attitude.
- Leads by example to show that safety is the most important function, ensuring that all employees follow safe practices while working.
- Accountable to continually reinforce safe behaviors and correct “at risk” behaviors.
- Adheres to and ensures all site team members understands standard operating procedures.
- Leads and supports the site team in technical, quality and safety, utilizing system in place.
- Fosters and demonstrates a workplace inclusive of creating opportunity, serving others, building trust, innovation, and exceeding expectations.
- Manages one or more direct reports.
- Participates in hiring and selection process to fill positions on the team.
- Communicates regularly with direct reports on goals, accomplishments, and information on policies.
- Demonstrates leadership and expertise in eyes of client group.
- Employee Development:
- Provides tasks and assignments that challenge and stretch employees’ responsibilities.
- Conducts regular discussions with employee(s) on personal development. Comfortable with empowering others.
- Conducts timely, effective performance reviews in accordance with RES guidelines.
Qualifications:
- Associate degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related area of study; OR High School diploma with at least 2 years’ equivalent industry experience, required.
- 7 or more years’ experience estimating solar self-perform construction, required.
- 2 or more years’ experience leading a team of estimators for specific project pursuit estimates or other supervisor experience, required.
- 2 or more years’ utility-scale solar experience, required.
- 1 or more years’ field-based construction experience, preferred.
- Ability to travel 5 to 15%.
- Extensive experience with EPC and BOP estimate structure for creation of proposals for large utility and utility grade renewable energy power plant construction projects.
- Ability to recognize and recommend alternative designs/scope definitions which support consistency, standardization, and cost competitiveness.
- Thorough understanding of tasks and processes associated with the construction of utility grade renewable energy projects. Experience working with solar, wind, substation, BESS system, and transmission line construction is highly desirable. Civil general understanding is a plus.
- Familiarity with design build construction methods, utilizing creative thought processes and experience, to produce production-based cost estimates with detailed costs for resource budget estimates.
- Ability to complete quantity take offs from construction plans.
- Ability to compile indicative budgets in the absence of engineered documents.
- Experience with estimating software; experience with HCSS HeavyBid preferred.
- Experience with Blue Beam/Adobe for purposes of quantity take-off required.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project, OneNote, Teams), and Sharepoint. Salesforce knowledge is a plus.
- Ability to evaluate site conditions from plans, geotechnical reports and/or site visits for creation of cost estimates utilizing best labor, equipment, and material resources for most competitive and accurate proposal estimates. Ability to apply varying levels of detail for both indicative and hard bid proposals.
- Advanced skills in client and subcontractor interface and negotiation.
- Advanced communication skills with the ability to clearly describe the advantages and disadvantages of various design options.
- Strong detail orientation and analytical thinking skills.
- Desire to learn and apply knowledge quickly.
- Ability to work independently and complete tasks on time with minimal supervision.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Familiarity with standard construction industry concepts, practices, and procedures.
- Ability to drive innovation of new processes while supporting corporate standards for quality.
- Comfortable operating in a highly collaborative team environment working with third party customers, developers, design engineers, construction estimators, pre-construction mangers, construction managers, and executive managers on a regular basis.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple assignments, and prioritize as required.
- Functional competencies in accountability, attention to detail, managing vision and purpose, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Anticipated base salary range: $139,000 – $163,000
The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. This position is bonus eligible.
Physical requirements and environment:
The work environment and physical demands characteristics are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
Rarely: climbing, crouching, kneeling, and stooping; pulling, pushing, and lifting 5 to 15 pounds required
Occasionally: carrying 5 to 15 pounds, gripping, handling, pinching, and walking required
Frequently: standing required.
Constantly: reading, hearing, reaching vision, repetitive motion, and sitting required.
The employee is rarely exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, humidity, wet, noise in the work environment.
The employee is occasionally exposed to noise and hazards in the work environment.
We maintain a drug-free workplace. Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background investigation and drug test as a condition of employment.
RES is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.