Estimator, Preconstruction - Environmental Systems - Greenville

Company Mission Statement: To build up our communities, our clients, and each other by building trust in everything we do. 

Summary/Objective: At Harper, the Environmental Systems Division (ESD) Preconstruction Team works collaboratively with Owners and Design Engineers to procure quality water and wastewater treatment projects that are, well defined, meets the client’s need, aligns with Harper’s Operations Team requirements, is accurately estimated, is fairly budgeted, is realistically scheduled, is safely constructible and will earn a fair and reasonable profit.

The Goal of the Preconstruction Team is to procure profitable, well-defined construction contracts for the Harper Operations Team to execute. In that pursuit, we will give accurate, personal service to our clients and help them understand and realize all aspects of their potential construction project.

This role will be focused on construction cost estimating and the competitive bid preparation method of procuring construction projects and will represent Harper as the General Contractor in a three-way relationship with an Engineering/Design company and an Owner/Client/Utility.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to understand standard concepts, practices, means and methods, and procedures within construction.


• Ability to understand the operation and process of a water or wastewater treatment plant and how they are constructed and upgraded, as well as requirements and competences of general contracting.


• Ability to understand the components of the preconstruction phase of a project in order to submit accurate competitive construction bids.


• Ability to understand, support, and adhere to Harper safety and quality requirements


• Ability to understand constructability methods and risk mitigation, as well as an understanding in new technologies and methods.


• Ability to understand our estimating software; develop and maintain a useful database of historical data.


• Ability to organize bid efforts and lead co-ops to make efficient and effective use of resources to produce an accurate bid while maintaining due date schedule.


• Ability to manage time efficiently across multiple project leads and assists.


• Ability to read and analyze construction bid documents.


• Ability to manage bidding document addenda and project design changes.


• Ability to understand and develop scope plans for common construction trades and divisions in the water and wastewater industry.


• Ability to prepare construction cost estimates.


• Ability to do quantity takeoff accurately and efficiently.


• Ability to solicit bid invitations to Trade Partners and follow up accordingly.


• Ability to communicate and coordinate with Trade Partners regarding project scopes.


• Ability to create and understand the components of a construction project schedule.


• Ability to navigate and resolve conflicts regarding design and constructability.


• Develop a strategic plan for producing a competitive edge related to Preconstruction. Including researching and analyzing opportunities to be cost effective.


• Prepare statistical information for review of general conditions and fee.


• Assist the Preconstruction Admin in preparation and submission of bids according to strict deadlines.


• Prepare documents for the transfer of projects from estimating to operations (Job Setup and Roll to Jobcost).


• Assist in any other preconstruction-related tasks as needed.


• Participate on ESD committees.

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; detail oriented.


• Extensive knowledge of cost accounting principles; must understand risk management.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to create forecasts based on financial data.


• Proficient with accounting software and cost software.


• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.


• A “Can Do” attitude.


• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with Owners, Designers, Project Team and Trade Partners.


• Must be flexible and accept change often.


• Must have interpersonal skills and form relationships easily with teammates and Trade Partners.


• Must manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines consistently.


• Ability to read and understand people and their intentions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Work Environment: Position affords the opportunity for flexible work from home and the office. Typical office hours. Hours may vary depending on demand. 80% Sitting, 20% Standing or Walking.

If visiting a job site, this role may require walking over varied terrain, climbing, stooping, bending and lifting. Lifting requirements vary from minimal loads to heavy; but help is always available with heavier loads. This role may encounter conditions relative to construction jobsite environments and must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job, as assigned.

Physical Demands: Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work. No special physical demands are required to perform the work, but usually involves prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts, driving an automobile, etc. While this work typically is not physically demanding, it can be mentally demanding, with many deadlines needing to be met consistently.

Travel Required: Minimal but may be required from time to time for errands, regional office meetings, construction job site visits, or company events.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in related field required.


• Three years of related experience preferred.

Benefits: 

• Competitive Benefits Package (health, dental, vision).


• 401(k) with company match.


• Transparency in growth, pay, etc. 


• Career advancement. 


• Performance feedback. 


• Teambuilding events.

Additional Eligibility Requirements: None.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements: Authorized to work in the United States.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Harper GC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Harper GC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.