CHIEF ESTIMATOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

The Chief Estimator combines expert knowledge of the construction industry with a robust ability to read plans and specifications, ensuring meticulous accuracy in all project estimates. With a strong background working with both government and private construction clients, this role requires superior organizational skills to manage, prioritize, and drive tasks to completion effectively. The position also demands excellent communication and leadership capabilities, fostering team collaboration and innovative problem-solving under pressure.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Chief Estimator Resume
  • Cost Estimation
  • Project Management Software Proficiency
  • Advanced Excel Skills
  • Reading Architectural and Engineering Drawings
  • Budget Management
  • Risk Analysis
  • Data Analysis
  • Value Engineering
  • Technical Writing
  • Construction Scheduling
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Teamwork
  • Decision-Making
  • Adaptability
  • Time Management
  • Conflict Resolution

Summary of Chief Estimator Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Construction Management with 10 Years of Experience

  • Have a clear and proper understanding of the construction market.
  • Be aware of what client needs are in that market and how JSH can fulfill those needs.
  • Be able to see things through to completion, deal effectively with potential obstacles and exhibit the flexibility to adapt to whatever a situation calls for.
  • Able to complete work within the assigned time
  • Takes proper action when time frames cannot be met to ensure the work of others is not compromised.
  • Uses non-billable time effectively and has a positive attitude which motivates team members and clients.
  • Displays a sense of pride, enthusiasm, optimism and deep dedication to work with both clients and colleagues.
  • Be a self-motivator, willing to take on new challenges.
  • Ability to not only understand and utilize innate talents but also effectively leverage the natural strengths of the team to accomplish the mission 
  • Treats others openly, with respect and recognizes their value.
  • Ability to operate with minimal oversight while communicating upstream and downstream as appropriate.
  • Can estimate multiple projects at the same time

2. BS in Civil Engineering with 8 Years of Experience

  • Have estimating experience encompassing industrial, commercial, and midrise residential construction
  • Experience with design/build and general tender projects
  • Excellent organizational and customer service skills.
  • Situational awareness and common sense while multitasking.
  • Trainable (quick and safe learner).
  • Have residential market experience (high and low-rise)
  • College diploma or university degree in construction management or civil engineering
  • Proficiency with estimating software
  • A passion for estimating operations excellence and service delivery
  • Ability to conduct multi-tasking in an organized fashion
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must enjoy working with people, and be highly organized
  • Familiarity with government policies and regulations related to the industry.

3. BSc in Architecture with 5 Years of Experience

  • Thorough knowledge of estimating and cost-planning techniques
  • A high level of numeracy and ability to think analytically, and make decisions
  • A proven ability to communicate at all levels (incorporating written, verbal, and presentation skills)
  • Good organizational skills, and ability to manage and prioritize work
  • Capacity to thoroughly complete a project/task from start to finish
  • Aptitude for creative thinking and ability to work well under pressure
  • Receptivity and adaptability to change and have good team leadership skills
  • Experience with a General Contractor, government and private construction clients
  • Ability to manage and mentor people
  • Hard-working with a strong get-it-done attitude and strong communication skills.
  • Strong working knowledge and experience in the construction industry.
  • Ability to read plans and specifications.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

4. BA in Project Management with 10 Years of Experience

  • Experience in construction and estimating of earthwork, concrete, utility, paving, structures, and related functions.
  • Proficiency with all MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), BIDS 2, AGTEK and Primavera.
  • Thorough knowledge of corporate objectives impacting estimating, market strategies and techniques, and contracts.
  • Excellent organizational, supervisory, and decision-making/problem-solving skills are essential.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively disseminate information.
  • Must have experience in estimating, sales, or geotechnical engineering – preferably all three.
  • Must have basic knowledge of MSE retaining walls
  • Experience leading, managing, and building a team
  • Strategic thinker to build and manage processes, people, and data to address the major issues in the company so that it can fulfill its vision
  • Bilingual (Spanish-English) 
  • Strong analytical and arithmetic skills.

5. BS in Quantity Surveying with 12 Years of Experience

  • Understanding of cost-benefit analysis, risk management, statistics, general business skills, information technology, and construction or engineering.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills so that you can delegate tasks, motivate colleagues, and manage stakeholders' priorities in a deadline-oriented environment
  • Critical Thinking- Recognizes problems or situations that are new or without clear precedent. 
  • Evaluate alternatives and find solutions using a systematic, multi-step approach.
  • Be able to Create a sense of belonging and ownership among team members
  • Tekla estimating software experience preferred
  • Proficient in all Microsoft programs (Excel, Outlook, Word)
  • Strong and consistent attention to detail and strong analytical/math skills
  • Ability to work alone, put together a professional presentation, create reports on costing data, and read blueprints
  • Self-motivated with the ability to stay on task
  • Analyze labor, material, and time requirements for a project
  • Ability to analyze construction drawings and specifications
  • Assemble accurate and well-organized project estimates and proposals

6. BS in Building Science with 6 Years of Experience

  • Methodical and a master of time management
  • Juggling priorities and delivering on hard deadlines under pressure.
  • See opportunities where others see obstacles.
  • Be able to open a conversation with solutions when others start with problems.
  • Understand the nuances of our customers, construction cost planning and the importance of safety in design and buildability when tendering on projects
  • Interior construction experience 
  • Base building experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Estimating software experience preferred
  • Experience developing business relationships with subcontractors is strongly
  • Federal Fuels, Environmental Remediation, and/or can demonstrate an aptitude to quickly learn about these types of construction projects
  • Knowledge of suitable contractors and suppliers for all types of projects
  • Proficiency in multiple estimating software packages and administrative software such as MS Word, Excel, etc.
Relevant Information
Assistant Chief Engineer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Chief Architect Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Chief Data Officer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Chief Scientist Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Chief Steward Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements