Estimator Skills required: Do you have strong analytical and mathematical skills? Can you pay attention to the details but also see the "big picture"? Do you have construction experience in the field? Then you could become an estimator. Description: Estimators are experienced in preparing estimates for tenders, proposals, and design build projects. Specific duties include: • Review construction plans and specifications. • Collect sub-contractor pricing. • Review working drawings and determine what trades are needed. • Estimate costs involving labour, material and overhead components for work to be bid on. (This includes determining actual versus estimated costs.) Estimators work at a variety of levels in the construction industry: Junior estimators work under supervision: • Maintain current Information on prices. • Compile data for estimates. • Prepare material take-offs. • Prepare routine estimates. Intermediate estimators: • Prepare bid packages and estimates. • Analyze sub-contractor bids. • May handle closings for projects of value less than $5 million. Senior estimators: • Prepare/coordinate estimates and closings for large/complex projects, including design build projects. • May supervise junior staff. Chief estimators: • Direct major estimating function. • Administer budgets, staffing, and supervision. • Review all final estimates and oversee design build projects. A trade estimator would perform many of the same duties as an estimator. However, s/he would be focused on only one trade, for example, plumbing.