Cost Estimator

Vintti is a staffing agency with a unique mission: to create win-win scenarios for both US businesses and Latin American professionals. We address the challenges faced by SMBs, startups, and firms in finding the right talent, as well as the aspirations of skilled Latin American workers seeking international opportunities. By bridging this gap, Vintti enables US companies to access a wealth of untapped talent, while providing Latin American professionals with pathways to expand their careers on a global scale. Our approach cultivates a symbiotic ecosystem that benefits all parties involved.

A Cost Estimator plays a critical role in the planning and execution of projects by predicting the overall costs associated with the resources necessary for completion. This involves analyzing blueprints, project plans, and other technical documents to prepare accurate cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and other expenditures. The Cost Estimator collaborates closely with engineers, architects, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that financial forecasts align with project goals and remain within budgetary constraints. Their expertise aids in decision-making, risk management, and securing funding, ultimately contributing to the project's financial health and success.

- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven experience as a Cost Estimator or in a similar role within the construction industry.
- Strong understanding of construction processes, materials, and labor costs.
- Proficiency in construction estimating software and tools.
- Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
- Ability to read and interpret project proposals, blueprints, and specifications.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate with project managers, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Experience with cost databases and industry standards.
- Ability to prepare and present detailed cost estimates and reports.
- Familiarity with relevant codes, standards, and regulations.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Ability to conduct site visits and gather field data.
- Experience in preparing bids and proposals.
- Ability to adapt to changing project conditions and requirements.
- Commitment to staying updated with industry trends and best practices.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to project sites as needed.

- Analyze project proposals, blueprints, and specifications to determine the scope and requirements.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects to gather necessary information for estimates.
- Perform material take-offs to determine quantities needed for various project components.
- Research and source costs for materials, equipment, labor, and subcontractor services.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates based on gathered data and industry standards.
- Create and maintain cost databases for materials, labor, and subcontractor work.
- Break down estimates into line items to clarify costs for each component of the project.
- Ensure that all estimates meet required codes, standards, and project specifications.
- Conduct site visits to understand project complexities and gather additional data.
- Review historical data and previous project costs to support and validate estimates.
- Present and explain cost estimates to clients, stakeholders, and team members.
- Update estimates and make revisions as project conditions change or new information becomes available.
- Maintain and document all estimating procedures and updates for future reference.
- Communicate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain pricing and availability information.
- Identify and evaluate potential cost-saving measures and alternative solutions.
- Monitor and analyze project progress to compare actual costs to estimated costs.
- Utilize estimating software to create accurate and efficient cost models and reports.
- Support the preparation of bids and proposals by providing accurate and timely cost estimates.
- Prepare cost analysis reports for management to assist in decision-making and project planning.
- Stay up to date with industry trends, cost fluctuations, and best practices in cost estimating.

The ideal candidate for the Cost Estimator role holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field and boasts proven experience as a Cost Estimator or in a similar role within the construction industry. They possess a deep understanding of construction processes, materials, and labor costs, and are proficient in using construction estimating software and tools. High mathematical and analytical aptitude, alongside exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, enables the ideal candidate to excel. They demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders. Organized and adept at time management, the candidate manages multiple projects simultaneously and thrives under pressure while meeting deadlines. They are technologically proficient, particularly in Microsoft Excel, and have experience with cost databases and industry standards. The ideal candidate is adept at reading and interpreting complex technical documents like project proposals, blueprints, and specifications. They bring to the table strong problem-solving skills and an eye for identifying cost-saving opportunities, have a commitment to ethical standards and integrity, and possess a valid driver’s license with the willingness to travel to project sites. Valued for their adaptability to changing project conditions, forward-thinking approach to continuous improvement, and proactive nature, the candidate remains committed to their professional development and staying abreast of industry trends to consistently deliver accurate and innovative cost estimates and reports.

- Analyze project proposals, blueprints, and specifications to determine the scope and requirements.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects to gather necessary information for estimates.
- Perform material take-offs to determine quantities needed for various construction components.
- Research and source costs for materials, equipment, labor, and subcontractor services.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates based on gathered data and industry standards.
- Create and maintain cost databases for materials, labor, and subcontractor work.
- Break down estimates into line items to clarify costs for each component of the project.
- Ensure that all estimates meet required codes, standards, and project specifications.
- Conduct site visits to understand project complexities and gather additional data.
- Review historical data and previous project costs to support and validate estimates.
- Present and explain cost estimates to clients, stakeholders, and team members.
- Update estimates and make revisions as project conditions change or new information becomes available.
- Maintain and document all estimating procedures and updates for future reference.
- Communicate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain pricing and availability information.
- Identify and evaluate potential cost-saving measures and alternative solutions.
- Monitor and analyze project progress to compare actual costs to estimated costs.
- Utilize estimating software to create accurate and efficient cost models and reports.
- Support the preparation of bids and proposals by providing accurate and timely cost estimates.
- Prepare cost analysis reports for management to assist in decision-making and project planning.
- Stay up to date with industry trends, cost fluctuations, and best practices in cost estimating.

- Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Highly organized with strong time-management abilities
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
- Adaptable and flexible to changing project conditions
- Proactive and self-driven with a strong work ethic
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Capable of working under pressure and meeting deadlines
- Strong ethical standards and integrity
- Technologically proficient with a knack for learning new software
- Strong mathematical skills and attention to numerical detail
- Ability to interpret complex technical documents
- Customer-focused with excellent presentation skills
- Innovative and forward-thinking with a focus on continuous improvement
- Commitment to professional development and staying current with industry trends

- Competitive salary range: $70,000 - $90,000 annually
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Flexible work schedule and remote work options
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement for relevant coursework
- Career advancement opportunities within the company
- Performance-based bonuses and incentives
- Health and wellness programs
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Company-sponsored events and team-building activities
- Travel reimbursement for site visits
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee discount programs
- Company-provided laptop and necessary software/interfaces
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment