Estimator Assistant

Estimating Assistant -Milnerton - Cape Town

Applicant must be from Building Construction - Estimating Industry

Applicant must have CCS / Candy Experience

Estimator assistants work under the guidance of estimators to ensure that all technical and financial aspects of a construction project are within budget and meet legal, industry and client standards.

Key takeaways:

An estimator assistant helps an estimator or contractor organize the technical details for a construction project, including permits, cost estimates and contracts.

An estimator assistant uses hard skills like report writing and soft skills like time management and customer service to complete their duties successfully.

Most estimator assistants have a further qualification - This is a preference not a must

What is an estimator assistant?

As estimator assistant is a construction professional who works directly under the supervision of an estimator or contractor, helping them plan, organize and fill out paperwork and other technicalities for construction projects.

An estimator plays an important role in construction, as they work alongside architects and engineers to determine the most cost-effective ways to purchase materials, negotiate with contractors and complete projects in a timely manner.

Due to the vast nature of their responsibilities, they often have assistants who help them complete some of their smaller, more time-consuming tasks while also offering their own estimating opinions and expertise.

What are the duties of an estimator assistant?
Research contractors to determine which offers the best price for the quality of service

Keep detailed reports of project estimates, contracts, permits and purchases

Correspond with subcontractors, vendors and clients to ensure that all elements of the estimating process function correctly

File data, receipts and reports to create a database for all project documents

Work with construction management software programs to keep track of all project updates and processes
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CCS / Candy Experience is a must
Prepare project estimates and detailed cost analyses so that estimator can present them to clients and vendors

Help estimators negotiate with contractors to increase workload, decrease price and boost overall company profits

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What skills do estimator assistants need?

Working as an estimator assistant can require the use of several skills necessary for completing the job successfully.

Here are some of the most common and helpful skills an estimator assistant can have:

Mathematics:

An important skill for an estimator assistant is the ability to run calculations with mínimal error, as they often create cost analysis reports that provide helpful information regarding project budgets.

They spend a significant amount of time creating reports detailing prices for materials and services and potential company profits.

Communication:
An estimator assistant often handles communications between the construction company and its contractors and clients.

It's important that they can communicate clearly, both verbally and in written form, to ensure that all negotiations, plans and purchases align with the goals of the construction project.

Organization:

Organization is important for estimator assistants, as a majority of their duties involve keeping track of various figures, estimates and paperwork on behalf of the construction company and its clients.

They also ensure that all permits are within the legal confines of local construction protocols to avoid additional inspections or fines.

Time management:

For an estimator assistant, it's important to have a strong sense of time management to ensure that all elements of a construction project meet high standards within a reasonable time frame.

The estimator assistant sets project deadlines for various tasks, including negotiations, acquiring materials, construction, getting permits and meeting the client's time frame.

Customer service:

The estimator assistant often communicates and negotiates with various vendors, contractors and clients to best meet the criteria and goals of a project, making customer service an important skill.

With a pleasant tone, reasonable expectations and consistent communication, an estimator assistant can foster a strong relationship between their company and people they frequently encounter.

Related:
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What environment do estimator assistants work in?

Estimator assistants have a variety of work environments they alternate between to get various elements of their job done. During the early stages of a project, an estimator assistant may work primarily in an office setting, where they may help the estimator with the planning and budgeting of the construction project. They also work in an office throughout the project as well, where they use computers, printers and other comm

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