Plumbing Estimator at Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionKey ResponsibilitiesEstimate Development: Complete quantity takeoffs; build labor, material, equipment, and subcontract costs; document clear inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions.Plan/Spec Review & Bid Strategy: Read and interpret plans, specs, addenda, and RFIs; plan the bid around scope, schedule/duration, site conditions, client requirements, general conditions, alternates/allowances, and bid-form compliance.Scope Definition: Prepare proposal scopes that call out clarifications and exclusions; verify vendor/subcontractor scopes for accuracy and completeness.Sub/Vendor Pricing: Solicit, level, and secure quotes for fixtures, equipment, and specialty scopes; maintain current pricing and lead times.Labor & Productivity: Apply standard labor units and crew build-ups; adjust for project conditions (shifts, height, phasing, logistics).Risk & Value: Identify risks, recommend contingencies, and present value-engineering options.Proposals & Bid Day: Assemble final bid/proposal packages, alternates, and clarifications; support final pricing decisions.Turnover to Operations: Lead review and turnover meetings; deliver takeoff files, buyout targets, schedule assumptions, and risk items.Cost History & Improvement: Compare actuals vs. estimate; update databases, assemblies, and factors from lessons learned.Preconstruction Support: Provide conceptual budgets and iterative pricing through design development.QualificationsRequired5–10+ years in commercial/industrial plumbing (estimating and/or significant field experience).Strong blueprint/spec reading and rigorous quantity takeoff habits.Proficiency with Excel and at least one takeoff/estimating platform (e.g., Trimble Accubid, PlanSwift/On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam Revu, or Quick Pen).Working knowledge of applicable plumbing/mechanical piping codes (e.g., NC/VA Plumbing Code) and typical details (hangers/supports, sleeves, valves/fixtures, equipment selections)Clear communication; comfortable running scope calls and turnover meetings.PreferredPrior field background (Journeyman/Foreman) or Project Engineer experience.BIM/coordination review (Navisworks/Revit) and model-based takeoff.Experience with design-assist/design-build and GMP delivery.AS/BS in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.Tools & SoftwareEstimating/Takeoff: Trimble Accubid, PlanSwift/OST, Bluebeam Revu, Quick Pen (legacy) or equivalent.Collaboration: Microsoft 365 (Excel, Teams, SharePoint).BIM Review (plus): Navisworks / Revit.ERP/Ops (plus): Viewpoint, Spectrum, CMiC, or similar.Core CompetenciesDetail-driven and consistent; builds auditable estimates.Strong “cost sense”: market pricing, lead times, buyout strategy.Professional skepticism: challenges ambiguous scope and rosy assumptions.Time management under bid deadlines.Team-first mindset with PMs, Prefab, Purchasing, and Field.Success Metrics (KPIs)Estimate Accuracy: Actual cost vs. estimate within ±20% at closeout.Bid Hit Rate: Target win rate on pursued work.Turnover Quality: Minimal scope gaps/RFIs post-award.Cycle Time: On-time delivery of budgets and bid packages.Value Engineering: Tracked savings/options presented and accepted.Physical & Work ConditionsOffice/hybrid with periodic site walks (active construction, ladders).Standard computer work; carry plans/laptop as needed.Occasional day travel for pre-bid/site reviews and vendor meetings.