How to Be Civil Estimator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of a Civil Estimator is to accurately estimate the costs of civil engineering projects. This is a critical role, as it affects the success of the project and the businesses involved. Inaccurate estimates can lead to budget overruns and missed deadlines, resulting in costly delays and added expenses.

To ensure accuracy, Civil Estimators must consider a wide range of factors, such as material costs, labor costs, engineering design, and other project risks. They must also be familiar with construction methods and local regulations in order to provide accurate estimates. Proper research and planning are essential for a successful estimation process.

By taking the time to thoroughly analyze the project and its associated costs, Civil Estimators can help to avoid financial losses and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers prefer to hire civil estimators who have earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field. These types of programs provide an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of civil engineering and construction.
2. Develop Relevant Skills. Civil estimators need to have strong mathematical and organizational skills, as well as an understanding of the various components of civil engineering and construction projects.
3. Gain Experience. Some employers may require potential civil estimators to have prior experience in the field. This experience can be gained through internships, part-time positions, or volunteer work.
4. Obtain Certification. Professional certifications can help demonstrate a civil estimator's knowledge and experience in the industry. The American Society of Professional Estimators offers certification for civil estimators.
5. Pursue Continuing Education. To maintain certification, civil estimators must complete a certain number of continuing education hours every year. They can find opportunities for continuing education through professional organizations, online courses, conferences, and seminars.

Being a successful and efficient Civil Estimator requires a combination of technical knowledge, comprehensive understanding of the entire construction process, analytical thinking and excellent communication skills. Having a solid understanding of civil engineering principles and concepts is essential, as estimators must be able to properly measure and calculate the quantity of materials and labor needed to complete a project. They must also be able to analyze plans, drawings, and specifications in order to create accurate estimates.

they must have the ability to accurately research material pricing, labor costs, and other related items to build comprehensive estimates. Furthermore, Civil Estimators need to understand the local laws and regulations that affect construction projects in order to ensure their estimates are in compliance with all applicable regulations. To be successful, Civil Estimators must have the ability to communicate effectively with clients, contractors and other stakeholders in order to ensure their estimates are accurate and complete.

You may want to check Civil Engineer/Project Manager, Civil Design Engineer, and Civil Structural Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

1. Perform quantity takeoffs from plans, drawings, and specifications.
2. Analyze plans and specifications for cost-effective construction methods, materials, and labor.
3. Prepare estimates and cost studies for renovations, repairs, and new construction.
4. Create cost breakdowns for all materials, labor, subcontractors, and equipment.
5. Develop preliminary project budgets, taking into account potential risks and costs.
6. Utilize computer-aided estimating software to create accurate estimates.
7. Develop subcontractor scopes of work, bid packages, and bid forms.
8. Perform periodic cost analysis of projects under construction to ensure accuracy of estimates.
9. Negotiate with architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors to secure best pricing.
10. Monitor project costs against budget to ensure successful completion of project.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of construction materials, methods and processes.
2. Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
3. Strong organizational and communication skills.
4. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications.
5. Knowledge of local building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards.
6. Ability to develop cost estimates for projects and materials.
7. Working knowledge of building systems and subcontractors’ scope of work.
8. Familiarity with computer programs such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, and estimating software.
9. Ability to work with multiple stakeholders and manage conflicting priorities.
10. Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects.

Good communication skills are essential for a successful career as a Civil Estimator. Estimators must have the ability to communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and other professionals. They must be able to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand and to build relationships with the people they interact with.

The estimator also must be organized and able to track costs and progress in order to provide accurate estimates. the estimator must be able to identify potential problems early, evaluate risks, and develop cost-effective solutions. Without these skills, the estimator would be unable to accurately provide estimates or properly manage projects, leading to increased costs and potential project delays.

Civil Forensic Engineer, Civil/Transportation Engineer, and Civil Engineering Project Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have estimating civil construction projects?
• How would you approach creating an estimate for a new civil project?
• What is your process for developing accurate estimates?
• How do you stay up-to-date on new technologies and processes related to civil engineering and construction?
• What challenges have you encountered when estimating a civil project?
• What strategies do you use to manage multiple projects and keep track of budgets?
• How do you work with architects and other stakeholders on civil engineering projects?
• What strategies do you use to ensure that all necessary supplies and materials are accounted for in your estimates?
• How do you handle changes in scope or unforeseen delays on civil projects?
• Describe a challenging civil engineering project that you were able to successfully estimate and complete.

Common Tools in Industry

1. CAD Software. Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows civil estimators to create detailed plans and models of the construction site. (eg: AutoCAD)
2. Takeoff Software. Takeoff software helps civil estimators quickly calculate the quantities of materials needed for a project. (eg: On-Screen Takeoff)
3. Project Management Software. Project management software helps civil estimators keep track of timelines, budgets, and resources. (eg: Microsoft Project)
4. Estimating Software. Estimating software helps civil estimators calculate the costs associated with a project, such as labor and materials. (eg: Trimble Estimating)
5. Bidding Software. Bidding software helps civil estimators analyze bids from contractors and vendors and make decisions about awarding contracts. (eg: Procore Bid Manager)
6. Scheduling Software. Scheduling software assists civil estimators in creating detailed timelines for a project and managing resources. (eg: Microsoft Project Scheduler)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
2. Construction Estimators Association of America (CEAA)
3. Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (CE&AA)
4. American Association of Cost Engineers (AACE)
5. Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI)
6. National Society of Professional Estimators (NSPE)
7. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
8. National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
9. Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA)
10. The American Institute of Constructors (AIC)

We also have Civil/Municipal Engineer, Civil Planner, and Civil/Highway Designer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Cost Estimate. An estimation of the cost associated with a project, based on the resources and materials needed.
2. Quantity Take-Offs. A process used to estimate the total amount of resources (such as labor, materials, and equipment) that will be required to complete a project.
3. Specifications. Written descriptions of the scope of work, materials, and specifications for a project.
4. Bidding Process. A process used to determine the most cost-effective way to complete a project.
5. Cost Analysis. The process of analyzing costs associated with a project in order to determine the best ways to reduce costs and maximize efficiency.
6. Cost Modeling. The process of creating a model to predict and analyze future costs associated with a project.
7. Scheduling. The process of planning and organizing the tasks and activities necessary to complete a project.
8. Risk Management. The process of identifying and managing potential risks associated with a project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Civil Estimator?

A Civil Estimator is a professional who evaluates construction projects, estimates the cost of materials and labor, and develops a budget for the project.

What qualifications do you need to become a Civil Estimator?

To become a Civil Estimator, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field. You should also have a working knowledge of civil engineering principles, construction law, and building codes.

What type of projects do Civil Estimators work on?

Civil Estimators typically work on infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, airports, and other large-scale civil engineering projects.

What skills do Civil Estimators need?

Civil Estimators need strong math and analytical skills in order to accurately estimate the cost of materials and labor for a project. They also need good communication and negotiation skills to work with contractors and other stakeholders.

What is the average salary for a Civil Estimator?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Civil Estimator is $63,837 per year.

What are jobs related with Civil Estimator?

• Civil Roadway Design Engineer
• Civil Aviation Engineer
• Civil Project Coordinator
• Civil/Architectural Designer
• Civil Project Manager
• Civil Construction Inspector
• Civil Landscape Architect
• Civil Engineering Design Manager
• Civil/Geotechnical Engineer
• Civil Litigator

Web Resources

• CEI - Civil Construction Estimator | Civil, Environmental and ... www.colorado.edu
• Estimating Costing in Civil Engineering Basic www.academia.edu
• Online Construction Cost Estimating Classes | VDCI.edu www.vdci.edu