Occupation information for Cost Estimators District Of Columbia

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Typical education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: No work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: 1 to 12 months on-the-job training

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• Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
• Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
• Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
• Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
• Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.

Tools:

• Desktop computers
• Notebook computers
• Personal computers
• Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
• Scanners

Technology:

• Accounting software
• Analytical or scientific software
• Computer aided design CAD software
• Financial analysis software
• Project management software

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