AddressTasks & Responsibilities:
1. Project Evaluation:
- Site Assessment: Visit project sites to assess conditions, measure areas, and evaluate the scope of work required.
- Client Consultation: Meet with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
2. Cost Estimation:
- Material Costing: Determine the cost of materials required for the project, including plants, soil, mulch, rocks, pavers, and other landscaping elements.
- Labor Estimation: Calculate labour costs, including the time and number of workers needed for different phases of the project.
- Equipment Costs: Estimate costs for equipment rental or usage.
- Subcontractor Quotes: Obtain quotes from subcontractors for specialised work, such as irrigation systems or large-scale hardscaping.
3. Bid Preparation:
- Detailed Proposals: Prepare detailed and accurate bids or proposals that outline the scope of work, costs, and timelines.
- Competitive Pricing: Ensure pricing is competitive yet profitable, taking into account market rates and company margins.
- Presentation: Present bids to clients and explain the cost breakdown and project plan.
4. Documentation and Reporting:
- Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all estimates, site visits, client communications, and contracts.
- Report Generation: Create reports for management summarizing the projected costs and potential profitability of projects.
5. Vendor and Supplier Relations:
- Supplier Negotiations: Negotiate with suppliers to get the best prices on materials.
- Vendor Management: Maintain good relationships with vendors to ensure timely delivery and quality of materials.
6. Project Management Support:
- Budget Monitoring: Assist project managers in tracking project expenses against the budget.
- Change Orders: Handle cost adjustments for any changes in the project scope and ensure they are documented and approved by clients.
7. Continuous Improvement:
- Market Research: Stay updated on market trends, new materials, and techniques in landscaping.
- Process Optimization: Continuously look for ways to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the estimation process.
8. Compliance and Risk Management:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all estimates and proposals comply with local regulations, zoning laws, and safety standards.
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks in the project and incorporate contingency plans in the estimates.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in estimating software; Excel, Procore, Bluebeam.
- Mathematical Skills: Strong mathematical and analytical skills to perform accurate calculations.
- Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in measurements and calculations.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interactions and report preparation.
- Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of landscaping techniques, materials, and best practices.
- Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Relevant Work Experience:
- Industry Experience: Typically, 3-5 years of experience in the landscaping or construction industry is preferred. This experience helps the estimator understand the practical aspects of landscaping projects.
- Estimating Experience: At least 1-3 years of direct experience in estimating is often required. This can include experience in preparing bids, costing materials and labor, and working with suppliers and subcontractors.
As the landscaping estimator, you will play a vital role in ensuring the financial success of landscaping projects by providing accurate and reliable cost assessments, thus contributing to client satisfaction and project profitability.
