Estimator

Job Summary

Sun Tribe EPC (“ST EPC”) is Virginia’s premier utility scale Solar design and build firm focused on designing and constructing sub 20MW ground mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) facilities.  Sun Tribe EPC’s Preconstruction Team’s mission is to Develop Quality Business Opportunities that enable efficient delivery in a predictable manner. In Developing Quality Business Opportunities, the Civil Estimator will support the team in its mission to Identify, Qualify, Advance, Bid, Win, and Mature those Business Opportunities and Projects. 

The Estimator manages the Bid Estimate through internal interactions with Project Engineering and Supply Chain, but also external interaction including new and existing subcontractors, the project owner, and the developer. The position will support the Preconstruction Project Manager in creation of the initial budgets and schedules related to civil activities, guiding the project during early development, and deliberate handover to the Project Manager.

The Estimator position reports directly to the Senior PM, Preconstruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Tracks new inbound opportunities within the ST EPC project database, ensuring bids are created on time

• Utilizes industry-standard estimation software (e.g., HeavyBid, Agtek, PlanSwift, SharpeSoft, or similar) to accurately perform takeoffs for earthwork, erosion and sediment controls, and stormwater features
• Interprets civil drawings and specifications to determine scope and validate quantities
• Develops detailed cost estimates, budgets, and proposals based on quantity takeoffs and vendor/subcontractor quotes
• Analyzes labor, material, and equipment costs to produce accurate and competitive bids
• Creates comprehensive RFPs that outline project scope, specifications, and timelines
• Collaborates with project managers to ensure RFP documents are distributed on time and properly communicated to external civil contractors
• Supports negotiation efforts with subcontractors and suppliers to optimize pricing and contract terms
• Assist with the development and upkeep of a Bid Estimate template
• Assist with the development and upkeep of a Bid Estimate best practice and procedure document
• Assist with the development and upkeep and populating of a Bid Estimate Historical cost database
• Develops individual stand-alone integrated Bid Estimate file for each bid that they are supporting.  Bid Estimate will include all expected project costs including: Engineering subcontractor costs; Field testing to support engineering design; Permanent capital equipment costs including shipping, receipt, storage and installation, Temporary and indirect construction costs to execute the project scope including trailers, temporary roads, laydown space, storage, field office supplies, signage, safety supplies, utilities etc; All ST-EPC labor required to execute the project including functional (Engineering and Supply chain) and direct project support personnel (PM, CM, HSE, etc); All subcontractor bid costs and/or direct labor, equipment and materials to perform the construction of the project scope including Civil, Sitework, Fencing, SWPP, Piles, Racking, Module Install, LV and MV Electrical, Controls systems Testing and start up; Profit, Overhead, Taxes, Bonding, Parent Guarantees, Contingency, and other indirect costs required to successfully execute the EPC project scope

• Reviews Bid Estimates with Pre-Construction, PM and Leadership team members

• Works closely with internal teams (project managers, engineers, procurement, field team) to ensure seamless coordination and information sharing
• Provides regular reports on estimating activities, project costs, and potential risks or discrepancies
• Stays current with industry best practices, construction methods, and new estimating technologies
• Identifies opportunities to streamline estimating processes and enhance accuracy
• Reviews as built costs with project estimates and lessons learned from project team to inform future bids

• Converts Bid Estimates to project budgets at project award stage
• Provides estimating support for change orders or RFI’s as needed

• Ensures efficient delivery in a predictable manner by utilizing and improving a deliberate process to hand over the project from Preconstruction to Project Management
• Provides Project Manager with a set of recommended prequalified subcontractors; initiate the prequalification process for those not prequalified

• A Bachelor's Degree is preferred
• A minimum three years of experience in civil estimating required, with a focus on earthwork, erosion control, and stormwater

• High competence in MS Excel required
• High competence in one of the major estimating software required
• Experience with scheduling software (MS Project) is advantageous
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, design documents, and construction methodologies.
• Experience in Procore or other construction management software is advantageous
• Demonstration of company core values; Community, Safety, Perpetual Improvement, Nature, Joy, and Respect
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and negotiation abilities to effectively interact with subcontractors and vendors

• Require travel to worksites and projects as needed
• Hybrid work environment with an expectation to work from the Charlottesville office 3 times per week
• Some evening and weekend work is required.

Review of Applications will continue until the position is filled.

If you don't check every box, don't let that stop you. We prioritize talent, passion, and drive over what looks good on paper. If you're on the fence, we encourage you to hit the apply button and highlight what draws you to Sun Tribe.

Sun Tribe provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.

Sun Tribe complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Sun Tribe has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Read more about our company values and what it’s like to work at Sun Tribe.

Sun Tribe EPC is a drug-free workplace, pre-employment drug screening is required.