Job Title: Solar Estimator
Department: Operations
Reports to: Management
Status: Non-Exempt (40+ hours per week)
Job Description:
A Huff Energy Solutions Solar Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial solar projects. The Solar Estimator works closely with project managers, sales staff, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors to develop project proposals, budgets, and preliminary system designs. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of solar construction methods, electrical systems, and project requirements. The Solar Estimator plays a critical role in supporting project success by ensuring all estimates are complete, accurate, and aligned with company standards and client expectations.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Prepare detailed and conceptual cost estimates for commercial solar projects.
- Review project plans, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
- Perform quantity takeoffs for solar equipment, electrical components, structural materials, and labor.
- Generate preliminary solar layouts using Helioscope or similar solar design software.
- Request and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Assist with preparation of proposals, bid packages, and project budgets.
- Analyze labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor costs to ensure accurate pricing.
- Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and sales staff throughout the estimating process.
- Review utility requirements, interconnection standards, and permitting requirements as needed.
- Maintain current pricing databases for materials, labor, and subcontractor costs.
- Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives.
- Assist with project handoff meetings to operations and project management teams.
- Communicate with vendors and subcontractors regarding scope clarification and pricing.
- Read and interpret construction drawings, electrical one-lines, and technical specifications.
- Track submitted bids and maintain estimating records and documentation.
- Support continuous improvement of estimating procedures and standards.
- May be assigned tasks and responsibilities on occasion outside of this scope of work in order to test aptitude.
Knowledge, Skills, and Activities:
- Must have sound knowledge of materials, methods, and practices involved in commercial solar installations.
- Must be competent at reading and understanding construction plans and electrical drawings.
- Experience preparing cost estimates and proposals for solar construction projects preferred.
- Experience with Helioscope, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or similar estimating/design software preferred.
- Computer skill requirements include MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and estimating software.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain professional relationships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal staff.
- Ability to identify and resolve estimating discrepancies and project risks.
Job Details:
This is a regular Fulltime position and requires a work schedule of 40+ hours per week. This business nature could result in layoffs. Salary depends on experience.
Environmental Conditions:
- Indoors in typical office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes approximately ninety-five percent (95%) of the time.
- Outdoors with exposure to noise, heat, and cold approximately five (5%) of the time.
- Frequently work at fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
- May move (walk or drive) from one work location to another occasionally.
Physical Demands:
- Attendance and punctuality.
- Ability to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Exposure to inclement weather conditions.
- Ability to drive a vehicle.
Compensation:
- Compensation is based on experience and skill level.
- Pay Scale: ($30 – $45 hourly).
- New employees are subject to a 60-day probationary period to evaluate performance, attendance, and overall fit within the company. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, employees may become eligible for company benefits and continued employment opportunities.
- Health benefits the first of the month following sixty (60) days of continuous employment.
Changes:
This job description will be updated if duties and responsibilities change significantly. Job functions are subject to modification based on business necessity.
ADA/FEHA:
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
EEO:
The Company is an equal employment opportunity employe
