Estimator

Who We Are

Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is a premier, full-service fire-life safety contractor based in San Diego, CA. For over 30 years, we have specialized in the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of residential and commercial fire sprinkler and fire alarm/low voltage systems across Southern California.

We pride ourselves on operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to providing opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and build a rewarding career in the fire protection industry.

As an Experienced Fire Sprinkler Estimator, you will play an important role in preparing accurate and competitive estimates for fire sprinkler projects. You will review construction documents, perform detailed take-offs, analyze project costs, obtain subcontractor and vendor pricing, and prepare estimates that support the company's operations, sales efforts, and strategic planning.

The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working with numbers and construction data. This position requires strong communication and collaboration skills, as the Estimator will regularly interact with homeowners, customers, purchasing agents, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, project managers, and other team members.
How We'll Take Care of You

• 401(k) + Company Matching
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D Insurance, including FREE Employee Only premium for SIMNSA and Kaiser Permanente Bronze Base medical plans
• Vacation, Holidays, Birthday Holiday, and Sick Pay
• Discretionary Bonus Program
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for career advancement within the fire protection industry
• Company Celebrations, including summer picnic and holiday events
• Employee Referral Program
• FREE Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• FREE Onsite Gym
• FREE premium coffee and snacks

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, technical knowledge, estimating experience, and applicable industry knowledge.
Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, dependable, detail-oriented, analytical, and motivated Fire Sprinkler Estimator to join our team.

The Fire Sprinkler Estimator will be responsible for reviewing construction documents, understanding project scope, performing detailed take-offs, developing accurate cost estimates, obtaining subcontractor and vendor pricing, and preparing competitive bids for fire sprinkler projects.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong mathematical and analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. The Estimator must be comfortable reviewing construction plans and specifications, interpreting project requirements, analyzing labor and material costs, and using computer-based estimating tools and spreadsheets.

This position will work closely with customers, contractors, homeowners, purchasing agents, subcontractors, vendors, project managers, and company leadership. Strong communication and sales skills are essential, as the Estimator will participate in customer and contractor communications and help support the company's business development and sales objectives.

The Fire Sprinkler Estimator will also be responsible for identifying inaccuracies, omissions, and discrepancies in construction documents, quoted items, pricing information, and computer databases and communicating these issues to the appropriate supervisor.

The goal of this position is to provide accurate, timely, and competitive estimates that support successful project execution, profitability, customer satisfaction, and the company's continued growth.
Core Responsibilities
1. Construction Document Review & Scope Analysis

• Review construction documents, plans, specifications, and related project information for bidding purposes.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the scope of work and project requirements.
• Identify project requirements, exclusions, inclusions, and potential estimating concerns.
• Review plans for inaccuracies, omissions, discrepancies, and other conditions that may impact project costs.
• Identify items requiring clarification and communicate questions or concerns to the appropriate parties.
• Maintain an understanding of applicable project requirements, construction practices, and fire sprinkler industry standards.

2. Estimating & Take-Offs

• Execute detailed material and construction take-offs from construction documents.
• Accurately quantify materials, equipment, labor, and other costs associated with fire sprinkler installations.
• Input take-off information into computer spreadsheets and estimating systems.
• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates based on project plans, specifications, historical information, and available pricing.
• Analyze quantities, labor requirements, material costs, equipment costs, subcontractor costs, and overhead.
• Where predetermined standards or pricing information are not available, develop reasonable and supportable estimates.
• Review estimates for accuracy, completeness, and consistency prior to submission.
• Maintain accurate and organized estimating records.

3. Cost Analysis & Pricing

• Prepare cost analyses by recapitulating material, labor, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead costs associated with project installation.
• Analyze project costs and available pricing information to develop competitive bids.
• Obtain current pricing from vendors, subcontractors, and other resources as required.
• Compare vendor and subcontractor pricing and evaluate the impact on overall project costs.
• Maintain and update pricing information and estimating databases.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining accurate project requirements and company standards.
• Inform the immediate supervisor of inaccuracies or omissions in quoted items, pricing, estimating standards, or computer databases.

4. Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Obtain bids and pricing from subcontractors and vendors.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Request, review, and compare subcontractor and vendor quotations.
• Maintain current resource information regarding products, vendors, subcontractors, and other estimating resources.
• Research product availability, pricing, lead times, and other information that may affect project estimates.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of vendor and subcontractor information.

5. Customer, Contractor & Sales Communication

• Communicate professionally with homeowners, customers, purchasing agents, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and other stakeholders by phone and email.
• Respond to questions regarding estimates, pricing, scope, materials, and project requirements.
• Assist with customer and contractor communications throughout the estimating and bidding process.
• Support the company's sales efforts by providing timely, accurate, and competitive estimates.
• Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with customers and industry contacts.
• Demonstrate strong communication and negotiation skills when discussing project requirements, pricing, and scope.
• Follow up on bids and estimating opportunities as directed.
• Emphasize professionalism, responsiveness, communication, and customer service in all interactions.

6. Information & Resource Management

• Develop and maintain resource information related to products, vendors, subcontractors, government requirements, pricing, and other estimating resources.
• Maintain accurate computer databases, spreadsheets, pricing information, and estimating records.
• Research changes in products, pricing, construction requirements, and applicable government or industry requirements.
• Ensure estimating information is organized, accurate, and readily accessible.
• Identify outdated or inaccurate information and communicate necessary corrections to the appropriate supervisor.

7. Administrative & Department Support

• Attend departmental meetings as required.
• Prepare, organize, scan, print, and photocopy construction documents, plans, estimates, and related materials as needed.
• Maintain organized project and estimating files.
• Assist with other estimating, administrative, and departmental duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with project management, operations, sales, purchasing, and other departments to support company objectives.

8. Attendance & Work Standards

• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance.
• Arrive at work, scheduled meetings, and assigned appointments on time and prepared to perform assigned duties.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor while representing the company.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, honesty, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
• Complete assigned work in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
• Manage multiple estimating assignments and priorities while meeting established deadlines.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Reliable and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Duties and responsibilities may be changed at any time based on business needs.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in construction estimating, fire sprinkler estimating, or a related construction field is preferred.
• Experience reviewing construction documents and performing construction take-offs is preferred.
• Experience preparing cost estimates and analyzing labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead costs is preferred.
• Experience working with construction contractors, subcontractors, vendors, or customers is preferred.
• Experience with computer spreadsheets and estimating software is preferred.
• Fire sprinkler industry experience is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty