Archives for April 27, 2024

Any given project is only as successful as its budget allows. Poorly budgeted projects result in low quality or incomplete work. Heavily padded budgets result in unhappy clients, or a total lack of a project altogether (i.e., losing the project). 

This is why every budget needs a skilled estimator behind it, and why construction staffing agencies are always on the lookout for good estimators. This blog explores why estimators are important to projects in California. 

California Needs Estimators 

Construction estimators, at the core of their job, calculate costs and prepare estimates for civil engineering or construction projects. In general, estimates encompass materials, labor, mobilization/demobilization, and equipment. 

Estimators also undertake an administrative role in handling quotes, tenders, and a list of suppliers and contractors. Estimators aren’t only predictive, however. It’s up to them to continuously keep on top of costs and spending during a project. 

Many estimators specialize in particular kinds of construction or engineering projects, such as electrical estimators, heavy civil estimators, and vertical construction estimators. This means companies and staffing agencies often have multiple estimators posting at any given time.

The need for estimators seems fairly self-evident. A project can’t go ahead without knowing how much it will cost. However, California finds itself with a growing need for estimators. 

California has continually been rated as one of the most expensive places to build in the United States. Partially, this is because of the high cost of land in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, construction companies also tend to charge top dollar in California. The state is often the site of high levels of innovation in construction, which doesn’t come cheap. 

What You Need to Become an Estimator

Being an estimator is a popular position in California for those who specialize in accounting, have attention to detail, or have some desire to work with numbers and want to move into the construction industry. If you do have a degree in a relevant field, you could potentially be a candidate for the position of estimator. 

In particular, being an estimator requires excellent mathematics, accounting, and computer skills. You will need to be proficient in most Microsoft Office programs, know how to use (or be willing to learn) estimating software, check quantities and price quotes for accuray, have good presentation skills, and handle reports and bid letters. 

You also need to have excellent problem-solving and communication skills to constantly be on top of the budget and consistently keep all relevant parties informed of the budget. Estimators need to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with a variety of people, including the project manager slated to run the project, the superintendent that will be directing the field crews, subcontractors working on the project, vendors (for materials and supplies), and the client.

An understanding of the construction industry as a whole is important. You can’t simply rely on your accounting skills; you need to read and understand blueprints and specs, as well as have a good understanding of construction materials, methods, and equipment. 

Estimators in California

California always has exciting opportunities in the construction sector, and every construction staffing agency is going to be looking for good estimators to help provide the expertise those construction projects require. Certis Solutions is here to help you connect with the jobs you need to make the most of your career. 

Working on buildings of the future is a dream for many. But how do you go about becoming a construction engineer in California? And how do you find work as one? We’ll explain the essentials here. 

Why California Needs Engineers

The Golden State is the most populous American state, and that population is growing faster. The need for new building projects to house this population and give them a place to work, shop, and entertain themselves is significant.

In particular, the major cities of San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, and Los Angeles have a large need for new workers in the construction industry. This makes the state an excellent place to undertake an engineering career.

An Education for Construction Engineering 

To work in construction and civil engineering in California, a good first step is to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (or another engineering related field). 

Certain businesses may look more favorably on your job application if you also have a masters in engineering and/or a professional engineering license. Becoming licensed as a professional engineer is a well-earned honor, as well as an indication to employers and clients of the skills you bring to your work.

Construction Engineering Licensing in California 

While becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) isn’t a requirement or needed for every engineering job, it generally allows for faster career advancement and a higher salary. 

Moreover, if you want to directly sell your services in the state of California, operate your own engineering firm, or bid for contracts, you must be a licensed PE. Attempting to sell your services or bid for contracts without this license is illegal. Though the specific requirements for licensure can differ from state to state, licensure candidates follow the same basic steps throughout the United States and its territories.

The first step in becoming licensed as a PE in California is to register for and take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE exam). After passing the FE exam, you can apply to get your engineer-in-training (EIT) certification. In California, to get this certification you need to show you have three or more years of engineering-related work experience, have a clean background, and pass the FE exam. Achieving EIT status signals you have mastered the fundamental requirements and taken the first step toward earning your PE licensure.

Once you obtain the EIT certification, all states require that candidates complete four years of qualifying engineering experience, typically under the supervision of a professional engineer. Once complete, the final step in obtaining licensure is successfully completing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in your state. 

Note that each state (as well as the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories) has its own licensure board, administering its own exam and required qualifications. To find out more about your state’s licensure requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board state-by-state summary.

To speed up the process, check if any engineering work you did while taking your education counts toward the years of experience requirement. Often, engineering work done at American schools will count for this six-year requirement. Foreign education may be capped for how much it can count. 

Note that if you specifically want to become a civil engineer in California, you’ll also need to pass the California Civil exams. You can also get specific licensing if your work experience is specialized (e.g., structural engineering). 

Becoming a licensed professional engineer in California is a long and expensive process, but is a worthwhile endeavor if you aspire to lead projects, run an engineering division, or own your own engineering company. By working with a staffing agency that has partnerships with many prominent firms in the AEC industry, you can be ensured you’ll gain access to a robust database of jobs in the environmental services space. 

Our Certis project coordinators will work alongside you to help you access job opportunities for numerous desirable projects with dynamic companies. Certis Solutions is here to help you connect with the jobs you need to make the most of your career.