Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops. Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work. Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors. Review material and labor requirements, to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components. Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project. Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors. Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures. Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations. Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to effect cost reduction. Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of services such as water and electricity.

Mathematics -- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Administration and Management -- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. English Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Customer and Personal Service -- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Production and Processing -- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. Clerical -- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Mathematics -- Using mathematics to solve problems. Time Management -- Managing one's own time and the time of others. Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Management of Personnel Resources -- Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. Active Learning -- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively. Equipment Selection -- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Information Ordering -- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). Speech Clarity -- The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. Mathematical Reasoning -- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Speech Recognition -- The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization -- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. Scheduling Work and Activities -- Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships -- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. Performing for or Working Directly with the Public -- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information -- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others -- Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others -- Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.