Quantity Surveyor (SOG/ST 7)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Civil Works Engineer (SOG/ST 8), the Quantity Surveyor (SOG/ST 7) reviews architectural plans and prepares quantity needs; estimates the quantity and cost of materials and provides expertise in the drafting of the Ministry’s construction contracts. 

Additionally, he or she carries out studies of project duration and labour costs, coordinates supply deliveries and gives advice and suggestions to contractors on contractual issues. 

The incumbent is also required to liaise and work collaboratively with site managers, clients, contractors and subcontractors, monitor maintenance and material costs and prepare operational reports, analyses and other technical reports and documents for submission to the Civil Works Engineer. 

Key Responsibilities

Professional/Technical:

• Monitors cost changes/movements within the industry associated with design and/ or construction work and, adjusts budget projections accordingly; 
• Prepares construction plans and prepares quantity requirements; 
• Prepares contracts, budgets, Bills of Quantities, risk assessments and all necessary documents for project costs; 
• Measures and values works completed on project sites; 
• Manages the preparation of tenders; 
• Scrutinizes maintenance and material costs as well as contracts to ensure the best deals;
• Prepares preliminary estimates for all building and civil engineering works;
• Reviews the preliminary development budget to verify costing of proposed developments
• Participates in the coordination of designs for building and subdivision plans to achieve cost efficiency in standards and specifications; 
• Produces all estimating data for the preparation of programs and annual budgets;
• Validates external bills; 
• Assists the Civil Engineer in conducting appraisal designs; 
• Interprets blueprints, schematic drawings, payouts and other visual aids;
• Develops, monitors and maintains cost records for labor and materials, and for overall contractual costs for the Ministry; 
• Reviews construction plans and preparing quantity requirements; 
• Examines maintenance and material costs, as well as contracts to ensure cost efficiency and the required standard levels; 
• Liaises with site managers, clients, contractors, and subcontractors and other stakeholders to resolve problematic issues so that projects can be carried out efficiently and effectively; 
• Advises managers and clients on improvements and new strategies; 
• Maintains database on costing and other appropriate data; 
• Keeps track of materials and orders more when required;
• Documents any changes in design and updates budgets; 
• Performs any other related duties assigned by the Civil Works Engineer. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Excellent oral communication skills 
• Excellent written communication skills 
• Excellent time management skills 
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills 
• Very good negotiating skills required to negotiate costs with vendors and subcontractors
• Good organizational skills to organize, plan, and strategize when necessary
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Teamwork and cooperation 
• Excellent customer and quality focus skills 

Technical: 

• Knowledge of the operation of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
• Excellent knowledge of the Master Builders JIIC Agreement and the Jamaican labour rates, 
• Good knowledge of the Building Code stipulated by the Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyors. 
• Sound knowledge of GOJ’s Procurement Policies and Guidelines 
• Good knowledge of Project Planning and Management skills 
• Knowledge of the Contract Administration process and the established forms of contracts
• Project/Construction Management experience 
• Working knowledge of standard and specialized computer applications
• Sound knowledge of Auto CAD and Microsoft Applications 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• BSc. Degree in Quantity Surveying 
• Five (5) years related working experience 
• Experience in building roads, bridges and any other civil works 
• Holder of a valid General Drivers’ licence 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Extensive travelling. 
• Required to work long hours, on weekends and public holidays, when the need arises.
• Exposure to dust, excess water, chemicals and height.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.