Material Takeoff Officer (Quantity Surveying Background)

Job Purpose

The Material Take-Off Technician will play a critical role in project planning and cost estimation process within a civil engineering environment. The position involves detailed analysis of engineering drawings, technical specifications, and construction documents to extract precise quantities of materials required for various civil works. Drawing from a Quantity Surveying background, the Officer will ensure the timely and accurate preparation of material take-off schedules to support cost control, procurement, and site execution.

This role is instrumental in ensuring efficient material planning, minimizing wastage, and support the financial feasibility of infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Material Take-Offs & Quantity Extraction

• Review and interpret architectural, structural, and civil engineering drawings including general arrangement (GA), sections, and detail drawings.
• Accurately extract quantities of materials such as concrete, reinforcement bars, formwork, backfilling, aggregates, steel, piping, asphalt, timber, and finishing materials.
• Prepare comprehensive material schedules and summaries per discipline, phase and location.

1. Estimating & Tendering Support

• Provide detailed material quantities to support tender documentation, preliminary estimates, and BOQ development.
• Work collaboratively with the cost estimation team to align material take-offs with standard unit rates and cost build-up.
• Update quantity estimates based on drawing revisions, change orders, and site modifications.

1. Documentation & Reporting

• Create and maintain structured quantity tracking sheets and take-off logs.
• Ensure all extracted quantities are referenced against the latest issued drawings and specification documents.
• Support the development of procurement schedules based on material quantities and construction timelines.

1. Site & Technical Coordination

• Liaise with project engineers, site supervisors, and foremen to verify material usage and reconcile actual quantities with estimates.
• Participate in joint site visits to confirm measurements and identify potential quantity discrepancies or scope gaps.
• Assist in validating contractor claims related to material quantities and work progress.

1. Digital Tools & Software Utilization

• Use digital measurement and take-off tools such as:
  • AutoCAD for 2D measurement and verification
  • PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, or similar platforms for digital take-offs
  • MS Excel and/or Quantity Surveying software for quantity tabulations and reporting