What Does a BIM Modeler Do?
A BIM modeler uses building information modeling software to create a three-dimensional visual plan for a project. Building information models (BIM) are virtual files used to aid decision-making during the building process.
BIM modelers work closely with architects and engineers to develop designs for clients. BIM modelers need to have excellent artistic, technical, and computer skills.
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National Average Salary
BIM modeler salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for a BIM Modeler is:
$70,400
BIM Modeler Job Descriptions
Example 1
The BIM Modeler will work closely with our Project Management and Construction teams to utilize BIM modeling to create drawings that are of the highest level of detail and accuracy.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the day-to day planning and implanting of projects
- Manage and coordinate BIM standards development, implementation, and quality on all related files and models
- Provide CAD drafting/BIM modeling support
- Develop BIM plans and understand the scope of work for subcontractors
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of constructions workflow processes and priorities
- Ability to manage multiple ongoing and complex projects while being able to successfully meet the requirements
- Troubleshoot any BIM related issues
- Manage BIM project benchmarks to meet project deadlines
- Contribute to the documentation, dissemination and monitoring of standards, best practices, and industry advancements
- Partner with the field and prefab teams to create plans for the implementation of model-based prefabrication
Required experience
- Minimum 2-4 years of experience in the construction industry or a Bachelor’s in Construction Management or engineering preferred
- Basic Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Understanding of Pre-Fab operations and how it relates to the construction process is ideal, but not required
Example 2
Your typical day may look something like this
- Detailing of Shop & Fabrication Drawings for Sheet metal & Piping will be required
- Review Submittals, Specs & Drawings
- Attend Coordination Meetings
- Draw Revit Families as needed
- Draw in Fabrication Database
- Create Spool sheets &/or Duct Tickets for fabrication
- Setup of Revit views for use by the Project team including electronic document filing and all other facets of the electronic drawings and/or model
These are the skills we’re looking for
- Associates Degree in Engineering or Drafting (a plus, but not required)
- Proficiency with AutoCad Fabrication MEP & Revit software
- Prior field or CAD/BIM experience in pipe fitting, or sheet metal systems
- Through understanding of HVAC & piping systems
- Understanding of mechanical construction principals and processes
Example 3 (Junior)
The BIM Modeler will provide modeling efforts for both project delivery and standards. This is a production team member that will create most of the drawings for a project and may function as a Model Manager as determined by their supervisor. Skills obtained above and beyond the building elements would be creating simple parametric families, utilizing shared parameters, creating schedules, and creating complex geometry.
The position will need to efficiently model and document the project. Additional training provided as needed to teach family creation, schedules, filters, view templates, and other tools as required.
Further work includes working with the Model Manager in developing Revit Families either for the revised standards or for a specific project’s needs. They will also be required to perform layout and input of marked‐up drawings into Revit in accordance with REI Standards.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Lead modeling efforts on projects working with junior level modelers to complete deliverables
- Setup of Revit views for use by the REI Project team including electronic document filing and all other facets of the electronic drawings and/or model
- Ability to create Revit work sets and understanding of Revit work sharing process
- Input of marked‐up drawings into Revit
- Creation of minor mark‐ups and input of same
- Fluency in the 2D and 3D space
- Understanding of 3D coordination with other trades
- Check own work for accuracy before passing on to others
- Prepare copies and help make sets of documents for transmittal to other parties
- Download drawings and information from the Web, SharePoint, or project websites (FTP, etc.)
- Must have solid working knowledge of the most current modeling applications software in use by REI, including being able to create and manipulate Revit families, views, browser structure, sheets, schedules, filters, and similar Revit functions
- Position requires a person with good interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate with others
- Ability to take verbal and general written direction well and turn that direction into appropriate, working design documents
- Ability to type, proofread, spell check work without supervision
- Ability to receive and transmit documents on behalf of the design team, either via posting to website or the Internet or via hard copy
- Fluency with all plotters, printers and reproduction systems used in house or on the job site
- Fluency for importing documents, such as spread sheets, photos, images, and word processing files into Revit projects
Education and experience
- Possess a minimum of 2 years of total experience with knowledge of electrical symbols and electrical drafting conventions and standards
Knowledge, skills, and ability
- Fluency in the current version of Revit software
- Fluency in reading 2D plans, electronically or hard copy
- Fluency in Autodesk Navis Works, Autodesk Design Review and working knowledge of 3D layout and design
- Able to generate e‐mail independently
- Documents and archives work pursuant with the REI standard
- Acknowledgement of any/all REI confidentially and/or Non‐Disclosure requirements pursuant to this position. The protection of Proprietary or Intellectual company property
- Proficient in using a computer and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.); Oracle preferred
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, changing priorities as necessary
- Ability to work under time pressure and adapt to changing requirements with a positive attitude
- Effective oral and written communication skills as required for the position
- Ability to be self-motivated, proactive and an effective team player
- Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others
How to Hire a BIM Modeler
There are a number of important initial considerations when hiring a BIM modeler:
- Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to attract and screen candidates?
- Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid or junior-level skills and experience suffice?
- Duration: Are you hiring for a project or an ongoing need?
- Urgency: How soon does the opening need to be filled? What happens while it remains open?
- Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?
Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, great options exist for every scenario. These are our recommendations:
1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)
The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.
This is the best route to take when:
- You need to fill the position quickly
- You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
- Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
- You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
- You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
2. Hire an experienced freelancer
The freelance, or gig, economy continues to grow, with more talent available daily. Freelancers provide high-quality work without a long-term commitment. They can offer you a fresh perspective, more flexibility, and increase efficiency. While the freelance market isn’t ideal for every position, BIM modelers are often a great fit.
We recommend this option when:
- Your need is project-based
- The work can be performed remotely
- You do not intend to direct the daily work activity
- You are hiring for expertise your internal team does not possess
- You do not require an employee to work onsite or follow a specific schedule
We recommend using either Toptal, Upwork, or both.
Toptal
Toptal is an exclusive network of the top freelance software developers, designers, finance experts, product managers, and project managers in the world. Toptal vets its freelancers before making them accessible, ensuring their legitimacy. Top companies hire Toptal freelancers for their most important projects. Hiring a BIM modeler on Toptal can help you quickly get the results you need.
Upwork
Upwork is a freelance talent network that helps individuals connect with experts in a variety of fields to accomplish project-based needs. When you have a specific, well-defined goal in mind, this can be a great path to hiring an experienced BIM modeler. If you are satisfied with the outcome you can continue to book the same freelancer through Upwork’s easy-to-use project interface.
3. Post the opening on a top job board
Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.
We recommend using a job board when:
- Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
- You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
- You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
- You are prepared to respond to all applicants
There are many career sites out there. Here are the two we recommend for a BIM modeler opening:
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.
LinkedIn is a social network for job seekers, professionals, and businesses. With this popular job site, you can enhance your brand and advertise your open position to a wide audience of motivated, qualified candidates. Job postings on LinkedIn are also extremely streamlined and user-friendly, making it even easier for candidates to apply. Additionally, applicants can use their LinkedIn profile instead of a resume to expedite the process.
4. Leverage your internal resources
You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.
A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.
We recommend these options when:
- Your brand has great name recognition
- You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
- You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
- You have an effective employee referral program in place
If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.
Sample Interview Questions
- What does 5D mean?
- Are you familiar with the process of using BIM software?
- What BIM software are you most comfortable in, and which BIM software do you use?
- Are you able to solve mathematical problems easily and efficiently?
- Who should pay for the BIM model?
- Are you able to communicate with architects and engineers well?
- Are you familiar with the lingo used in the architecture field?
- What are BIM models commonly used for?
- If you were presented with a challenge in creating a BIM model, how would you solve it?
- What relevant experience do you have with BIM modeling?
- Do you have any certificates in the BIM modeling field?
