Construction Estimator

Job description:

This position requires the ability to review plans, specifications, scopes of work, and solicitation documents; perform detailed quantity takeoffs; develop labor, material, and equipment costs; solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing; identify scope gaps and potential risks; and assist in preparing complete, well-supported bid packages.

The Construction Estimator will work closely with project management, operations, subcontractors, suppliers, and company leadership to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, properly documented, and aligned with project requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction and Estimating

• Review architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, scopes of work, bid solicitations, amendments, and related documents to determine project requirements and scope.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates based on available project information.
• Evaluate construction methods, sequencing, site conditions, and other factors affecting project cost.
• Identify potential scope gaps, cost risks, constructability concerns, and estimating assumptions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering alternatives when appropriate.
• Maintain current knowledge of construction costs, labor rates, material pricing, subcontractor markets, and industry conditions.

Subcontractor and Supplier Coordination

• Solicit pricing from qualified subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Review and level subcontractor and supplier proposals for scope completeness, exclusions, qualifications, and competitiveness.
• Follow up with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain complete and timely pricing.
• Maintain clear documentation supporting subcontractor and supplier selections used in the estimate.
• Assist in maintaining and developing relationships with qualified subcontractors and vendors.

Bid Preparation and Submission

• Develop and assemble complete bid packages for hard-bid, negotiated, design-build, and other construction opportunities.
• Participate in bid reviews, strategy meetings, and bid-day activities.
• Prepare Requests for Information (RFIs) and clarification requests as needed during the bidding process.
• Review bid requirements, addenda, deadlines, and submission requirements to support complete and compliant proposals.
• Clearly document estimate assumptions, qualifications, exclusions, and clarifications.
• Assist management with final pricing review and bid strategy prior to submission.
• Support multiple estimates and bid deadlines while maintaining accuracy and organization.

Estimate Documentation and Controls

• Maintain complete and organized estimating files, including takeoffs, subcontractor and supplier quotes, assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, correspondence, and supporting pricing documentation.
• Ensure estimates are adequately supported and can be reviewed and understood by management and project teams.
• Maintain appropriate cost breakdowns and cost-code information to support project budgeting and job-cost setup.
• Follow company estimating, documentation, and approval procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of company pricing, subcontractor information, client information, and bid strategy.

Project Turnover and Coordination

• Participate in post-award turnover meetings with project management and operations.
• Provide complete estimating documentation, including final estimates, subcontractor and supplier pricing, assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, and scope information.
• Assist with reconciliation of the final estimate to the project budget and applicable cost codes.
• Communicate significant estimating assumptions, risks, or scope considerations to the project team.
• Provide estimating support during project startup when clarification of the original estimate or bid scope is required.

Required Qualifications

• Experience using Resident Management System (RMS)
• Minimum of 3 years of construction estimating, preconstruction, or directly related experience .
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents.
• Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and construction cost estimates.
• Experience developing labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and supplier costs.
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, and comparing subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, terminology, and cost drivers.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard business applications.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, well-supported work.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with subcontractors, suppliers, project teams, clients, and company leadership.