Estimator

Preconstruction Estimator

The Preconstruction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and strategic project budgets while supporting a highly collaborative preconstruction process. This role plays a key part in identifying risks and opportunities, driving value, and ensuring a seamless transition from preconstruction to operations.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction Execution

• Utilize and coordinate resources efficiently and effectively across multiple projects
• Provide accurate conceptual budgets and detailed estimates across all project phases
• Develop comprehensive scopes of work based on contract documents
• Identify potential scope gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies
• Interpret and apply project-specific General Conditions (GCs) and General Requirements (GRs)

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate proactively with internal and external project teams to gather feedback and validate assumptions
• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and proposal preparation
• Provide clear and organized proposal deliverables when required
• Finalize and deliver a thorough and accurate turnover package to operations teams

Risk Management & Strategy

• Identify and manage project risks and opportunities throughout the preconstruction process
• Develop, track, and manage budget tracking reports
• Identify, track, and implement early release and procurement strategies

Subcontractor & Market Engagement

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with a diverse pool of subcontractors and vendors
• Support competitive bidding and ensure thorough bid coverage

Continuous Improvement & Leadership

• Improve and refine existing estimating processes, tools, and technologies
• Mentor and support the development of junior team members
• Actively contribute to a culture of learning and continuous improvement

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of construction estimating concepts and cost analysis.
• Ability to review construction drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
• Ability to perform quantity takeoffs and develop project cost estimates.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to construction projects.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple estimating tasks and deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills when working with project teams and subcontractors.
• Proficiency with estimating specific software and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) or similar software.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-6 years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction
• Strong understanding of construction documents, methods, and sequencing
• Excellent verbal, written, visual, and virtual communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), Microsoft Project, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), and Bluebeam
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

The Columbia Way

• Demonstrate accountability, ownership, and integrity in all aspects of work
• Collaborate openly and respectfully with teammates, partners, and clients
• Strive for continuous improvement and innovation
• Contribute to a positive, team-first culture
• Deliver an exceptional experience—every project, every time
• Think "outside the box" and challenge the status quo.

Columbia Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Columbia does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, staffing agencies, or any other third parties. Any resumes submitted to Columbia or its employees without an agreement in place will be considered the property of Columbia, and the company will not be responsible for any associated fees or placement costs. Third-party vendors interested in working with Columbia must contact View email address on click.appcast.io to be considered for an approved vendor agreement. All approved vendors must submit candidates directly to Talent Acquisition. Submissions sent to hiring managers or any employee outside of Columbia Talent Acquisition will not be recognized and may disqualify the agency from future partnership consideration. Columbia Construction is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. We evaluate compensation decisions on a case-by-case basis.