Construction Estimator

Construction Estimator

About the Role:

A growing commercial construction company is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Construction Estimator to join its Preconstruction team in Placentia, California. This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator with 1 3+ years of experience to develop accurate, competitive, and buildable estimates for complex commercial construction projects throughout Southern California.

The successful candidate will work closely with Preconstruction, Project Management, and Operations teams, as well as subcontractors, vendors, architects, engineers, consultants, and clients. This role offers hands-on exposure to the full estimating and preconstruction process, from preliminary budgeting and quantity takeoffs through final pricing and bid submission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from construction plans, specifications, and bid documents.
• Develop quantity, unit-rate, and cost estimates for assigned scopes and bid packages.
• Prepare estimates throughout various design phases, from preliminary budgets through final pricing.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to understand project scope and identify gaps, risks, and potential issues.
• Compare estimates across design phases and perform variance and cost analysis.
• Research material pricing, labor trends, subcontractor pricing, and Southern California market conditions.
• Maintain and contribute to historical cost data and preconstruction databases.
• Solicit pricing and budgeting information from subcontractors and vendors.
• Coordinate and review subcontractor and vendor proposals for assigned scopes.
• Level bids by reviewing inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, and scope gaps.
• Develop bid instructions and scope information for assigned bid packages.
• Participate in job walks, pre-bid meetings, and site visits to understand existing conditions and project requirements.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and potential cost savings.
• Support cost comparisons, value engineering analysis, buyout activities, and lump-sum bid pursuits.
• Communicate cost impacts, scope changes, project risks, and market conditions to the project team.
• Collaborate with Preconstruction, Project Management, and Operations teams to incorporate construction means, methods, logistics, and project-specific conditions into estimates.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, ownership teams, and other project stakeholders.
• Participate in estimate reviews, scope meetings, internal estimating discussions, and pre-bid meetings.
• Maintain accurate and organized estimating documentation, records, and supporting information.
• Use construction and estimating software to prepare, analyze, and manage project estimates.
• Support multiple estimating assignments while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
• Contribute to a collaborative, quality-focused, and team-oriented preconstruction environment.

Required Qualifications:

• 1 3+ years of estimating or related commercial construction experience, preferably with a general contractor.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and developing detailed construction cost estimates.
• Working knowledge of construction means and methods, building systems, and trade scopes.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Understanding of subcontractor scopes, inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with subcontractors, vendors, clients, design professionals, and internal project teams.
• Experience with construction and estimating software such as Excel, Bluebeam, OST, Procore, PlanSwift, Sage, or comparable platforms.
• Experience in life sciences, healthcare, institutional, industrial, or commercial construction is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team.

Why Join Us:

• Build your career with an established commercial general contractor with decades of industry experience.
• Gain hands-on exposure to the complete preconstruction and estimating process.
• Work on complex commercial projects across healthcare, life sciences, institutional, industrial, and commercial markets.
• Collaborate directly with experienced professionals across estimating, operations, project management, design, and construction.
• Take ownership of meaningful estimating responsibilities and contribute to project success from the early planning stages.
• Develop expertise in quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, value engineering, subcontractor coordination, and bid management.
• Work within a culture focused on teamwork, growth, leadership, creativity, accountability, and professional development.
• Receive opportunities to expand your construction and estimating knowledge while building a long-term career.
• Join a company that values quality, ethical business practices, innovation, and strong client relationships.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Training and exposure to modern estimating and construction technologies.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to work on diverse and complex commercial construction projects.
• Long-term career development within a growing construction organization.