Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Overaa Construction has been building the Bay Area since 1907.

Based in Richmond, we are a leading general contractor serving commercial, education, healthcare, life science, water, industrial, energy, and transportation markets. What truly sets Overaa apart is our people—a team of highly skilled, self-performing craft professionals backed by a culture that feels more like family than a job site.

For more than a decade, Overaa has been recognized as a Bay Area Best Place to Work. We’re proud of our legacy, serious about quality, and excited to welcome talented professionals who share our values and want to grow their careers with a company that’s here for the long haul.

Estimator

As an Estimator, you will support estimating and preconstruction efforts across a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects. Working closely with Overaa’s lead estimators, you will develop your estimating skills through hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor outreach, scope analysis, bid leveling, and cost estimating.

A primary focus of this role will be subcontractor bid leveling and scope analysis. You will review proposals to understand what is and is not included, identify scope gaps, exclusions, qualifications, and overlaps, and develop clear apples-to-apples comparisons between bidders. The goal is to look beyond the bottom-line number and understand the true scope and cost represented by each proposal.

We are looking for someone who is curious, proactive, and willing to roll up their sleeves and jump in wherever needed. The right candidate will ask questions, seek out information, follow up with subcontractors, and take ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do. Technical estimating skills can be developed; we are particularly interested in someone with the attitude, initiative, and curiosity to build a long-term career in estimating and preconstruction.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to understand project scope and requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and assist in developing detailed cost estimates.
• Solicit subcontractor participation and develop strong bid coverage.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Bay Area subcontractors and suppliers.
• Follow up with subcontractors to confirm participation, clarify scope, and identify gaps in bid coverage.
• Review, analyze, and level subcontractor proposals for completeness and conformance with bid documents.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, qualifications, overlaps, and potential cost exposure.
• Develop clear comparisons between bidders to understand the complete scope and cost represented by each proposal.
• Support multiple estimates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Take ownership of assignments and follow commitments through to completion.

Qualifications

• Approximately 1–3 years of commercial construction experience preferred.
• Exposure to estimating, project engineering, takeoffs, purchasing, or construction operations is beneficial.
• Basic understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and trade scopes.
• Strong communication skills and confidence speaking with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Comfortable making outreach calls and developing new subcontractor relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to compare proposals and identify differences in scope.
• Proactive, curious, and eager to learn.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting commercial construction estimating or preconstruction.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs or reviewing subcontractor proposals.
• Familiarity with subcontractor bid leveling and scope analysis.
• Experience working for a general contractor or commercial construction subcontractor.

Growth Opportunity

This position provides exposure to the full estimating and preconstruction process. You will work across multiple trades, learn directly from experienced construction professionals, develop relationships throughout the Bay Area subcontractor community, and progressively take ownership of larger and more complex portions of an estimate.

For someone coming from the subcontractor side, this is an opportunity to build upon your trade knowledge while developing a broader understanding of how complete projects are estimated, bought out, and constructed. For someone earlier in their construction career, the position provides a path to develop into a well-rounded estimator through hands-on experience and mentorship.

Software

• Microsoft Excel and Excel-based estimating templates
• BuildingConnected
• On-Screen Takeoff
• Bluebeam
• PlanGrid or similar construction-document platforms

Benefits

As part of our ongoing commitment to our employees, we offer competitive and comprehensive benefit packages.

• Competitive salary
• Incentive and bonus plans
• Medical and pharmacy coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pre-tax child and elder care
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• 401(k) and profit sharing
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• On-site gym and wellness program
• Overaa Cares corporate philanthropy program
• Professional training and continuous improvement programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $95,000 to $120,000 base salary per year. This does not include bonus compensation or benefits such as health, disability, life, or retirement benefits that may affect total compensation. The actual offered salary will depend on factors including experience, skills, education, qualifications, and location. This salary range is subject to future modification.

Privacy Notice

Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), by applying for a position you are providing personal information that Overaa may use to evaluate and communicate with you regarding your candidacy and to obtain and verify background checks and references. This information may include personal identifiers, contact information, employment history, certifications, licenses, and education history. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have received and understand this notice and consent to Overaa’s use of the information for the business purposes described above.