Construction Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

DAP Construction Management LLC is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator to support our preconstruction and bidding activities. The Estimator will be responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates for commercial, industrial, and government construction projects from initial solicitation through final bid submission.

This position requires the ability to independently 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

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating commercial, industrial, federal, government, or public-sector construction projects .
• Experience with hard-bid, negotiated, and design-build construction.
• Experience using Bluebeam and construction estimating or takeoff software.
• Familiarity with construction project management, accounting, or ERP systems.
• Experience participating in bid reviews and project turnover meetings.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant construction experience.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate should be able to take ownership of assigned estimates and move the work forward with limited supervision. DAP is looking for an estimator who understands that a successful estimate is more than a final price. It requires accurate quantities, complete scope coverage, competitive subcontractor and supplier pricing, clear assumptions, organized documentation, and effective communication with the project team.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a deadline-driven construction environment and will demonstrate good judgment in identifying missing information, pricing risks, scope discrepancies, and items requiring management review.

Compensation

DAP Construction Management LLC offers a base salary range of $65,000 to $105,000 annually .

Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant estimating experience, demonstrated technical capability, construction sector experience, project complexity, software proficiency, and the candidate's ability to independently manage the estimating and bidding process.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance eligibility
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability (STD)
• Paid time off and holidays

Join our team, where your expertise will play a crucial role in maintaining our commitment to excellence in product quality!

Job Type: Full-time/Part-time

Work Location: Office with periodic project-site visits

Hybrid work schedule after 90 days may be available.