Commercial Construction Estimator

Description:

Ethan Conrad Properties, Inc. is one of the largest and the fastest growing Commercial Real Estate Companies in Sacramento, CA. With over 12MM square feet, over 170 properties, and over 250 buildings, valued at $1.7 billion dollars. ECP has had an Annual Growth of over 20% for the past 10 years and anticipates continued growth of 20% annually, creating more job opportunities internally and externally. ECP is a World Class Company.

Ethan Conrad Construction, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Commercial Construction Estimator to join the Pre-Construction team of an established property management and construction organization. The Company performs tenant improvement, office, healthcare, retail, restaurant, industrial, retrofit, and other commercial construction projects, including work in Class A and Class B properties. The Estimator will prepare conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates; perform digital quantity takeoffs; solicit and evaluate subcontractor pricing; and support project feasibility, value engineering, and budget development. The successful candidate will use current estimating technology, including AI-assisted tools, while applying sound construction judgment and independently validating quantities, pricing, scope, and assumptions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare ROM, conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates for commercial construction and tenant improvement projects of varying size and complexity.
• Review drawings, specifications, site information, existing-condition reports, lease work letters, and other project documents to define scope, identify exclusions, and document assumptions.
• Perform accurate digital quantity takeoffs for architectural, demolition, structural, civil/site, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and finish scopes as applicable.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, general conditions, escalation, and other project cost components; maintain clear estimate summaries and supporting detail.
• Prepare and update budgets, cost-per-square-foot analyses, feasibility studies, bid comparisons, and estimate reconciliations as design information develops.
• Prepare trade bid packages, solicit and follow up with subcontractors and suppliers, review quotations for scope coverage, and identify gaps, qualifications, exclusions, and cost risks.
• Research historical estimates, purchase orders, subcontracts, actual project costs, and productivity information to improve estimating accuracy and maintain useful cost data.
• Identify and evaluate value engineering options, alternate materials and systems, constructability considerations, and opportunities to improve cost or schedule without compromising project requirements.
• Coordinate with the Chief Estimator, project management, brokers, property management, development teams, architects, engineers, and tenants, and subcontractors to clarify project requirements and budget expectations.
• Coordinate with brokers and potential tenants various value engineering opportunities prior to and during the design phase to reduce overall project costs to lessen the burden and/or impact on final lease terms.
• Participate in site walks, design meetings, pre-bid meetings, and project handoffs; communicate estimate basis, key assumptions, risks, and scope boundaries clearly.
• Maintain current knowledge of construction methods, local market pricing, labor rates, material availability, building codes, permitting requirements, and industry trends.
• Use AI-assisted tools to support document review, scope comparisons, estimate narratives, bid leveling, historical cost analysis, and workflow efficiency, while verifying outputs against source documents and project requirements.
• Manage the bid solicitation process, evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals, and provide final award recommendations to Project Managers for assigned projects.
• Maintain organized estimate files, takeoff records, bid tabs, scope sheets, clarifications, and version control in accordance with department procedures.
• Support Project team regarding feasibility of an overall project, budgets, and financial risk.
• Support a professional, cooperative, self-directed team environment and represent the Company respectfully in all project and vendor interactions.
• Independently evaluate procurement options, negotiate terms within delegated authority, and collaborate with the project team to recommend contract awards.

Estimating Technology, AI & Software

• Digital takeoff and estimating: demonstrated experience with one or more platforms such as Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, STACK, Autodesk Takeoff, CostX, or comparable tools.
• Project and cost management: Procore and/or comparable construction management systems; advanced Microsoft Excel skills for estimate workbooks, cost comparisons, formulas, and reporting.
• Design and document tools: ability to review PDF drawings, CAD files, specifications, addenda, and other electronic construction documents; AutoCAD/Revit familiarity is beneficial.
• AI-assisted workflows: practical ability or willingness to use tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and AI-enabled construction or estimating platforms to summarize documents, compare scopes, organize data, draft narratives, and identify potential omissions.
• Quality control and data security: independently verify AI-generated or software-generated quantities, pricing, code references, and recommendations; protect confidential company, tenant, and project information; do not rely on AI output as the sole basis for an estimate.

Requirements:

Education

• Bachelors degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant commercial construction experience will be considered.

Experience

• Typically 35 years of commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related construction experience; candidates with a different level of experience may be considered based on demonstrated capability.
• Experience estimating tenant improvements, office, retail, restaurant, healthcare, industrial, retrofit, or other commercial projects is preferred.
• Experience with hard-bid, negotiated, design-build, and/or construction management delivery methods.
• Demonstrated experience with digital takeoff, estimating spreadsheets, subcontractor solicitation, and bid comparison.
• Experience using AI tools in a professional setting is preferred; candidates should be willing to learn approved tools and follow company data-security practices.

Special Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, organization, time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications, understand trade sequencing and constructability, and identify missing scope or cost exposure.
• Working knowledge of the California Building Code and commercial construction practices preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and working knowledge of Procore, Bluebeam, and digital takeoff/estimating software.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines while maintaining accurate, well-documented work.

Certifications and/or Licenses

• OSHA training and First Aid/CPR are preferred but not required.
• Valid drivers license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.

At Ethan Conrad Properties, we pride ourselves on our collaborative culture, which can be seen throughout every step of an ECP employee's journey. Starting with our interviews and continuing through our executive open-door policy, collaboration is at the heart of working at ECP.

We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and a commitment to investing in our employees learning and development to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling career.

We value diversity and believe forming teams in which everyone can be their authentic self is key to our success. We encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds and different industries to apply. Come join us and find out what the best work of your career could look like here at ECP.

Compensation details: 85000-95000 Yearly Salary

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