Estimator - AI

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

The Estimator supports the development of accurate, compliant, and competitive cost estimates, budgets, pricing models, and proposals for a diverse portfolio of projects, contracts, and business opportunities. This position analyzes labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor pricing, indirect costs, and project risks to prepare comprehensive estimates and pricing strategies that support successful project execution and profitable business outcomes.

Working closely with business development, capture, operations, project management, finance, contracts, and proposal teams, the Estimator contributes to pursuits across multiple industries and lines of business, including federal and commercial contracting, construction, engineering, environmental services, facilities operations and maintenance, infrastructure, professional and technical services, technology, logistics, and other emerging market opportunities.

The Estimator develops and maintains cost models, pricing tools, work breakdown structures, budgets, and supporting documentation used in competitive bids, negotiated proposals, task orders, and project planning efforts. This role evaluates project requirements, analyzes historical and market data, identifies cost drivers and risks, and provides leadership with information necessary to make informed business decisions.

Serving as a strategic partner throughout the project lifecycle, the Estimator collaborates with proposal and operations teams to develop financially sound, operationally achievable, and competitive solutions that support successful contract awards and project delivery. The position plays a key role in ensuring estimates and proposals are complete, current, accurate, compliant, and responsive to customer requirements while supporting organizational growth and long-term business objectives.

The salary range for this position is $86,189-$155,766 per year.

This position comes with a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 3% match, paid time off (PTO), and company-paid holidays. 

Please Note: This posting is intended to build our talent pool for future opportunities.  Although there is not an immediate opening for this position, applications will be kept on file and reviewed when opportunities become available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (including but not limited to)

• Be familiar with all of the project plans, specifications, addenda, bulletins, etc., that constitute the proposal or costing documents in order to prepare estimates.
• Perform estimates at conceptual/schematic design to bid documents, as well as research subcontractors, suppliers, and new or improved construction materials to ensure estimates are prepared with the most competitive products and pricing available.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates by analyzing plans and specifications and performing quantity take-offs for select trades.
• Analyze worker means and methods to recommend solutions, such as improving production or implementing procedures where practical on a project to be more cost-effective and profitable.
• Itemize scopes of work and definable features per trade to prepare bid packages. Develop subcontract interest per trade and assist in the request for proposal process. 
• Coordinate with the Project Manager to ensure the project is properly manned to meet project costs, schedules, and budgets. Properly turns over bid documents and sub-buyout information to Project Management.
• Compliance with all company policies and procedures, adhering to company standards for training, safety, security, quality control, environmental compliance, and industrial relations.
• Additional duties may include assisting in the management of a project, review of subcontractor and material submittals, assisting in the review of shop drawings for key materials, finalization of as-builts, turnover, and walk-throughs for equipment and material.
• Supports the development of competitive and cost‑effective pricing solutions using established templates, tools, and methodologies.
• Develops cost elements for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other pricing components under guidance.
• Execute takeoff in all CSI divisions (i.e., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, concrete, masonry, etc.)
• Independently gathers, develops, and analyzes cost data to support complex service‑based cost proposals.
• Develops competitive pricing approaches and detailed cost models aligned with solicitation requirements.
• Builds and refines work breakdown structures from the ground up, including staffing models, and cost allocations
• Applies judgment in interpreting workload data, pricing instructions, and amendment impacts.
• Assists in refining standardized pricing tools, models, and estimating processes.
• Participates actively in proposal strategy discussions and pricing reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Finance or a related field
  • Experience may be substituted for education on a 1:1 basis
• Three (3) years of relevant working experience.
• Experience supporting assigned portions of cost proposals using established pricing templates, tools, and methodologies.
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors to obtain pricing inputs, including proposed labor rates and cost data.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop complete cost models, including work breakdown structures, labor rates, cost allocations, indirect rate application, and recovery of other direct costs.
• Demonstrated understanding of workload data and its application to building detailed and compliant work breakdown structures.
• Experience supporting cost estimating or pricing activities for proposals or similar cost modeling efforts.
• Working knowledge of applicable pricing and labor regulations, including the Service Contract Act, Collective Bargaining Agreements, Davis‑Bacon Act, Defense Base Act, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and DCAA/DCMA requirements.
• Broad knowledge of civil work, translating to the ability to estimate environmental removal actions, construction of water treatment systems, construction of infiltration and collection trenches, pipelines, system controls, and other components of typical remediation systems.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background, including criminal background and drug screen.
• Adept at explaining technical aspects of fieldwork to internal and external clients verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships, perform multiple tasks simultaneously and uphold the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Project, PDF Converter Professional, Bluebeam REVU, RSMeans, and local, state, and federal databases.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of applicable experience providing cost estimates for a variety of projects.
• Experience supporting cost estimate development for federal, state, or commercial procurements, including service‑based and operations‑focused environments (e.g., operations and maintenance, logistics, security, facilities, or similar).
• Working knowledge of the federal procurement process, including common federal solicitation structures, FAR principles, and interactions with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).
• Certified by the American Society of Professional Estimators.
• Past federal experience as an estimator or similar field.
• Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native Corporations.

Shareholder Preference

Pursuant to applicable law, preference will be given to qualified Ahtna Native Corporation Shareholders, Descendents, and Spouses in all phases of employment. 

Core Competencies

• Self-Motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one’s ability using his or her own drive or initiative.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Goal Oriented - Ability to focus on a goal and obtain a pre-determined result.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Quality & Attention to Detail – Maintains a high standard of accuracy, consistency, and professional presentation across pricing models, cost proposals, and supporting cost or pricing data.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Exercises sound judgment in analyzing requirements, resolving pricing issues, and identifying risks or improvements that enhance proposal quality and compliance.
• Technology & Tools Proficiency – Demonstrates strong proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and proposal support tools, including Excel‑based cost models, content libraries, and tracking systems.

Work Environment

Generally indoors, some outdoors may be subject to changes in weather conditions and noise levels.

Physical Demands (including but not limited to)

• Frequent lifting, sitting, standing, stooping for prolonged periods of time, using hands/fingers requiring dexterity, should have good hand-eye coordination and motion control in coordination with handling tools, equipment, and other related components.
• Reaching with hands and arms for items above and below sight level, talking, hearing, and seeing (up close, at a distance, along the periphery, with depth, color perception, and the ability to adjust focus); walking from place to place within the project location with occasional use of stairs and no elevator available; bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for up to 8 hours.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds, such as small electrical components, equipment, and other materials.

  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 to 5:00, may vary based upon business needs