Estimator

About the Company

The Axel Group is seeking a Construction Estimator to join a growing landscape construction and design team in Monmouth County, NJ. This company specializes in high-end residential, commercial, and golf and country club projects, delivering custom landscape and outdoor construction solutions. This is an opportunity to work on unique, detail-oriented projects involving custom planting designs, gardens, patios, walkways, swimming pools, outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, and specialty masonry work. The company operates out of a beautiful, modern office where custom elements used in its projects are designed and developed.

About the Role

The Estimator will oversee commercial and residential bids, manage estimating activities, and help ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, properly documented, and submitted on time. This role will work closely with the estimating team, project managers, vendors, and subcontractors throughout the bidding process. Candidates with landscape, hardscape, or site development experience are preferred, but strong construction estimating experience in another field is also welcome.

Responsibilities

• Review construction drawings, details, specifications, and associated documents to determine project scope and identify potential gaps or constructability concerns.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for landscape, irrigation, hardscape, and site development scopes.
• Prepare estimates, bid packages, pricing breakdowns, and proposal write-ups.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain, compare, and evaluate material pricing and subcontractor quotes.
• Review labor and material requirements and prepare accurate, itemized cost estimates.
• Develop bid scopes, clarifications, exclusions, and alternate pricing options as needed.
• Manage bid logs and project change order logs to ensure accurate documentation and timely submissions.
• Work with project managers, engineers, and other members of the estimating team to coordinate project scope and support the transition from estimating to construction.
• Participate in design and construction meetings and communicate with clients and project stakeholders as needed.
• Collaborate with the estimating team on bid reviews, pricing, and project requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in construction estimating, including quantity takeoffs and bid preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, drawings, and related project documents.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software, AutoCAD, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, and Microsoft Excel is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of plant materials and hardscape construction is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with estimators, project managers, vendors, subcontractors, and clients.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Mid-level candidates with 3+ years of relevant construction industry experience are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills

• Construction estimating, including quantity takeoffs and bid preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, drawings, and related project documents.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software, AutoCAD, or similar tools.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with estimators, project managers, vendors, subcontractors, and clients.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, and Microsoft Excel.
• Basic knowledge of plant materials and hardscape construction.
• Landscape, hardscape, or site development experience.

Pay range and compensation package

• Strong benefits package.

Project Types

• Large residential landscape construction projects
• Commercial landscape and site development
• Golf and country club projects
• Custom planting designs and garden spaces
• Patios, walkways, and outdoor living areas
• Swimming pools, water features, and outdoor lighting
• Custom masonry, including walls, piers, pillars, and paver installations
• Irrigation systems

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based estimating work, with occasional site visits as needed.
• Work closely with experienced estimating leadership for bid reviews, guidance, and professional development.
• Opportunity to contribute to unique, high-end landscape and construction projects.

What’s Offered

• Strong benefits package.
• Modern office environment in Monmouth County, NJ.
• Exposure to a wide variety of custom landscape, hardscape, and construction projects.
• Collaborative team environment with opportunities to develop estimating skills and grow professionally.