Construction Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for a variety of construction projects, including commercial, healthcare, education, public works, municipal, and multifamily developments. This role works closely with project teams, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients throughout the preconstruction process to develop budgets, evaluate project risks, and support successful project delivery.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in commercial construction estimating and experience working on healthcare facilities, educational campuses, hospitals, public sector projects, or other complex commercial developments. Strong preconstruction and value engineering experience is highly preferred. Estimating professionals in this environment are expected to participate in budgeting, scheduling, value engineering, constructability reviews, and subcontractor coordination throughout the preconstruction process.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction estimates.
• Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and bid documents to develop comprehensive project budgets.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and detailed cost analysis across all construction trades.
• Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Develop bid summaries, scope comparisons, and budget presentations.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and project risks during the estimating process.
• Participate in value engineering and cost-saving initiatives while maintaining project quality and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Superintendents, architects, consultants, and owners throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Assist with scheduling reviews, procurement planning, and constructability evaluations.
• Maintain historical cost databases and current market pricing information.
• Support proposal preparation and bid submission activities.
• Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction.
• Strong experience estimating commercial construction projects required.
• Experience with healthcare, hospital, education, K-12, higher education, public works, civic, or institutional projects highly preferred.
• Proven ability to develop estimates from conceptual budgeting through hard-bid and negotiated proposals.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, scheduling, and project delivery.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Experience with subcontractor procurement, bid leveling, and scope analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from $5M to $100M+.
• Familiarity with public works bidding requirements and alternative delivery methods.
• Experience participating in value engineering, constructability reviews, and preconstruction planning efforts.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, OST, BuildingConnected, Procore, Sage Estimating, PlanSwift, or similar estimating software.
• Knowledge of current construction market trends, labor pricing, and material procurement strategies.