Remote Estimator- Construction

The Estimator plays a key role in developing accurate and timely construction cost estimates for commercial projects across a variety of sectors. This position prepares budgets at multiple design stages, evaluates subcontractor and supplier proposals, and supports value-engineering efforts to help deliver cost-effective solutions for clients. The role offers significant growth potential, including the opportunity to build and eventually lead an estimating team as the organization expands into new markets.

Prepare conceptual, schematic, permit-set, and detailed construction estimates for commercial projects.

Review drawings and design documents to determine quantities, scope coverage, assumptions, exclusions, and project risks.

Build and update project budgets as design information develops and evolves over time.

Solicit, receive, and evaluate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers to ensure comprehensive trade coverage.

Collaborate closely with project managers to apply historical cost data and lessons learned from past projects to current estimates.

Maintain clear and organized estimate documentation, cost data, bid records, and vendor and subcontractor relationship information.

3-5 years of commercial estimating experience preferred, with consideration for candidates who have 1-2 years of relevant experience.

• Demonstrated experience preparing estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Hands-on experience with estimating or takeoff software.
• Strong understanding of construction estimation, bidding processes, and commercial construction practices.
• Capability to evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for scope coverage and cost accuracy.
• Effective collaboration skills to work with project managers and other team members.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to present assumptions, risks, and recommendations.

Experience with QSR (quick service restaurant), medical, dental, retail, renovation, or repeat-program construction projects is a plus.

Education in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Familiarity with commercial-only general contracting environments.

Ability to travel periodically to the Waterloo office if working in a hybrid or remote capacity.

The preferred work location is the Waterloo office, with hybrid and remote arrangements considered for qualified candidates who can travel to Waterloo periodically. The Estimator will work in a collaborative environment supported by five experienced project managers who also participate in estimating. The organization operates as a commercial-only general contractor focused primarily on negotiated work for repeat and referral clients. The project portfolio includes QSR, medical, dental, retail, and other commercial facilities throughout Iowa and the broader Midwest. The culture is family-owned in feel, with a long operating history, strong client relationships, and a clear growth trajectory, including continued expansion in the Des Moines market and plans to open a Des Moines office in 2027.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waterloo, IA.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.