Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Boston, MA
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, USA

ABOUT H. J. RUSSELL

Established in 1952, H.J. Russell & Company is a vertically integrated firm specializing in construction, program management, and real estate development. Our vision is to be a catalyst for community and economic empowerment through our superior work in the real estate and construction industries. We are headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with offices in Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, and Savannah, GA.

SUMMARY

H.J. Russell & Company is seeking a driven Estimator (1–3 years’ experience) to develop accurate, competitive estimates and support hard-bid and CM-at-Risk pursuits. You’ll interpret drawings/specs, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, solicit and level trade partner proposals, and collaborate with operations to deliver complete, on-time bids.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimate Development: Prepare conceptual, schematic, DD, and GMP/hard-bid estimates; build clear scope narratives and assumptions.
• Quantity Takeoffs: Perform detailed takeoffs across divisions; organize by WBS/CSI with documented productivity and waste factors.
• Trade Partner Engagement: Build bid lists, issue invitations through Building Connected, field RFI/clarifications, and obtain coverage.
• Bid Leveling & Scope Review: Compare quotes, identify gaps/overlaps, and conduct scope reviews to ensure apples-to-apples pricing.
• VE/Alternates: Propose cost-saving options, alternates, and constructability suggestions without compromising intent or quality.
• Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Support: Attend pre-bid meetings/site walks; track addenda; ensure full compliance with submission requirements.
• Data & Reporting: Maintain cost histories and assemblies; produce estimate summaries, variances, and risk registers for leadership review.
• Handoff &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Support buyout and turnover to project teams; coordinate with scheduling and operations on means/methods.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Construction Management, Civil/Construction Engineering, Architecture, or similar).
• Experience: 1–3 years in estimating or closely related preconstruction role (internships/co-ops count).
• Software Proficiency: DESTINI Estimator, Building Connected, On-Screen Takeoff, and Bluebeam; strong Excel skills (lookups, pivots).
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to read/interpret drawings and specs; produce accurate takeoffs; understand unit pricing, labor/equipment, and general conditions.
• Soft Skills: Clear communicator (written/oral), organized, collaborative, and deadline-driven with strong follow-through.

Nice to Have

• Exposure to public hard-bid requirements, alternates/unit pricing, and form compliance.
• Knowledge of local trade market pricing and subcontractor network.
• Basic scheduling literacy (Milestone/MS Project/P6) and constructability awareness.

What You Bring

• Passion, ambition, and a strong work ethic
  —ownership mindset, curiosity about cost drivers, and a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
• Team-first attitude and professionalism with clients, designers, and trade partners.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, wall, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  
  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and review things as they are built.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

WHY WORK FOR US?

Simply stated, we put…