Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Estimator

This Estimator role focuses on developing accurate conceptual through detailed estimates for a wide range of commercial construction projects, including renovations, tenant improvements, site and civil work, structural packages, and MEP-intensive scopes. The Estimator will lead quantity takeoffs, manage subcontractor bidding and scope leveling, and build complete estimates organized by CSI division. This position plays a key role in supporting preconstruction efforts from early pricing through award and turnover, ensuring projects are competitively priced, well-documented, and aligned with client and project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, construction document, and guaranteed maximum price estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Develop alternates and value-engineering options that improve cost efficiency while maintaining design intent and project quality.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP scopes using plans, specifications, and related documents.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies in drawings and specifications and communicate them clearly to the project team.
• Solicit, scope, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals across all trades to ensure complete and competitive coverage.
• Evaluate and compare subcontractor bids, confirm inclusions and exclusions, and address clarifications and assumptions with bidders.
• Build comprehensive estimate summaries and schedules of values, organized by CSI division and project phase.
• Document and present estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, contingencies, and risk items to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain, update, and improve cost databases, unit prices, assemblies, and historical benchmarks to enhance estimating accuracy.
• Lead and coordinate pre-bid requests for information, review addenda, and incorporate changes into estimates in a timely manner.
• Provide constructability, means-and-methods, and sequencing input during preconstruction to help optimize project delivery.
• Partner closely with project managers to support smooth turnover from preconstruction to operations, including buy-out strategy and budget tracking.
• Contribute to schedule-based estimating by aligning quantities and costs with project phasing, milestones, and logic.
• Support owner and design team meetings by presenting cost information, options, and recommendations clearly and professionally.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, and design professionals throughout the estimating and preconstruction process.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of estimating experience with a commercial general contractor or equivalent construction organization.
• Proven ability to prepare conceptual through detailed estimates for commercial renovations, tenant improvements, site/civil work, structural packages, and MEP-intensive scopes.
• Demonstrated proficiency across CSI Divisions 02–33, including coordination and integration of MEP scopes.
• Strong command of quantity takeoff techniques and scope leveling for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP trades.
• Track record of effective bid-day organization, including managing multiple subcontractor bids and last-minute changes.
• Hands-on experience using estimating software and digital tools for commercial construction.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Forma for model-based or design-integrated estimating workflows.
• Proficiency with Pro Est or similar estimating platforms to develop, organize, and report estimates.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, data organization, and reporting for estimating and cost analysis.
• Solid understanding of building codes, permitting…