Junior Estimator

The Junior Estimator prepares accurate, complete, and competitive bids and budgets for commercial construction projects. The Junior Estimator serves as lead estimator on small bids and owns individual trade packages within larger bids, exercising independent judgment on scope, pricing, and subcontractor selection within established guidelines, with final bid approval by the Estimator. The position also performs quantity takeoffs, analyzes bid documents, evaluates subcontractor coverage, and coordinates scope with trade contractors in collaboration with Estimators and Estimating Team.

This position works from the corporate office in Frederick, MD, with occasional travel to jobsites and other Keller offices.

“Incidental” job duties may be included but must be indicated. Other essential and incidental job duties may be assigned.

• Serve as lead estimator on small projects and on assigned trade packages within larger bids, from document review through bid-day pricing.
• Determine scope boundaries and inclusions/exclusions for owned packages; prepare the scope sheets distributed to bidders.
• Level subcontractor and supplier proposals, resolve scope gaps, and select the pricing carried in the bid.
• Develop self-performed or plug numbers where coverage is thin, using takeoffs, historical cost data, and unit pricing.
• Present owned estimates and recommendations to the Estimating Director for final bid approval.
• Manage bid compliance requirements (MBE goals, wage scales, alternates, unit prices) on owned projects.

• Perform quantity takeoffs for assigned trades and divisions using Bluebeam Revu and other estimating tools, determining measurement methods, waste factors, and allowances; takeoffs on larger bids are reviewed by the lead Estimator.
• Analyze plans, specifications, and addenda to identify scope, conflicts, and risk items, ensuring all bid documents are accounted for and current.
• Build bid summary spreadsheets and scope leveling sheets that compare subcontractor proposals line by line, and recommend which proposals to carry.
• Identify scope gaps and conflicts requiring clarification and draft RFIs; track RFIs and addenda through the bid period.
• Attend site visits and pre-bid meetings; assess and document existing conditions that affect scope and pricing.

• Work cohesively with the Estimating Coordinator to assemble bid forms and fulfill submission requirements.
• Evaluate minority business (MBE/SBE) goals, prevailing wage requirements, bid alternates, and unit price requirements; determine their impact on scope and pricing and prepare compliance checklists.
• On bid day, evaluate incoming subcontractor and supplier pricing against scope, confirm inclusions/exclusions, and recommend adjustments to carried numbers.

• Develop bidders lists, selecting which trade contractors to invite, and solicit trade contractor participation through the online Bid Manager program.
• Evaluate bid participation and coverage by trade and determine when additional outreach or plug numbers are needed; report status to the lead Estimator.
• Make outreach calls to confirm subcontractor intent to bid and clarify scope questions, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Maintain the subcontractor and supplier database, including contact information, trade categories, and certifications. (Incidental)
• Develop working relationships with new and existing trade contractors.

• Prepare trade scopes of work for distribution and organize buyout documentation.
• Prepare turnover materials (scope summaries, bid files, subcontractor proposals) for transition to Project…