Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Job Title:

Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator supports preconstruction and estimating efforts for commercial construction projects by preparing detailed cost estimates, performing quantity takeoffs, and collaborating closely with project teams and design partners. This role contributes to both negotiated and hard-bid pursuits, ensures accurate and competitive pricing, and helps identify value engineering opportunities that enhance project value and constructability. Over time, the Estimator will also have the opportunity to support projects in the field, providing variety in day-to-day responsibilities and exposure to both office and project environments.

Responsibilities

+ Prepare conceptual, schematic, design-development, and construction document estimates for commercial construction projects.

+ Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis to develop accurate and competitive cost estimates.

+ Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure complete and competitive coverage of all scopes of work.

+ Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives that maintain or improve project quality and performance.

+ Develop comprehensive bid packages and scope sheets that clearly define responsibilities and expectations for trade partners.

+ Review plans, specifications, and contract documents for completeness, accuracy, and constructability, and identify any gaps or conflicts.

+ Maintain and update historical cost databases to support future estimating and budgeting efforts.

+ Partner with project managers and operations teams during project handoff to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to execution.

+ Participate in owner meetings, design reviews, and preconstruction presentations to communicate estimate assumptions and project strategies.

+ Work closely with architects, engineers, and trade partners throughout the estimating process to clarify scope, resolve issues, and align expectations.

+ Support both negotiated and hard-bid project pursuits by preparing estimates, pricing strategies, and supporting documentation.

+ Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and templates to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

+ Over time, participate in project assignments in the field to gain hands-on experience and maintain a strong connection to construction operations.

Essential Skills

+ Minimum of 3+ years of experience in estimating, project engineering, or preconstruction within commercial construction.

+ Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.

+ Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and building systems.

+ Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications accurately.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and related tools used for estimating and reporting.

+ Demonstrated experience in construction estimation, bidding, pricing, and construction management processes.

+ Ability to use estimating software and digital tools to develop cost estimates and perform quantity takeoffs.

+ Strong attention to detail and accuracy in cost analysis and documentation.

+ Effective collaboration skills to work with project managers, operations teams, architects, engineers, and trade partners.

+ Ability to support both negotiated and hard-bid projects with clear, well-documented estimates.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with Sage Estimating, Procore, Building Connected, Bluebeam, or similar construction and estimating platforms.

+

Experience with design-build construction delivery methods.

+ Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate estimates, assumptions, and value engineering ideas to owners and internal teams.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills to support meetings, presentations, and coordination with stakeholders.

+ Familiarity with maintaining and leveraging historical cost databases.

+ Interest in gaining field experience on active projects to complement office-based estimating responsibilities.

Work Environment

The Estimator works primarily in an office environment. The role uses modern construction and estimating technologies, including estimating software, Microsoft Office Suite, and platforms such as Sage Estimating, Procore, Building Connected, and Bluebeam or similar tools. The position offers a mix of preconstruction office work and, over time, opportunities to support projects in the field, providing a balance between desk-based analysis and on-site exposure.

The work environment emphasizes collaboration with project managers, operations teams, architects, engineers, and trade partners, and supports professional development through involvement in a variety of commercial construction projects

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holland, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $43.27/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some…