Estimator, Construction, Building & Residential Construction

Job Title

Estimator

Exempt

Project Controls & Estimating

Director of Project Controls & Estimating

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for general construction projects. This role supports preconstruction, bidding, and project planning activities by developing clear scopes of work, reliable budgets, and well-documented pricing packages. The Estimator works closely with Operations, Project Managers, and leadership to ensure estimates reflect realistic field conditions, constructability requirements, and project risks, while supporting profitable and well-planned project execution.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for general construction projects, including site work, concrete, structural work, building construction, and related trades.
• Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and client documents to develop complete scopes of work.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, equipment, and material estimates.
• Prepare bid summaries, estimate breakouts, and internal budgets.
• Identify constructability issues, scope gaps, and coordination concerns during the estimating phase.
• Participate in site walks, pre-bid meetings, and client clarification meetings when required.

• Solicit and review subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Evaluate quotes for completeness, scope alignment, and risk.
• Coordinate with Operations and Procurement to confirm pricing, availability, and lead times.
• Maintain current cost information for materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.

• Partner with Operations and Project Managers to confirm production assumptions.
• Confirm crew sizes and labor hours.
• Confirm equipment needs and access requirements.

Participate in project handoff meetings to communicate estimate assumptions, risks, and exclusions. Provide estimating support during project execution, including budget clarification and cost breakdowns.

• Clearly document inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and qualifications for each estimate.
• Identify potential risks and coordination impacts prior to bid submission.
• Support pricing and review of change orders and additional work when requested.

• Maintain organized estimate files, takeoffs, and backup documentation.
• Track historical project costs and lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy.
• Follow company standards for estimate structure, naming, and documentation.

• 3+ years of estimating experience in general construction.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of labor productivity and crew planning.
• Working knowledge of equipment usage.
• Working knowledge of material pricing.
• Working knowledge of subcontractor scopes.
• Strong computer skills, including spreadsheets and estimating software.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.

• Field or project management experience in general construction.
• Experience supporting negotiated work, budgets, and change order pricing.
• Experience working in an operations-driven construction environment.

• Ability to clearly communicate scopes, assumptions, and pricing details to field and office teams.
• Ability to identify missing scope and ask clarifying questions early.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Sound judgment when evaluating risk and pricing strategy.

• Ability to work in an office and field environment as needed.
• Ability to safely access active construction sites.
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.