Estimator - Gear Dept

Location: Montpelier Forest

Why This Role Matters The Gear Department is where some of Shepherd’s most complex, high-stakes work gets done. When a contractor needs electrical gear configured, priced, and delivered to spec, the estimate is the foundation everything else is built on. Get it right and the project keeps moving; get it wrong and the cost compounds at every step downstream.

The Project Estimator owns that foundation. Working closely with contractors, vendors, and the Gear team, this role takes a project from technical document review through pricing, negotiation, and coordination — making sure the details are right, the timeline holds, and the customer has confidence Shepherd will come through. This is a role for someone who takes ownership of outcomes, not just tasks, as project volume and complexity continue to grow.

Key Outcomes Organized by what matters, not just what you do.

Accurate, Competitive Estimates Own project estimation end to end — technical document review, product selection, pricing, and order negotiation

Interpret plans and specifications to select the right products for the application — catch issues at the estimate, not at the job site

Use configuration and pricing software to build estimates that are both accurate and competitive

Project Coordination & Follow-Through Direct and coordinate manufacturers so goals are met within the prescribed timeline and budget

Confer with project staff, contractors, and manufacturers to outline work plans and assign responsibilities and scope

Customer Confidence Guide customers through equipment selection, quote review, and customized solutions tailored to project requirements

Deliver reliable, timely communication that builds customer confidence and satisfaction

Prepare clear project reports for management, customers, and others who depend on them Problem-Solving & Communication Flag issues early — pricing gaps, spec conflicts, timeline risks — before they compound

Confer with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems as they arise

Build strong, collaborative relationships with contractors and vendors that hold up under pressure

Negotiation & Winning The job isn’t to quote — it’s to win the order.

Turn an accurate quote into a closed order — pair pricing precision with a real read on the customer’s scope and on-site needs to win the work Partner with the Gear team and our experienced Sales staff to close orders and earn repeat business

What Success Looks Like After 90 days, you and your supervisor should both be able to point to these markers:

Your estimates are accurate and competitive, and they convert — you’re closing orders, not just sending quotes

Projects you coordinate stay on schedule and within budget, with no surprises late in the process

Contractors and vendors trust your judgment and seek you out as a partner

Customers have confidence in Shepherd because of how you communicate and follow through

You take ownership of problems and resolve them without waiting to be told

Who Thrives Here This role is a strong fit if:

You want to do meaningful, complex work — not just process orders

You take pride in accuracy and care whether things are done right the first time

You are organized, detail-oriented, and steady when timelines get tight

You communicate clearly and speak up when something is offYou are curious about the products and the work, and you keep looking for better ways to solve

You take ownership and follow through without being asked twice

Qualifications & Requirements High school diploma or equivalent required1–3 years in the electrical industry preferred; aptitude and reliability matter as much as years

Ability to interpret technical documents and specifications to select appropriate products

Strong attention to detail and commitment to getting things right the first time Proficiency with standard software applications; experience with Eclipse is a plus Effective verbal and written communication

Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements

Work Shift and

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm, in office

Compensation Details:
The expected base salary for this position is starting at $75,000 annually depending on…