Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Do You Have What it Takes to Be "Benike Built?"

Numbers tell a story. Not everyone can read it -- and even fewer can write it well. At Benike, we build complex commercial facilities that communities depend on. Before any of that happens, someone has to look at a set of drawings and figure out exactly what it will cost to build it right. That person is you.

We are a family-owned commercial GC in Southeast Minnesota with deep roots in healthcare, commercial, private and public construction. We are not looking for someone who fills in a spreadsheet. We are looking for someone who is curious about how buildings go together, competitive about getting the number right, and accurate enough to be trusted. If you are detail-oriented, hardworking, and ready to build a career in one of the most intellectually demanding seats in construction, we would like to meet you.

The Estimator is responsible for producing the right number on every pursuit -- accurate, competitive, and defensible. Working under the direction of the Director of Preconstruction and alongside other estimating professionals, the Estimator develops quantity takeoffs, solicits and levels subcontractor bids, and supports the full preconstruction process from conceptual budget through hard bid.

This role is the foundation of the estimating career track at Benike and is designed to develop deep estimating craft, technical knowledge, and the discipline to win the right work the right way.

Career Pathway:
Estimator -- Senior Estimator -- Preconstruction Manager -- Director of Preconstruction

• Prepare accurate, organized, and timely estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for self-performed and subcontracted trade work.
• Analyze drawings and specifications to identify full scope of work and potential gaps or conflicts.
• Identify value engineering and cost optimization opportunities -- proactively offering solutions, not just numbers.
• Prepare bid invitations for subcontractors and ensure all documents are distributed completely and on time.
• Attend pre-bids and site visits to understand project conditions and scope.
• Prepare budget estimates at various project stages including conceptual, schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
• Participate in project handoff and closeout meetings with the PM and Superintendent to close the feedback loop between estimated and actual costs.
• Maintain awareness of current material pricing, labor rates, production rates, permit costs, and equipment rates.
• Maintain and develop relationships with subcontractors and industry partners.
• Participate in win/loss reviews and estimate-vs.
  
  -actual analysis to sharpen future accuracy.
• Conduct business in a safe, ethical, and professional manner, keeping the interests of the Benike team above individual interests.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• 1-5 years of relevant construction estimating or field experience.
• Strong analytical and math skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); willingness to learn OnScreen Takeoff, Bluebeam, Pipeline Suite, and Vista by Viewpoint.
• Valid state driver's license with an insurable driving record.

• Your estimates are accurate, complete, and submitted on time -- every time.
• Subcontractors receive complete, well-organized bid packages and respond reliably.
• Your takeoffs are thorough enough that the PM rarely finds surprises at buyout.
• You are developing real intuition for how buildings go together and what things cost.
• Senior Estimators and the Director trust your numbers without having to check every line.

Benike Construction is a family-owned commercial general contractor based in Rochester, MN. Since 1937, we have been building healthcare, public, and commercial facilities across Southeast Minnesota. We are driven by our core values of Safety, Service, Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork -- and we are proud to be Benike Built.

We offer a collaborative work environment, a clear path for career growth, and a team that genuinely invests in its people. If you are ready to build something worth being proud of, we want to hear from you.