Estimator, Construction, Quantity Surveyor

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The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for commercial construction projects from conceptual planning through final bid or negotiated contract. The Estimator analyzes drawings, specifications, design information, market conditions, subcontractor proposals, and historical cost data to establish reliable project pricing and identify risks before construction begins.

Working closely with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and Merit’s Operations team, the Estimator develops bid strategies, scopes of work, bid packages, value engineering options, allowances, clarifications, and estimate summaries. This position is expected to build strong subcontractor participation, identify scope gaps, evaluate alternate systems, and clearly communicate assumptions and risks. The Estimator also supports project interviews, proposal preparation, and turnover to Operations following award.

Success in this role is measured by estimate accuracy, bid coverage, competitiveness, profitable project awards, effective risk identification, and a complete turnover that positions the project team for successful execution.

• Prepare conceptual, schematic design, design development, GMP, negotiated, and competitive bid estimates.
• Review drawings, specifications, narratives, geotechnical reports, addenda, and other bid documents for scope and risk.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop pricing by CSI division, system, area, or project phase.
• Develop comprehensive subcontractor and supplier bid packages with clearly defined scopes of work.
• Solicit qualified subcontractors and suppliers and maintain adequate bid coverage for each trade.
• Conduct detailed scope leveling of subcontractor proposals to identify exclusions, overlaps, gaps, qualifications, and inconsistencies.
• Develop general conditions, general requirements, staffing, logistics, temporary facilities, insurance, bonds, fees, and other project costs.
• Prepare allowances, alternates, unit prices, clarifications, assumptions, and exclusions.
• Identify constructability issues, schedule risks, long-lead items, escalation exposure, and other cost risks.
• Develop and evaluate value engineering and cost-reduction options without compromising project objectives.
• Maintain current knowledge of local labor, material, subcontractor, and market pricing.
• Maintain historical cost databases and incorporate completed-project cost information into future estimates.
• Coordinate with Operations and field leadership to validate means, methods, logistics, schedule, staffing, and constructability assumptions.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, subcontractor meetings, owner interviews, and proposal presentations.
• Prepare estimate summaries and clearly communicate pricing strategy, risks, and opportunities to leadership.
• Support contract scope reconciliation and final pricing negotiations following selection.
• Lead a complete turnover of estimate scope, buyout assumptions, risks, alternates, and commitments to the project team.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, design teams, and clients.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong Excel skills for estimating, analysis, comparisons, and reporting.
• Proficient with Procore or able to effectively use Procore for project and preconstruction information.
• Proficient with Bluebeam for drawing review, takeoffs, markups, and document comparison.
• Experience with commercial construction estimating and takeoff software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Project sufficient to understand project durations, phasing, logistics, and schedule-related cost impacts.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction systems, means and methods, and subcontractor scopes.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• OSHA 30 or equivalent preferred.

• Estimates are complete, accurate, well-supported, and delivered on time.
• Bid coverage is sufficient to establish competitive market pricing and reduce scope risk.
• Scope gaps, exclusions, allowances, and project risks are identified before bid submission.
• Estimate-to-buyout and estimate-to-final-cost variances remain within established company expectations.
• Value engineering options are practical, clearly priced, and aligned with client objectives.
• Project turnover provides Operations with a complete understanding of scope,…