Construction Estimator; C

TST TACTICAL DEFENSE SOLUTIONS, INC. DBA TIDEWATER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CORPORATION (TDSC)

Our search is currently limited to qualified candidates living within the Hampton Roads commuting area.

The General Contractor Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, complete, and competitive cost estimates for federal, public, and commercial construction projects. Working under the direction of the Senior Pre-Construction Manager, this position supports the company’s preconstruction efforts through detailed quantity takeoffs, subcontractor coordination, scope reviews, and pricing development.

This role requires strong experience in federal construction estimating, the ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications, and the confidence to communicate directly with subcontractors and project stakeholders by phone and in person, not just by email. The Estimator will regularly attend site visits, participate in pre-bid meetings, and collaborate closely with the preconstruction and operations teams to ensure complete and accurate proposals.

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications for civil, architectural, and general trades.
• Develop complete cost estimates including labor, material, equipment, subcontractor pricing, and general conditions.
• Support federal, state, and public sector bids, including USACE, NAVFAC, VA, and other agencies.
• Review drawings, specifications, and addenda to identify scope requirements, risks, and clarifications.
• Assist the Senior Pre-Construction Manager with estimate reviews, scope development, and bid strategy.
• Maintain organized estimating files and documentation for each pursuit.
• Update estimates as addenda, RFIs, and clarifications are issued.

• Solicit subcontractor and supplier quotes, follow up by phone, and clarify scope and coverage.
• Conduct direct conversations with subcontractors to ensure complete apples-to-apples pricing.
• Evaluate subcontractor quotes for completeness, scope gaps, and compliance with project requirements.
• Assist in leveling bids and identifying risks, exclusions, and qualifications.

• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and walkthroughs as required.
• Gather field information needed for accurate estimating, including access, logistics, phasing, and constraints.
• Coordinate questions and clarifications with the Senior Pre-Construction Manager and design teams as needed.
• Participation in networking events to promote company performance and extend subcontractor/GC network.

• Assist in developing scopes of work for subcontractors and self-perform work.
• Support proposal preparation, including pricing narratives, clarifications, and assumptions.
• Help ensure final estimates are complete, accurate, and compliant with solicitation requirements.
• Must reside within commuting distance of our main office in Virginia Beach, VA.
• This is an in-person, on-site position.
• NEED TO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN BASE ACCESS FOR ONGOING PROJECTS!

• B.S. in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in construction estimating for a General Contractor, with strong preference for federal government projects.
• Proven ability to juggle estimating multiple projects at one time.
• Civil estimating experience preferred.
• Proven working knowledge of Building systems and Civil (sitework) operations.
• Experience with estimating and takeoff software such as Bluebeam, RSMeans, Gordian, or similar is preferred.
• Experience in InSite and Rok Tech estimating/takeoff software preferred.
• Ability to evaluate subcontractor quotes for adequacy, price realism, complete scope, and viability.
• Ability to build relationships with existing and potential subcontractors and vendors.
• Proven ability to manage the estimating process from IFB to proposal submission.
• Strong ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Experience…