Estimator, Construction, Quantity Surveyor

Estimator

The Estimator plays a key role in developing accurate and timely construction cost estimates for commercial projects across a variety of sectors. This position prepares budgets at multiple design stages, evaluates subcontractor and supplier proposals, and supports value-engineering efforts to help deliver cost-effective solutions for clients. The role offers significant growth potential, including the opportunity to build and eventually lead an estimating team as the organization expands into new markets.

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, permit-set, and detailed construction estimates for commercial projects.
• Review drawings and design documents to determine quantities, scope coverage, assumptions, exclusions, and project risks.
• Build and update project budgets as design information develops and evolves over time.
• Solicit, receive, and evaluate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers to ensure comprehensive trade coverage.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and compare trade coverage across bids to identify gaps and overlaps.
• Collaborate closely with project managers to apply historical cost data and lessons learned from past projects to current estimates.
• Support value-engineering discussions by identifying practical cost alternatives and recommending cost-saving options.
• Maintain clear and organized estimate documentation, cost data, bid records, and vendor and subcontractor relationship information.
• Balance multiple estimating opportunities at once while meeting deadlines and clearly communicating priorities.
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture by sharing insights, best practices, and feedback on estimating processes.

• 3–5 years of commercial estimating experience preferred, with consideration for candidates who have 1–2 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience preparing estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Hands-on experience with estimating or takeoff software.
• Ability to develop budgets from incomplete or evolving design information.
• Strong understanding of construction estimation, bidding processes, and commercial construction practices.
• Proficiency in performing detailed quantity takeoffs and interpreting construction drawings.
• Capability to evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for scope coverage and cost accuracy.
• Effective collaboration skills to work with project managers and other team members.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain clear documentation and manage multiple concurrent estimates.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to present assumptions, risks, and recommendations.

• Experience with QSR (quick service restaurant), medical, dental, retail, renovation, or repeat-program construction projects is a plus.
• Education in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with commercial-only general contracting environments.
• Comfort working in a negotiated work environment with repeat and referral clients.
• Ability to travel periodically to the Waterloo office if working in a hybrid or remote capacity.
• Interest in long-term career growth, including the potential to build and lead an estimating team as the organization expands.

The preferred work location is the Waterloo office, with hybrid and remote arrangements considered for qualified candidates who can travel to Waterloo periodically. The Estimator will work in a collaborative environment supported by five experienced project managers who also participate in estimating. The organization operates as a commercial-only general contractor focused primarily on negotiated work for repeat and referral clients. The project portfolio includes QSR, medical, dental, retail, and other commercial facilities throughout Iowa and the broader Midwest.

The culture is family-owned in feel, with a long operating history, strong client relationships, and a clear growth trajectory, including continued expansion in the Des Moines market and plans to open a Des Moines office in 2027.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waterloo, IA.