Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

ENTRY LEVEL ESTIMATOR

Job Description

The Estimator I supports the preconstruction and estimating team throughout the bid and budgeting process for commercial construction projects. This role focuses on quantity takeoffs, subcontractor outreach, bid analysis, cost tracking, and proposal development. It is ideal for an early-career professional with a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or practical construction experience who is motivated to build a long-term career in estimating.

The organization places strong emphasis on character, discipline, resourcefulness, and work ethic and provides direct mentorship from experienced estimators, along with exposure to a wide range of commercial construction projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Responsibilities

* Assist in creating construction budgets based on preliminary and schematic documents.

* Support senior estimators and preconstruction managers in working with architects, engineers, and owners to develop plans and specifications that align with proposed budget limitations.

* Assist with subcontractor bidding and scoping of projects to help develop accurate construction budgets.

* Analyze and document plan overlays to identify changes and revisions to contract documents that may impact project budget or constructability.

* Formulate and coordinate project bid campaigns using in-house systems such as Bid Net, including selecting appropriate subcontractors across all 16 divisions.

* Develop, coordinate, and issue project correspondence to preconstruction managers, senior estimators, architects, and subcontractors.

* Collect, analyze, and submit project Requests for Information (RFIs) to architects and distribute responses to subcontractors.

* Thoroughly review all project documents to define detailed scopes of work for all trades across all 16 divisions.

* Analyze subcontractor proposals across all trades and verify that they meet the defined project scope and all applicable project requirements.

* Develop and maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors through conceptual budgeting and competitive bid processes.

* Develop, record, and recall trend cost information to support accurate budgeting and forecasting.

* Maintain current knowledge and application of local and state building codes and public funding source design standards.

* Stay informed about trends and developments in the construction industry and integrate this knowledge into estimating practices.

* Support the achievement of subcontractor participation goals in alignment with project requirements and company objectives.

* Ensure timely completion of assigned estimating and preconstruction tasks and projects.

* Attend required corporate meetings, training programs, and internal seminars or webinars to enhance professional skills.

* Perform additional estimating and preconstruction duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

* Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture.

* Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for estimating, data analysis, and reporting.

* Internship experience or hands-on experience in construction trades.

* Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

* Demonstrated interest in and exposure to construction estimating.

* Foundational knowledge of construction management and commercial construction processes.

* Ability to perform quantity takeoffs accurately.

* Strong communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, architects, engineers, owners, and subcontractors.

* Capability to support preconstruction activities, including budgeting and bid preparation.

* Attention to detail and discipline in reviewing plans, specifications, and subcontractor proposals.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering is strongly preferred.

* Experience with construction estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar tools.

* Familiarity with construction management platforms such as Procore and Building Connected.

* Experience with project engineering in commercial or multifamily construction environments.

* Understanding of commercial construction and multifamily project types.

* Interest in developing into estimating and preconstruction leadership roles.

* Motivation to grow within a structured career path that includes performance-based bonuses, profit sharing, and employee ownership opportunities.

* Ability to maintain current knowledge of industry trends, building codes, and design standards.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office-centered preconstruction environment with a collaborative estimating team. The position involves extensive computer-based estimating and digital takeoff work using tools such as Excel and specialized estimating software. The Estimator I works closely with subcontractors and internal project teams and participates in frequent communication and coordination activities. Projects are primarily located throughout…