Estimator – Commercial Construction

Job Overview

Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare cost estimates from preliminary information through completed construction documents, including conceptual, schematic design, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, project manuals, and other bid documents to develop a thorough understanding of the scope of work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and other project requirements.
• Develop labor and material pricing using current market rates, supplier pricing, subcontractor input, and historical cost information.
• Prepare estimates for preconstruction, hard bids, negotiated bids, design-build projects, budgets, general conditions, general requirements, and value-engineering exercises.
• Prepare and maintain estimates using company estimating software and established estimating procedures.
• Develop detailed scope sheets and control estimates for assigned trades.
• Evaluate project scope for completeness and identify potential scope gaps, constructability concerns, and cost impacts.
• Identify and evaluate value-engineering opportunities and alternative construction methods or materials.
• Maintain an understanding of current market conditions and their impact on labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Attend job walks, site visits, pre-bid meetings, and other project meetings as required.
• Prepare RFIs and coordinate estimating questions with appropriate project stakeholders.
• Support bid-day activities, including final pricing, scope review, subcontractor follow-up, and estimate reconciliation.
• Follow up on submitted bids and budgets as appropriate through project award.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Develop lists of qualified subcontractors and vendors appropriate for the size and scope of each project.
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier participation and pricing for active bid opportunities.
• Prepare and distribute bid invitations and subcontractor bid packages, including applicable drawings, specifications, addenda, and scope information.
• Maintain communication with subcontractors and vendors throughout the bidding process regarding project information, deadlines, addenda, and outstanding items.
• Review subcontractor proposals for pricing, scope completeness, exclusions, qualifications, and potential scope gaps.
• Prepare scope comparisons and bid leveling information to assist with subcontractor evaluation and selection.
• Verify pricing through subcontractor quotations, supplier pricing, historical estimates, and other available cost information.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and other trade partners.

Project & Department Support

• Assist with estimating-to-operations turnover packages and participate in turnover meetings for awarded projects.
• Support the Project Management team with subcontractor buyout, scope clarification, and estimating information as needed.
• Maintain organized and accurate estimating records, subcontractor proposals, pricing information, and historical cost data.
• Participate in estimating and preconstruction meetings and provide updates on assigned estimates and responsibilities.
• Research and promote continuous improvement in estimating processes, tools, and methods.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior when representing the organization.
• Provide additional estimating and preconstruction support as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of verifiable experience estimating commercial construction projects preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, details, project manuals, and other construction documents.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing labor, material, and equipment estimates.
• Knowledge of conceptual estimating, hard bids, negotiated bids, budgets, general conditions, general requirements, and value engineering.
• Familiarity with both conceptual and self-perform estimating.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
• Understanding of subcontractor scopes, bid analysis, bid leveling, and subcontractor selection.
• Understanding of current construction market conditions and their impact on pricing.
• Experience with commercial ground-up construction, retail, fine dining, corporate tenant improvements, hospitality, and/or multifamily projects preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Bluebeam, and construction bidding/estimating software.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors, design professionals, and internal project teams.
• Professional, dependable, and team-oriented.

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000–$110,000 annually, depending on experience
• Full-Time, Monday–Friday
• Onsite in Bellflower, CA
• Monthly Phone Allowance or Company Phone
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Section 125 Plan and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Reimbursement Plan