Construction Estimator

Virtustant; Argentina; Remote; ARS 105,976,000 - 166,533,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtustant is seeking a Construction Estimator to join a California-based preconstruction team, working remotely from Argentina. You will read drawings, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, develop estimates, and use AI tools to speed up reviews while ensuring accuracy against source documents.

You should have a background in architecture or civil/construction fields, with experience reading U.S. drawings and proficiency in Excel, CAD, and estimating software.

Qualifications

• Degree or training in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience reading U.S. construction drawings.
• Experience producing quantity takeoffs and estimates.
• Ability to read architectural plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and details.
• Ability to prepare or modify CAD drawings and construction markups.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, STACK, or similar software.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to independently verify technical information.
• Strong written English communication skills.
• Comfortable learning ChatGPT, Asana, and other AI-powered workflows.

Responsibilities

• Read and understand architectural, structural, and construction drawings.
• Review full plan sets, specifications, schedules, details, and addenda.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for painting, coatings, drywall, siding, windows, doors, and general renovation work.
• Find differences between drawings, specifications, schedules, and actual quantities.
• Check takeoff quantities against specific drawing sheets, details, and specifications.
• Identify missing information, scope gaps, exclusions, and possible change orders.
• Prepare RFIs when drawings are incomplete or conflict.
• Review and create drawings, sketches, markups, and scope clarification documents using CAD or PDF software.
• Develop detailed estimates using company Excel templates and pricing standards.
• Use ChatGPT and AI tools to speed up plan reviews, quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, and estimating.
• Independently check AI-generated information against original construction documents.
• Keep accurate source references for every major quantity and scope item.
• Verify measurements, calculations, material quantities, and estimate completeness before internal review.
• Use consistent estimating methods across projects.
• Clearly show verified quantities, assumptions, allowances, and items needing clarification.
• Monitor incoming ITBs, contractor bid portals, and estimating opportunities.
• Screen opportunities based on company requirements, geographic areas, project types, and bid deadlines.
• Download and organize plans, specifications, addenda, and supporting documents.
• Create and manage estimating projects in Asana.
• Track bid deadlines, outstanding RFIs, estimating progress, and proposal submissions.
• Coordinate with project managers and company leadership on bid priorities.
• Maintain an organized estimating pipeline and historical estimate database.

Skills

Reading drawings

Attention to detail

English communication

AI workflows

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Civil/Construction Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

STACK

Revit

ChatGPT

Asana

Job description

Job Title: Construction Estimator

About The Company

Our client is a California-based general contractor that focuses on commercial painting, coatings, windows, doors, exterior building improvements, and renovations for the hospitality industry.

Job Description

Our client is growing its preconstruction team. They need a detail-oriented construction professional. You should have a background in architecture, civil engineering, construction engineering, or a similar field. This role is not a typical administrative assistant job. You need to understand construction drawings, specifications, estimating, and quantity takeoffs. You will help build a reliable, technology-driven estimating operation.

Responsibilities Of The Role

• Read and understand architectural, structural, and construction drawings.
• Review full plan sets, specifications, schedules, details, and addenda.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for painting, coatings, drywall, siding, windows, doors, and general renovation work.
• Find differences between drawings, specifications, schedules, and actual quantities.
• Check takeoff quantities against specific drawing sheets, details, and specifications.
• Identify missing information, scope gaps, exclusions, and possible change orders.
• Prepare Requests for Information (RFIs) when drawings are incomplete or conflict.
• Review and create drawings, sketches, markups, and scope clarification documents using CAD or PDF software.
• Develop detailed estimates using company Excel templates and pricing standards.
• Use ChatGPT and AI tools to speed up plan reviews, quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, and estimating.
• Independently check AI-generated information against original construction documents.
• Keep accurate source references for every major quantity and scope item.
• Verify measurements, calculations, material quantities, and estimate completeness before internal review.
• Use consistent estimating methods across projects.
• Clearly show verified quantities, assumptions, allowances, and items needing clarification.
• Monitor incoming Invitations to Bid (ITBs), contractor bid portals, and estimating opportunities.
• Screen opportunities based on company requirements, geographic areas, project types, and bid deadlines.
• Download and organize plans, specifications, addenda, and supporting documents.
• Create and manage estimating projects in Asana.
• Track bid deadlines, outstanding RFIs, estimating progress, and proposal submissions.
• Coordinate with project managers and company leadership on bid priorities.
• Maintain an organized estimating pipeline and historical estimate database.

Required Experience And Qualifications

• Degree or significant professional training in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience reading and understanding U.S. construction drawings.
• Experience producing construction quantity takeoffs and estimates.
• Ability to read architectural plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and construction details.
• Ability to prepare or modify CAD drawings and construction markups.
• Strong skills in Excel.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, STACK, or similar construction software.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to independently verify technical information.
• Strong written English communication skills.
• Comfortable learning ChatGPT, Asana, and other AI-powered workflows.

Preferred Skills

• Experience estimating commercial construction projects in the United States.
• Experience with commercial painting, exterior coatings, windows, doors, siding, or hotel renovations.
• Familiarity with California construction practices and prevailing wage projects.
• Experience reviewing architectural specifications and preparing RFIs.
• Experience with Revit or other BIM software.
• Previous experience supporting a U.S.-based general contractor.

Personality

• You can take a complete construction plan set and independently identify the applicable scope of work.
• You can review all relevant plans, details, schedules, specifications, and addenda.
• You can produce accurate and traceable quantity takeoffs.
• You can identify discrepancies, missing scope, and potential estimating risks.
• You can prepare a complete preliminary estimate using established templates.
• You can organize the project and supporting documents in Asana.
• You can deliver a clean estimating package ready for management review.
• Accuracy, completeness, and source verification are more important than speed.
• You are excited about AI but understand that AI-generated measurements, quantities, and scope interpretations must be verified against original construction documents.
• You combine construction knowledge, technical drawing skills, and technology to deliver accurate, repeatable results.

Software & Tools

• Excel
• AutoCAD
• Bluebeam
• PlanSwift
• STACK
• ChatGPT
• Asana
• Revit (preferred)

Schedule

Full-time

Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET

Salary And Benefits

• Payment in USD or Local Currency according to candidate's preference.
• Full-time remote opportunity.