Assistant Estimator

Turner Construction Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Construction Company in Houston seeks an entry-level Estimator to support detailed takeoffs and estimate development from construction drawings and specifications. You will help coordinate bids with project teams and trade partners, ensuring accurate scope and cost capture while maintaining clear written and verbal communication. This role offers growth in a dynamic construction environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, scopes of work.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; proactive problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing detailed estimates based on drawings and specs.
• Perform quantity take-offs and input estimate data.
• Coordinate bid information with project team and trade partners.
• Prepare scope clarifications and risk notes for bids.
• Support post-bid reviews and trade partner selections.

Skills

Takeoffs

Estimating software

Bid coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

Cost estimating software

Job description

Position Description: Assist with preparing detailed estimates for the project based on the construction drawings and specifications. Assist with the communication of bids and scopes of work.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities*: In the areas assigned:

• Assist with document management for project; receive drawings and specifications, provide proper file structure, and distribute documents to relevant stakeholders.
  
• Learn and use Estimating software and perform quantity survey take-offs.
  
• Assist with preparing detailed estimates; complete quantity survey take-offs, conduct analysis estimate input, and studies for all items incorporated in assigned scope.
  
• Prepare written communication for estimate assumption or scope clarification required for risk mitigation.
  
• Prepare variance analysis to previous estimate for assigned scope.
  
• Understand and incorporate constructability issues through communication with project team, designers, and trade partners.
  
• Understand factors required for comprehensive trade package scope, including contract documents, site logistics, schedule, coordination, means and methods.
  
• Serve as liaison with trade partners, design team (architects, engineers, consultants) and client, and as point of contact for managing assigned trade partners and distributing information.
  
• Prepare scope requisitions for assigned trades; coordinate with project team to eliminate scope gaps and overlaps.
  
• Obtain and evaluate trade partner proposals and document information into Bid Recording Sheet. Organize, coordinate and communicate scope and cost to Project Lead, and participate in Post Bid reviews.
  
• Manage action items from Post Bid reviews and finalize trade partner scope and make recommendations to Project Lead for trade partner awards.
  
• Assist with preparing and assembling bids and proposals for different contract types (e.g., Lump Sum, Guaranteed Maximum Price, Cost Plus).
  
• Assist with development and estimation of more cost-efficient or optimized design of value management studies for scope alternatives .
  
• May supervise work of Interns.
  
• Other activites, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from accredited degree program and minimum of 1 year of related experience or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience Construction or construction-related industry experience
  
• Able to understand and interpret contract documents, drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project schedule.
  
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
  
• Good interpersonal skills, demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills
  
• Effective active listening skills and follow-up practices
  
• Good judgment to solve problems, elevate issues, and request prioritization of responsibilities
  
• Approachable and effectively interact with all employee levels and management
  
• Work independently with little or no supervision, collaborates with others
  
• Understand lean principles and continuous improvement methods and tools
  
• Embrace change and quick learner to adopt process and technology enhancements
  
• Proficient computer and application navigation skills, Microsoft Office suite of applications, and collaborative meeting platforms
  
• Limited travel
  

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands, talk, and hear. The employee frequently views a computer monitor and frequently uses a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly required to be mobile, and the employee may occasionally travel both short and long distances via a variety of conveyances. The employee regularly performs work on-site at construction work sites, office locations, and/or off-site venues. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting. The noise in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally work at construction work sites where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is required to work in compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

*May perform other duties as necessary or assigned.

Turner is an Equal Opportunity Employer - race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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