Assistant Estimator - Commercial Construction

The Foret Group; Thibodaux (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Foret Contracting Group, LLC is seeking an energetic Assistant Estimator to develop relationships with subcontractors and suppliers and help prepare competitive bids for commercial projects from $100k to $10M.

You will work with experienced estimators, review drawings, prepare takeoffs, and learn estimating software while growing toward an Estimator role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Interest in commercial construction and proactive approach.
• Strong math skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to read construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency in Excel; willingness to learn estimating software.
• Organize multiple assignments and meet deadlines; teamwork.
• Preferred: degree in construction management, engineering, building technology, or related field.
• Experience: 1–3 years in construction, estimating, or project coordination could help.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, addenda, and bid requirements.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs and assist with pricing.
• Send bid invitations and follow up with subs and suppliers.
• Identify missing scope and pricing discrepancies.
• Help prepare scope sheets, RFIs, and bid submissions.
• Track bid deadlines and maintain estimating files.
• Assist with site visits, pre-bid meetings, and project handoffs.

Skills

People skills

Commercial construction interest

Attention to detail

Reading drawings

Excel proficiency

Teamwork

Deadline management

Education

High school diploma

Construction management degree (preferred)

Engineering degree (preferred)

Building technology degree (preferred)

Related field degree (preferred)

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Foret Contracting Group, LLC is hiring an energetic, outgoing Assistant Estimator who enjoys working with people. You will build relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, follow up on pricing, and help prepare competitive bids for commercial projects ranging from $100,000 to $10 million.

Work alongside experienced estimators and develop the skills to grow toward an Estimator role. Recent graduates, early-career construction professionals, and candidates moving from the field into estimating are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Review construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid requirements.

Prepare quantity takeoffs and assist with labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.

Send invitations to bid and follow up with subcontractors and suppliers.

Compare quotes to identify missing scope, exclusions, and pricing discrepancies.

Help prepare scope sheets, requests for information, and complete bid submissions.

Track bid deadlines, maintain organized estimating files, and update historical cost information.

Assist with project handoffs, site visits, and pre-bid meetings as needed.

Required Qualifications

Strong people skills and comfort initiating phone and in-person conversations with subcontractors and suppliers.

An interest in commercial construction, a proactive approach, and consistent follow-through.

A high school diploma or equivalent, strong math skills, and attention to detail.

Basic ability to read construction drawings and specifications.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn estimating software.

Ability to organize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and learn as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

A degree in construction management, engineering, building technology, or a related field.

One to three years of construction, estimating, or project coordination experience. Internships and field experience will be considered.

Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar software.