Assistant Estimator - Energy & Construction Precon

Willdan; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Willdan is hiring an Assistant Estimator to support the preconstruction and estimating team. This entry-level role involves quantity takeoffs, subcontractor outreach, pricing coordination, document management, and basic cost analysis under experienced guidance.

You will gain exposure to all phases of estimating—from conceptual budgets to detailed pricing—while building foundational knowledge of construction methods, procurement, and energy project practices. Travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• 0-4 years of experience in construction, estimating, engineering, or a related field; internship experience acceptable.
• Basic understanding of construction drawings, specifications, building systems, construction terminology, and estimating principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel; familiarity with estimating software or construction management platforms preferred.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate professionally across internal teams, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work product.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn construction delivery methods, procurement practices, estimating methodologies, and industry best practices.
• Travel is a required component of this role and will be necessary to meet job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing project cost estimates across multiple stages of preconstruction, including conceptual, schematic, and construction document phases, while supporting senior estimating staff with pricing and scope development activities.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, and equipment using drawings, specifications, and estimating software while maintaining accurate project records and documentation.
• Support subcontractor and supplier solicitation efforts by distributing bid packages, soliciting subcontractors, tracking responses, collecting pricing information, and assisting with bid leveling activities.
• Maintain and organize project plans, specifications, addenda, cost databases, estimating templates, and historical pricing information to support efficient estimate development and reporting.
• Participate in estimate review meetings, preconstruction discussions, and internal coordination meetings to gain understanding of project scope, constructability considerations, scheduling impacts, and pricing strategies.
• Coordinate with internal teams including engineering, procurement, and project management to gather project information, resolve scope questions, and support estimate accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with budget tracking, cost comparisons, variance analysis, and preparation of estimate documentation for internal review and client presentations while ensuring adherence to company standards, policies, and safety practices.
• Assist in evaluating existing facility conditions and site constraints that may impact project costs, schedules, or implementation strategies.
• Develop a working knowledge of energy performance contracting, utility incentive programs, measurement and verification (M&V) principles, and applicable energy codes and standards to support project development activities.
• Assist in maintaining, updating, and analyzing historical project cost data, subcontractor pricing, and estimate benchmarks to support estimate accuracy, budgeting efforts, and continuous improvement of estimating practices.

Skills

Excel

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Construction management platforms

Job description

Willdan is hiring an Assistant Estimator to support the preconstruction and estimating team. This entry-level role involves quantity takeoffs, subcontractor outreach, pricing coordination, document management, and basic cost analysis under experienced guidance.

You will gain exposure to all phases of estimating—from conceptual budgets to detailed pricing—while building foundational knowledge of construction methods, procurement, and energy project practices. Travel is required.