Associate Construction Estimator

YA Group; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-focused culture

Strong work-life balance

Flexible vacation

Paid family care and sick leave

Parental leave

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

Job summary

YA Group is seeking an Associate Construction Estimator to support pre-construction planning. You will analyze drawings, perform quantity take-offs, and develop project budgets with guidance from senior estimators in a collaborative environment.

Ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals, this onsite role offers hands-on training and clear career growth in the Planning and Construction Advisory Services unit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in a related field.
• Internship/co-op or professional experience encouraged.
• Up to two years in construction/architecture/engineering/estimating preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret construction drawings, specs, and narratives.
• Participate in client and internal kickoff meetings.
• Perform quantity take-offs using estimating software and digital tools.
• Develop RFIs and coordinate with suppliers/subcontractors.
• Research pricing and build cost estimates from data and quotes.
• Conduct cost analyses and budget evaluations.
• Prepare organized estimate reports for clients and teams.
• Communicate with contractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and owners.
• Support process improvements and best practices.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Detail orientation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Architecture/Engineering/Related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

AI-enabled tools

Job description

The Role

Are you interested in architecture, design, engineering, or construction? YA Group's Planning and Construction Advisory Services (PCAS) team is seeking an Associate Construction Estimator to support pre-construction planning for a wide variety of projects. This role is ideal for recent graduates and early-career professionals who are analytical, detail-oriented, comfortable with technology, and excited to build a long-term career in the construction industry. Working alongside experienced estimators and industry experts, you'll learn how to evaluate drawings, quantify materials, develop project budgets, and provide cost guidance that helps clients make critical project decisions before construction begins. We provide hands-on training, mentorship, and a clear path for career growth. This is an onsite position based in either our Buffalo, NY or Pittsburgh, PA office because of the collaboration and technical nature of the role. This position involves spending much of the workday working on a computer reviewing plans, analyzing project information, and preparing estimates.

In This Role, You Will

• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project narratives.
• Participate in client and internal project kickoff meetings.
• Perform quantity take-offs using estimating software and digital construction tools.
• Develop Requests for Information (RFIs) and coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Research pricing and build cost estimates using historical data, vendor quotes, and market benchmarks.
• Conduct comparative cost analyses and budget evaluations.
• Prepare organized and professional estimate reports for clients and project teams.
• Communicate with contractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and owners throughout the estimating process.
• Support process improvement initiatives and estimating best practices.
• Assist with project documentation and other related responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Building Science, or a related field preferred.
• Candidates with internship, co-op, academic project, or professional experience are encouraged to apply.
• Up to two years of experience in construction, architecture, engineering, design, estimating, consulting, or a related field preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Comfort learning new software, estimating platforms, and AI-enabled technology tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and eager to learn.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Who We Are

YA Group is an international professional services organization providing forensic consulting, engineering, risk mitigation, and related services. Founded over 25 years ago as a property damage consulting firm, YA has expanded through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Today, YA has over 800 professionals dedicated to excellence, partnership, and driving innovation. Planning and Construction Advisory Services (PCAS), a Business Unit of YA, specializes in pre-construction and construction consulting, including cost estimating, scheduling, and constructability reviews. Known for accuracy and strategic insight, PCAS helps clients align scope, schedule, and budget from the earliest planning stages through project execution.

What We Offer

• Employee-focused culture
• Strong commitment to work-life balance
• Flexible vacation
• Paid family care and sick leave
• Parental leave
• Comprehensive benefits
• 401(k) with company match

Disclosures

As part of our recruitment process, we may use AI-assisted tools to support candidate screening and evaluation. These tools are designed to assist, rather than replace, human decision-making, and all employment decisions are made by our recruiting team in accordance with applicable laws and our commitment to equal employment opportunity. Where required by law, we will provide additional information about the use of these tools, including their purpose, and offer alternative processes or accommodations upon request.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 annually

In accordance with New York State pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this position is $65,000 to $70,000 annually. Compensation will be determined based on factors including education, skills, experience, certifications, and business needs.