Body Shop Estimator

Buerkle Automotive; White Bear Lake (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Buerkle Automotive in White Bear Lake, MN seeks a Collision Repair Estimator to evaluate vehicle damage, prepare precise repair estimates, and be the primary contact for customers and insurers throughout the repair process. You will document damage, determine labor and parts needs, and collaborate with the Body Shop team for timely, quality repairs.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, 3+ years in collision estimating, and proficiency with estimating software. Full-time, day shift.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three or more years of related collision repair estimating or industry experience.
• Proficiency with collision repair processes and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers, gather vehicle and loss information, explain the estimating and repair process.
• Prepare complete, itemized repair estimates reflecting labor, parts, materials, and fees.
• Document damage with photos and notes for insurers and the shop.
• Review repair-versus-replacement decisions and identify needed diagnostics or safety procedures.
• Communicate estimates and timelines to customers, insurers, technicians, and leadership.
• Monitor repairs and update estimates and plans as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Organization

Education

Two year degree

Tools

Collision estimating software

Body shop management software

Job description

Position Summary

Job DetailsJob Location: Buerkle Collision Center - White Bear Lake, MN 55110Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 2 Year DegreeSalary Range: $30,000.00 - $35,000.00 SalaryTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: SalesPosition Summary

The Collision Repair Estimator evaluates vehicle damage, prepares accurate repair estimates, and serves as a primary point of contact for customers and insurance partners throughout the repair process. This position documents the full scope of damage; identifies the labor, parts, materials, and procedures required to restore the vehicle; and works closely with the Body Shop team to support safe, high-quality, and timely repairs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet customers, gather vehicle and loss information, explain the estimating and repair process, and provide professional, timely service.
• Inspect vehicles thoroughly to identify visible and potential structural, body, mechanical, electrical, safety-system, and interior damage.
• Prepare complete, itemized repair estimates that accurately reflect required labor, parts, materials, sublet work, refinishing operations, manufacturer procedures, and applicable fees.
• Document damage with photographs, measurements, notes, and other supporting information required by Buerkle Automotive or the insurance carrier.
• Review repair-versus-replacement decisions and identify additional diagnostic, calibration, scanning, or safety procedures that may be required.
• Communicate estimates, repair recommendations, costs, and timelines clearly to customers, insurance representatives, technicians, parts personnel, and Body Shop leadership.
• Submit estimates and supplements to insurance carriers and provide supporting documentation needed to obtain timely authorization.
• Monitor assigned repairs, review discovered or supplemental damage, update estimates and repair plans, and keep affected parties informed of material changes.
• Work collaboratively with technicians and production staff to ensure the repair plan is complete, technically appropriate, and understood before and during repairs.
• Maintain accurate customer, vehicle, estimate, authorization, and claim records in the Company's estimating and management systems.
• Follow Company procedures, insurer requirements, manufacturer repair information, and all applicable safety and documentation standards.
• Protect customer and Company information and maintain a clean, organized, and professional work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three or more years of related collision repair estimating or industry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of collision repair processes, vehicle construction, refinishing, parts, labor operations, and repair-versus-replacement considerations.
• Proficiency with general computer applications and collision estimating or body shop management software.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet and maintain Buerkle Automotive's driving eligibility requirements.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and represent Buerkle Automotive positively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postsecondary automotive, collision repair, or related technical education.
• Experience with current collision estimating platforms and insurance claim processes.
• Relevant collision-industry training or certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong customer-service and relationship-building skills.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication.
• Active listening, sound judgment, and effective problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail and technical aptitude.
• Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, follow through on commitments, and collaborate effectively with customers and team members.
• Consistent integrity, accountability, discretion, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach, bend, and inspect vehicles at varying heights and angles. The employee may occasionally be required to climb, crouch, crawl, kneel, or squat. The employee must be able to frequently lift or carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds. The position requires near and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and a functional sense of touch.

Work Environment and Schedule

Work is performed in office, collision repair, and vehicle service areas. The employee may work around moving vehicles and equipment and may be exposed to noise, dust, fumes, temperature changes, and other conditions typical of an automotive collision repair facility. Required personal protective equipment must be used in designated areas. This is a full‑time position. The schedule may include extended hours, evenings, or weekends based on business needs, with occasional travel.

Performance Expectations

• Produces complete, accurate, and well‑documented estimates and supplements in a timely manner.
• Communicates proactively with customers, insurance partners, and internal team members while supporting safe, manufacturer‑aligned repairs.
• Maintains accurate records, follows Company, insurer, and regulatory requirements, and contributes to customer satisfaction and efficient production flow.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may change based on business needs, with or without notice. Buerkle Automotive provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law.

Qualifications

• Customer service skills:Service Advisors deal with suppliers, provide estimates and schedule appointments, so being courteous and friendly is essential. They also need to be able to handle customer complaints diplomatically and politely.
• Communication skills:As a liaison between the customer and technician, a Service Advisor needs to be able to clearly explain the technician’s repair recommendations to customers while communicating customer needs to technicians.
• Comprehension skills:Service Advisors should be able to comprehend customers questions and concerns as well as what is being said when technicians give complex service recommendations.
• Engineering and mechanical expertise:Having extensive knowledge in these areas is essential when looking over complex technical documents, ordering online and speaking with technicians.
• Troubleshooting skills:Service Advisors need to be able to think on their feet and quickly resolve issues when customers change their minds about service work, repairs are running behind schedule or parts arrive late.
• Math and writing skills:Service Advisors prepare and calculate estimates so having good math and writing skills are an essential part of the job.