Commercial Construction Estimator

Confidential Jobs; Canonsburg (Washington County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Jobs is seeking a Commercial Construction Estimator to prepare accurate proposals for educational, institutional, hospitality, multi-family, and healthcare projects. You will perform quantity take-offs, pricing, budgeting, and bid review to develop competitive bids in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires extensive coordination with project teams, subcontractors, and vendors, plus site visits and pre-construction support to ensure pricing accuracy and win-win outcomes.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Construction, Engineering, or related field; equivalent combos considered.
• 4+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience with hard bid, conceptual, and negotiated estimating.
• Ability to interpret drawings and bid documents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate proposals for private and public construction projects.
• Perform and document detailed quantity take-offs for materials and pricing.
• Develop material, labor, subcontractor, and preliminary project costs.
• Review bid documents, drawings, specifications, and other project requirements.
• Request and evaluate material and subcontractor quotes; review, compare, and qualify proposals.
• Conduct job site visits as needed to support estimating and project evaluation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Time management

Reading drawings

Education

BS in Construction/Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

On-screen takeoff

Estimating software

Microsoft Project

Job description

The Commercial Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive proposals for private and public construction projects across educational, institutional, hospitality, multi-family, and healthcare sectors. This role manages project quantity take-offs, material and labor pricing, preliminary budgeting, bid document review, subcontractor proposal evaluation, and pre-construction support. The Estimator plays a key role in developing competitive bids, maintaining pricing accuracy, and supporting successful project pursuits in a fast-paced construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive proposals for private and public construction projects
• Perform and document detailed quantity take-offs for materials and pricing
• Develop material, labor, subcontractor, and preliminary project costs
• Review bid documents, drawings, specifications, and other project requirements
• Request and evaluate material and subcontractor quotesReview, compare, and qualify subcontractor proposals and job costs
• Conduct job site visits as needed to support estimating and project evaluation
• Prepare estimates for hard bid, conceptual, and negotiated projects
• Communicate effectively with the Estimating Department, Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, subcontractors, and vendors
• Assist with the pre-construction process following project award and project start-up
• Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project or similar scheduling software
• Manage estimating assignments across multiple projects while balancing priorities and deadlines
• Support negotiations with subcontractors, suppliers, and other project partners
• Maintain accurate and organized estimating records, bid documentation, and pricing information
• Perform other duties as assigned and demonstrate flexibility to meet the needs of a growing company

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of commercial construction estimating experience required
• Experience with hard bid, conceptual, and negotiated estimating required
• BS degree in Construction, Engineering, or a related field preferred but not required
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Special Requirements

• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines independently
• Ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality, accuracy, and completeness
• Ability to review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents
• Familiarity with the local subcontractor and construction market
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and willing to learn and master company estimating processes

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Knowledge of on-screen takeoff systems and construction estimating software
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or similar scheduling software, including the ability to develop project schedules
• Strong understanding of construction materials, labor costs, subcontractor pricing, and project requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to quickly learn and apply company-specific estimating processes and procedures
• Ability to effectively communicate with Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal team members

This position operates in a fast-paced commercial construction environment and requires collaboration with Estimators, Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and other construction professionals. The role involves managing multiple bids and projects simultaneously, working within strict deadlines, and may require job site visits and flexibility to meet project and business demands.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment
• Ability to review detailed construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents for prolonged periods
• Ability to visit and walk active construction job sites as needed
• Ability to navigate construction job site environments safely and effectively