Commercial Construction Estimator

J2 Solutions, Inc.; Venice (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

J2 Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Construction Estimator to determine project costs by researching data, interpreting plans, and preparing precise estimates. You will analyze blueprints, consult with clients and vendors, and track costs to ensure competitive bids and successful project budgets.

The role demands strong mathematical skills, construction knowledge, and negotiation abilities. On-site work on active construction sites with rigorous safety and quality standards is expected.

Qualifications

• 5 yrs. of commerical construction estimator experience.
• Advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials, and legal regulations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency with computer software for job costing or estimating.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Great attention to detail.
• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or relevant field is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Analyze blueprints, plans, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Consult with clients, vendors, and personnel in other departments to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Present prepared estimates for use by management in planning and organizing project budgets.
• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
• Use computer software to calculate estimates and evaluate a project’s financial feasibility.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation abilities

Communication skills

Construction methods knowledge

Estimating software proficiency

Education

Engineering/Construction Management degree

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

As a Construction Estimator, you will be responsible for determining the total cost of construction projects. Your responsibilities include conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and interpreting plans and specifications to prepare accurate cost estimates. This position requires a strong understanding of the construction process, excellent mathematical skills, and the ability to negotiate contracts effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Analyze blueprints, plans, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Consult with clients, vendors, and personnel in other departments to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Present prepared estimates for use by management in planning and organizing project budgets.
• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
• Use computer software to calculate estimates and evaluate a project’s financial feasibility.

Required Qualifications

• 5 yrs. of commerical construction estimator experience.
• Advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials, and legal regulations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency with computer software for job costing or estimating.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Great attention to detail.
• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or relevant field is a plus.

Typical Work Environment

• Setting:Active construction sites.
• Workload:Fast-paced, with multiple concurrent projects.
• Focus:Minimizing operational disruption while meeting strict safety and quality standards.

Essential Physical Duties

These duties reflect the physical expectations required to successfully manage healthcare construction projects in active, occupied environments.

• Site Mobility — Move throughout active hospital facilities, including patient corridors, mechanical rooms, rooftops, and construction zones; navigate tight or occupied spaces while maintaining infection control boundaries.
• Standing & Walking — Spend extended periods on construction sites conducting inspections, coordinating work, and meeting with hospital staff and subcontractors.
• Lifting & Carrying — Occasionally lift, carry, or move materials, small tools, plans, or equipment up to 25 lbs as needed for site reviews or coordination.
• Climbing & Accessing Work Areas — Safely climb ladders, access elevated work platforms, and enter mechanical or utility spaces to review work progress and verify compliance.
• Environmental Awareness — Work in areas with noise, dust, temperature variations, and active construction activity while ensuring adherence to hospital infection control and safety protocols.

• Personal Protective Equipment — Consistently wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, high‑visibility vest, gloves, etc.) and comply with hospital-specific safety and infection control measures (ICRA/PCRA barriers, respirators when required).
• Visual & Auditory Attention — Maintain strong visual acuity for reading plans, inspecting work, and identifying hazards; maintain auditory awareness in active construction and hospital environments.
• Desk & Computer Work — Perform prolonged periods of sitting, typing, and computer-based work for scheduling, documentation, budgeting, and communication.
• Travel Between Sites — Drive to multiple project locations, client meetings, and hospital campuses as required.