Construction Estimator

Cornerstone General Contractors; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Bonus program

Paid holidays

Job summary

Cornerstone General Contractors in Anchorage, AK is seeking an Estimator to join our preconstruction team. You will build detailed cost estimates from drawings and specs, perform takeoffs, and coordinate with project managers, architects, and subcontractors to shape projects from the start.

We value accuracy, ownership, and collaboration, offering a competitive salary, annual bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits as part of a long‑term construction career in Alaska.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of commercial construction experience (field or office).
• Three+ years estimating vertical commercial projects.
• Strong ability to read plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Experience with takeoff software (E-Takeoff, OST, etc.).
• A mindset for accuracy, ownership, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Build detailed, competitive cost estimates from drawings and specifications.
• Perform quantity take-offs and assist with scope development.
• Support subcontractor engagement and bid coordination efforts.
• Assist with value engineering and constructability reviews.
• Help prepare conceptual and detailed project estimates.
• Support estimate organization, tracking, and documentation.
• Partner with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors during preconstruction.
• Assist with subcontractor outreach and proposal review.
• Help identify project risks, cost impacts, and scope gaps early in the estimating process.
• Support the preparation of bid packages and estimate summaries.
• Contribute to maintaining historical cost data and estimating standards.

Skills

Reading plans & specs

Collaboration

Accountability

Tools

E-Takeoff

OST

Job description

ESTIMATOR – Build More Than Projects. Build a Career

THIS POSITION IS ALWAYS OPEN

Great estimators are worth knowing. Cornerstone accepts applications for experienced Estimators year-round as we plan for current and future projects across Alaska. If you're passionate about preconstruction, enjoy solving complex construction challenges, and are interested in what could be next, even if the timing isn't today, we'd like to connect.

More than a job. An investment in you.

At Cornerstone, we don’t just build commercial projects; we build careers, teams, and long‑term success. Since 1993, we’ve grown as a 100% Alaskan‑owned company by focusing on cooperation, accountability, and doing things the right way.

We’re looking for an Estimator who wants more than pushing numbers; someone who wants to shape projects early, influence outcomes, and be part of a high‑performing preconstruction team.

For people who are curious, driven, and want to make a real impact, estimating isn’t just a job; it’s an exceptional career.

WHY ESTIMATING (WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS)

Estimating is one of the most dynamic and influential roles in construction.

You gain exposure to the entire building process from concept to completion while solving real problems every day and helping turn ideas into tangible, useful spaces. Estimators sit at the center of winning work, creating opportunity not just for themselves, but for entire teams and the company.

It’s a role that blends strategy, collaboration, and constant learning with the energy of competition and a clear path to leadership.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (THE IMPACT YOU’LL HAVE)

This role sits at the center of preconstruction where your work directly shapes project success before construction even begins.

Preconstruction and Estimating Support

• Build detailed, competitive cost estimates from drawings and specifications
• Perform quantity take-offs and assist with scope development
• Support subcontractor engagement and bid coordination efforts
• Assist with value engineering and constructability reviews
• Help prepare conceptual and detailed project estimates
• Support estimate organization, tracking, and documentation

Project Coordination and Collaboration

• Partner with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors during preconstruction
• Assist with subcontractor outreach and proposal review
• Help identify project risks, cost impacts, and scope gaps early in the estimating process
• Support the preparation of bid packages and estimate summaries
• Contribute to maintaining historical cost data and estimating standards

Growth and Development

• Continue developing estimating knowledge, technical skills, and construction expertise
• Learn project strategy, procurement planning, and preconstruction workflows
• Contribute to a collaborative environment between estimating, operations, and field teams
• Support a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement

This is more than estimating; it’s an opportunity to help shape projects before they’re built while building a long‑term career in construction leadership.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 5+ years of commercial construction experience (field or office)
• 3+ years estimating vertical commercial projects
• Strong ability to read plans, specifications, and contracts
• Experience with takeoff software (E‑Takeoff, OST, etc.)
• A mindset for accuracy, ownership, and collaboration

COMPENSATION

• Competitive salary. $90,000 – $120,000 based on experience and capability
• Up to 15% annual bonus tied to performance and company results

Our philosophy is simple:

high performers are rewarded, growth is supported, and success is shared across the team.

What You Get (Total Rewards That Actually Matter)

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
• Plans backed by trusted national carriers
• Benefits designed to provide meaningful long‑term value not just coverage on paper
• Wellness-focused support that encourages balance and sustainability

Time & Flexibility

• Generous PTO that supports work‑life balance and recovery
• Paid holidays plus a company‑wide break from Christmas through New Year’s
• Paid volunteer time to support causes important to you
• A culture that values sustainable performance not burnout

Your Future

• 401(k) with profit sharing of at least 3% or more, depending on company performance
• Performance‑based incentives aligned with company success
• Opportunities for advancement and increased leadership responsibility
• Support for continued professional growth and development

Where We Go Beyond the Market

• Wellness stipend for real‑life use
• Merit‑based advancement driven by contribution not tenure
• Life‑event support programs
• PTO donation program to support team members during times of need

Our Culture

• Performance matters and it’s recognized and rewarded
• Contributions are visible, measurable, and tied directly to growth and opportunity.
• You have real ownership over your work and outcomes
• You’re trusted to make decisions, solve problems, and help drive project success.
• Collaboration across teams is expected
• Estimating, operations, and field teams work together early and often to build better outcomes.
• Your impact extends beyond the estimate
• The work you do directly influences project success, team performance, and client relationships.
• Growth is based on contribution, not tenure
• Leadership opportunities are earned through initiative, accountability, and results.

Why Cornerstone

• Fair, performance‑based compensation aligned with contribution and leadership impact
• A strong, team‑first environment built on trust, accountability, and collaboration
• Meaningful work helping shape projects across Alaska
• A company that invests in your whole life, not just your role