Construction Estimator

Jobot; Blue Island (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation & benefits

Job summary

Jobot, a well-established Midwest construction firm, seeks an Estimator to shape project budgets, ensure constructability, and steer projects from concept through execution.

Based in Blue Island, IL, you will develop detailed cost estimates for commercial, healthcare, and food-service projects, perform takeoffs, and collaborate with architects and subs to refine cost models. This role offers growth across preconstruction phases and a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in CM/CE/Arch.
• 3+ years of estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Proficiency in takeoff and estimating software.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates (conceptual, schematic, design development, bid) for commercial, healthcare, and food-service construction projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs from architectural, structural, mechanical, and civil plans
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to collect pricing, validate assumptions, and refine cost models
• Conduct constructability reviews and value-engineering exercises to optimize design and align cost with client goals
• Build and maintain a unit cost database and historical cost database for use in future estimates
• Participate in bid solicitation: prepare bid packages, issue scopes to subcontractors, evaluate bids, and analyze trade submissions
• Present estimating deliverables to leadership and project teams, and make recommendations based on cost risk and opportunity
• Monitor subcontractor trends, market pricing, and material lead-times
• Collaborate closely with project management, business development, and operations to align cost forecasting, scheduling, and risk management
• Support post-bid activities: take part in buyout, value-engineering sessions, and cost reconciliation

Skills

Estimating experience

Strong communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Takeoff software

Job description

Job Details

As part of our preconstruction team, the Estimator will play a critical role in shaping project budgets, ensuring constructability, and helping steer projects from concept through to execution.

Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 per year

A bit about us

We are a well-established construction firm with over four decades of experience serving the Midwest. Our work spans commercial, healthcare, and food manufacturing sectors, and we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, design-driven, cost-efficient projects. Our core values include integrity, transparency, collaboration, and a relentless focus on results and safety.

Why join us

• Broad Project Types: Opportunities to estimate across different project sectors (commercial, healthcare, food manufacturing).
• Professional Growth: Work on all phases of preconstruction—from conceptual budgeting through bidding and value engineering.
• Collaborative Culture: A team-first, transparent environment that values accountability, integrity, and perseverance.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Track Record & Stability: A long-standing presence in the Greater Chicago construction market with a reputation for quality and client satisfaction.

What You’ll Do

• Develop detailed cost estimates (conceptual, schematic, design development, bid) for commercial, healthcare, and food-service construction projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs from architectural, structural, mechanical, and civil plans
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to collect pricing, validate assumptions, and refine cost models
• Conduct constructability reviews and value-engineering exercises to optimize design and align cost with client goals
• Build and maintain a unit cost database and historical cost database for use in future estimates
• Participate in bid solicitation: prepare bid packages, issue scopes to subcontractors, evaluate bids, and analyze trade submissions
• Present estimating deliverables to leadership and project teams, and make recommendations based on cost risk and opportunity
• Monitor subcontractor trends, market pricing, and material lead-times
• Collaborate closely with project management, business development, and operations to align cost forecasting, scheduling, and risk management
• Support post-bid activities: take part in buyout, value-engineering sessions, and cost reconciliation

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of estimating experience (commercial construction preferred)
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and systems
• Proficiency in takeoff and estimating software (or demonstrated ability to learn quickly)
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (e.g., cost modeling, pivot tables)
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to collaborate with design teams, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Willingness to travel locally to job sites, as necessary

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.