Construction Estimator

Wessler Engineering; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Wessler Engineering is seeking a Construction Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for civil, water, wastewater, and infrastructure projects in Central Indiana. You will perform quantity takeoffs, build labor/equipment/material costs, and support budgeting across planning, design, procurement, and construction stages.

The role requires 3–7 years of estimating experience, proficiency with Excel and estimating software, and the ability to read engineering drawings and specs.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of construction estimating experience preferred.
• Experience with civil infrastructure, utility, water, wastewater, or municipal projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, means, and materials.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Knowledge of Indiana public bidding requirements.
• Ability to visit construction sites periodically, lift up to 25 pounds, walk uneven terrain and access active sites.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs from plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and final construction cost estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Prepare bid tabulations and compare pricing alternatives.
• Review construction documents for completeness, constructability, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineering staff to identify project risks and opportunities.
• Assist with value engineering evaluations and lifecycle cost analyses.
• Maintain and update historical cost databases and estimating tools.
• Research material, labor, and equipment costs and market trends.
• Participate in project kickoff, design review, and preconstruction meetings.
• Evaluate change orders and assess cost impacts during construction.
• Track estimate-to-bid and estimate-to-construction cost performance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Reading plans & specs

Attention to detail

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor's in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Central Indiana | Updated on July 20, 2026

About the Role

The Construction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for civil, water, wastewater, stormwater, and infrastructure construction projects. This position works closely with construction managers, project managers, engineers, and contractors to evaluate project requirements, complete quantity takeoffs, develop labor, equipment, and material costs, prepare detailed estimates, assess construction risks, and support project budgeting during planning, design, procurement, and construction phases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs from plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and final construction cost estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Prepare bid tabulations and compare pricing alternatives.
• Review construction documents for completeness, constructability, and potential cost‑saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineering staff to identify project risks and opportunities.
• Assist with value engineering evaluations and lifecycle cost analyses.
• Maintain and update historical cost databases and estimating tools.
• Research material, labor, and equipment costs and market trends.
• Participate in project kickoff, design review, and preconstruction meetings.
• Evaluate change orders and assess cost impacts during construction.
• Track estimate‑to‑bid and estimate‑to‑construction cost performance.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of construction estimating experience preferred.
• Experience with civil infrastructure, utility, water, wastewater, or municipal construction projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, means, and materials.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Indiana public bidding requirements.
• Ability to visit construction sites periodically, occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, walk uneven terrain and access active construction areas.
• Professional certifications preferred, such as:
  • Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)
  • Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
  • Construction Management certification

About Wessler

Wessler Engineering, a company committed to providing quality services that exceed our client’s and our employee’s expectations, is looking for you. An employee owned business since its inception in 1975, Wessler Engineering offers a challenging and diverse employment opportunity in an excellent working environment.

Wessler Engineering offers a competitive wage, paid holidays, paid employee health and disability insurance, and 401(k) profit‑sharing.