Construction Estimator

horstgroup; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

Generous 401K match and profit-sharing

Generous Vacation Policy

Tuition Assistance

Referral Bonus

Job summary

Horst Construction is seeking motivated Estimators to join our team in Lancaster County, PA. As a fifth‑generation, family‑owned company, we value long‑term growth, professional development, and a culture of respect and collaboration.

You will estimate competitive bids, design/build and negotiated projects with attention to accuracy and efficiency. Responsibilities include reviewing plans and specs, defining scopes, coordinating with project managers, and preparing bid packages.

Qualifications

• Three years commercial construction estimating experience preferred.
• Knowledge of CSI codes and materials.
• Ability to read blueprints, specifications and contract documents.
• Familiarity with current estimating software (Timberline) and on-screen take-off.

Responsibilities

• Prepare estimates for management review.
• Review plans, specifications and contract documents; perform pre-bid investigations.
• Prepare estimates for all design/build phases and for negotiated or competitive bids.
• Define scope of work for trades and self-perform portions of the project.
• Contribute value engineering options.
• Review proposals to determine completeness and best price.
• Collaborate with Project Manager on pre-bid and post-bid decisions.
• Prepare subcontractor/supplier bid lists and obtain multiple quotations.
• Verify licensing and any additional requirements.
• Enter estimates into the proprietary system.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Estimating software

Takeoffs

Collaboration with PM

Tools

Timberline

Job description

Horst Construction is Hiring Estimators!

Are you looking to launch your career in vertical construction estimating or take the next step with an organization that values long‑term growth and employee development? Horst Construction is seeking motivated Estimators to join our team.

As a fifth‑generation, family‑owned company, we are committed to creating an environment where employees are recognized for their contributions and supported in their professional growth. At Horst, you are more than a job title or employee number-you are a valued member of the team.

If you are looking for a company that invests in its people, promotes career development, and fosters a culture of respect, collaboration, and excellence, we encourage you to apply.

Estimator

Responsible for estimating competitive bid, design/build and negotiated projects. Has construction knowledge and the ability to perform estimating duties on complex projects. Responsible to ensure guidelines and procedures are followed for estimating work.

Major Duties and Key Functions

• Prepares estimates for management review.
• Reviews project plans, specifications, and contract documents; performs pre‑bid investigations as required for bids.
• Prepares estimates for each of the phases of design/build process as well as for negotiated or competitive bids.
• Defines scope of work for various trades in advance of receipt of subcontractor bids. Defines scope of work for self‑performance portions of project.
• Contributes value engineering options.
• Reviews scope from various proposals and prepares spreadsheets to determine completeness and best price.
• Collaborates with Project Manager during pre‑bid and post‑bid process regarding selection of subcontractors, schedule, strategy and buyout.
• Prepares subcontractor/supplier bid list, including research and references for vendors in locations outside of usual (local) work area. Adds new subcontractors to reference list.
• Obtains multiple quotations for each division of subcontracted or supplied scope.
• Reviews projects with Project Manager during construction to verify labor production and learn from any problems encountered.
• Completes quantity surveys and takeoffs of self‑performed work and establishes production rates.
• Prepares and executes buyout process for projects, as well as estimates for change orders.
• Verifies licensing and any additional requirements.
• Responsible for the original or alternate estimates and rates being entered into proprietary system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years commercial construction estimating experience preferred but not required. Design build experience, a plus.
• Knowledge of construction methods, CSI codes and materials with a minimum of two years of estimating experience.
• Must demonstrate knowledge or ability to learn use of current estimating software (specifically Timberline) and on‑screen take‑off.
• Must be able to read and understand blueprints, specifications and contract documents.
• Must have knowledge of general trades, MEP, and civil.

Excellent Benefits

• Affordable and customizable Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Generous 401K match and profit‑sharing plan
• Generous Vacation Policy
• Paid holidays / Sick Days
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral Bonus

Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Horst Group is an EEO employer and maintains a drug free work place.