Construction Estimator

Red Bison Services; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Company-paid life insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Red Bison Services is seeking a detail-oriented Construction Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for federal, commercial, and industrial projects. You will work with project managers and subcontractors to price work, assess risks, and improve value.

The role requires a degree in CM/engineering/architecture or related experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with Excel and estimating software. On-site collaboration and bid preparation are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM/Engineering/Architecture or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
• Strong understanding of commercial, industrial, and federal construction.
• Proficient with Excel and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and bid docs to prepare comprehensive estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for all construction disciplines.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontract cost estimates.
• Prepare various estimate types and analyze risks and contingencies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Reading drawings

Independent and collaborative work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

RSMeans

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Construction Estimator to join our growing team. The Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for federal, commercial, and industrial construction projects. This position works closely with project managers, operations personnel, subcontractors, and clients to develop complete project pricing while identifying opportunities to improve value and manage risk.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, experience with government contracting, and a thorough understanding of construction methods, labor productivity, equipment costs, and subcontractor procurement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, and solicitation documents to develop comprehensive project estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for all construction disciplines.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontract cost estimates.
• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates.
• Analyze project risks, assumptions, exclusions, and contingency requirements.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and perform site visits as required.
• Coordinate with operations personnel to ensure estimates reflect actual construction means and methods.
• Assist in developing project schedules and sequencing during the estimating process.
• Prepare bid summaries, proposal pricing, and estimate review packages for management approval.
• Maintain historical cost databases and unit pricing information.
• Participate in post-award handoff meetings with project management teams.
• Support value engineering initiatives to improve project competitiveness.
• Stay current with market conditions, labor rates, material pricing, and industry trends.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Construction estimating experience.
• Strong understanding of commercial, industrial, and/or federal construction.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs.
• Knowledge of construction methods, scheduling, and project execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating federal government projects (USACE, NAVFAC, VA, GSA, DoW, etc.).
• Knowledge of FAR and DFARS requirements.
• Experience with Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, MATOC, IDIQ, and JOC contracts.
• Familiarity with RSMeans or other construction cost databases.
• Experience using estimating software
• OSHA 30 certification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong mathematical and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to identify project risks and pricing opportunities.
• Strong negotiation and vendor relationship skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Professional communication with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to visit active construction sites, including walking uneven terrain and climbing stairs or ladders while wearing required PPE.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package including:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off and paid holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage

Why Join Our Team?

You'll play a key role in winning projects that improve critical infrastructure and serve federal, state, and commercial clients. We value integrity, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement, providing opportunities for professional growth while working on meaningful construction projects.

Equal Employment Opportunity