Construction Estimator

Thompson Construction Inc.; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Holidays

Vehicle and fuel allowance

Cell phone allowance

Health insurance

Life and accident insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company 
%

Dental, vision options

Job summary

Thompson Construction Inc. in Tulsa, OK, is seeking an experienced Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates from concept through bid submission for commercial projects.

You will review drawings, perform takeoffs, price subcontractor proposals, and collaborate with preconstruction and operations teams to establish competitive budgets while managing multiple priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent construction/estimating experience.
• Experience preparing estimates and quantity takeoffs for multiple project phases.
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual and detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, and bid proposals for commercial projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and other documents to identify scope, cost impacts, and risks.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing for complete bid coverage.
• Develop scopes of work and assist with subcontractor reviews and bid leveling.
• Collaborate with preconstruction and operations to establish budgets and pricing strategies.
• Evaluate value engineering, constructability, and design-development options for cost savings.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and subcontractor outreach.
• Prepare bid clarifications and proposal documentation for submissions.
• Maintain historical cost data and market pricing to improve estimates.

Skills

Reading drawings

Cost analysis

Bid preparation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project coordination

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related

Equivalent experience considered

Tools

Estimating software

MS Office

Job description

Thompson Construction was founded in 1997 and is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. TCI is an award-winning, minority-owned construction company with a second location in Oklahoma City. For more than 25 years, we have built a portfolio and reputation we are proud of, one that serves the best interests of our clients and communities. We provide preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and general contracting services for renovations, expansions, and ground-up projects ranging from $200k to $70M+.

We serve many market sectors, including Commercial, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, Industrial, Multi-Family, Native American, Non-Profit, and Religious. TCI values each client and every project, and we find particular inspiration in work that creates meaningful and successful outcomes for the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for construction projects from conceptual design through final bid submission. This position reviews project documents, performs quantity takeoffs, develops pricing, evaluates subcontractor proposals, and works with internal teams to establish realistic and competitive project budgets.

The Estimator works closely with preconstruction, operations, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, and design professionals to identify project risks, evaluate opportunities, and develop pricing strategies that support successful project delivery.

Successful Estimators at TCI are analytical, detail-oriented, organized, and effective communicators who can manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual estimates, detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, and bid proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and other project documents to identify scope requirements, cost impacts, and potential risks.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure complete and competitive bid coverage.
• Develop scopes of work and assist with subcontractor scope reviews and bid leveling.
• Collaborate with preconstruction and operations teams to establish project budgets, pricing strategies, and execution plans.
• Evaluate value engineering, constructability, and design-development efforts by evaluating cost alternatives and potential savings.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, subcontractor outreach, and project scope reviews.
• Prepare bid clarifications, proposal documentation, and other information required for complete and professional submissions.
• Maintain and utilize historical cost information, market pricing, and estimating data to improve future estimates.
• Provide cost analysis, pricing recommendations, and estimating support to leadership and project teams throughout the preconstruction process.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of commercial construction means, methods, materials, and project delivery.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and other project documents.
• Knowledge of construction estimating, quantity takeoffs, cost development, and bid preparation.
• Analyze subcontractor and supplier proposals for scope completeness, pricing, and potential risk.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, and competing priorities effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, and internal project teams.
• Proficiency with estimating software, construction technology, Microsoft Office, and standard business applications.
• Ability to use sound judgment and construction knowledge to identify project risks, opportunities, and cost-saving alternatives.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent relevant construction and estimating experience may be considered in place of a degree.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience preparing estimates and quantity takeoffs for multiple phases of project development.
• Experience soliciting, evaluating, and leveling subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Valid and unrestricted driver's license required.
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with periodic visits to active construction sites, client meetings, and other business locations.
• Ability to travel to project sites, pre-bid meetings, and other locations as needed.
• Must be comfortable navigating active construction sites when performing site visits.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on relevant experience and qualifications.

At Thompson Construction Inc., we believe our people are one of our greatest strengths. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees both at work and outside of it.

Our benefits include:

• Paid time off and company-recognized holidays
• Vehicle and fuel allowance, when applicable
• Cell phone allowance or company-provided phone and service
• Company-sponsored health insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Optional dental, vision, supplemental insurance, and family coverage options

We're committed to providing our team with benefits and resources that support their health, financial well-being, and long-term success.

Why Thompson Construction?

At TCI, construction is about more than completing a project. It's about building strong relationships, developing our people, strengthening our communities, and creating work that our team and clients can be proud of.

As an Estimator, you'll play an important role in shaping projects before construction begins, developing strong relationships with trade partners, and helping TCI pursue and deliver successful projects.

Thompson Construction Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact Thompson Construction Inc. for assistance.

We are not accepting unsolicited assistance from third-party staffing agencies or search firms for this role. All resumes submitted by agencies to any employee at our company without a valid signed search agreement in place will be considered the sole property of the company, and no fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by the company as a result of the referral.