Construction Estimator – Preconstruction & Costing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Jobot, a well-established construction firm in the Midwest, seeks an Estimator to shape project budgets from concept to execution. You will develop detailed cost estimates for diverse sectors and coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to refine cost models.

You’ll contribute to constructability reviews, value engineering, and post-bid buyouts, while maintaining cost databases and supporting leadership decisions.

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.

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

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Civil Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Takeoff software

Estimating software

Job description

Jobot, a well-established construction firm in the Midwest, seeks an Estimator to shape project budgets from concept to execution. You will develop detailed cost estimates for diverse sectors and coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to refine cost models.

You’ll contribute to constructability reviews, value engineering, and post-bid buyouts, while maintaining cost databases and supporting leadership decisions.