Construction Estimator - Preconstruction (Ground-Up, FL)

Vaco; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring in Sarasota, FL is seeking an Estimator to join its growing preconstruction team on a diverse portfolio of retail, industrial, and commercial projects across Florida. You will budget, perform takeoffs, analyze drawings, and partner with development, construction, leasing, and design teams to support strategic project decisions.

This role offers exposure from initial concept through construction and the opportunity to grow within a stable, expanding organization with a

Qualifications

• Experience working for a general contractor, commercial developer, or owner/developer organization.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, quantity takeoffs, budgeting, and subcontractor pricing.
• Experience reviewing construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and construction-related technology platforms.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for ground-up commercial construction, tenant improvements, redevelopments, and capital projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop comprehensive project budgets using historical cost data, subcontractor pricing, and market intelligence.
• Analyze project drawings, specifications, and site conditions to identify cost drivers, project risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to support budgeting, feasibility analysis, and project planning efforts.
• Solicit, evaluate, and maintain relationships with subcontractors and vendors to ensure competitive pricing and reliable project execution.
• Manage distribution and review of plans, specifications, and estimating documents throughout the preconstruction process.
• Maintain and update unit pricing databases, estimating templates, and market cost assumptions.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate existing conditions and incorporate findings into project estimates and budgets.

Skills

Cost estimation

Takeoffs

Budgeting

Data analysis

Communication

Organization

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Construction tech platforms

Job description

Vaco by Highspring in Sarasota, FL is seeking an Estimator to join its growing preconstruction team on a diverse portfolio of retail, industrial, and commercial projects across Florida. You will budget, perform takeoffs, analyze drawings, and partner with development, construction, leasing, and design teams to support strategic project decisions.

This role offers exposure from initial concept through construction and the opportunity to grow within a stable, expanding organization with a