Construction Estimator (Tampa)

Vaco; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a Construction Estimator in Tampa, FL to lead small to midsize estimates and support larger pursuits. You will work with project teams, trade partners, and suppliers to validate requirements and drive competitive tenders.

We value strong estimating knowledge, practical construction experience, and the ability to identify risks and opportunities while mentoring junior staff and ensuring successful turnover to the project team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least four years of progressive construction cost-estimating experience.
• Approximately six months of on-site construction experience is preferred.
• Successful experience leading pursuits valued up to $25 million.
• Strong general construction knowledge, including drawings, specifications, materials, methods, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of bid preparation, quantity takeoff procedures, trade-partner procurement, pricing, general expenses, and bid-closing processes.
• Familiarity with Hard Bid, GMP, Unit price, Design-build, Target price, Cost-reimbursable projects.
• Ability to identify relevant market conditions, business trends, cost considerations, and competitive factors.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with trade partners and suppliers.
• Working knowledge of estimating software and advanced Microsoft Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead small to midsize estimates or components of larger estimates.
• Review bid documents, contract documents, drawings, and specifications to validate project requirements.
• Complete detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, equipment, and materials.
• Support pursuit planning with tender forms, RFIs, and proposal scheduling.
• Identify risks and opportunities related to project requirements, terms, site conditions, schedules, and market constraints.
• Organize, document, and archive estimating information for turnover to the project team.
• Complete bid-day assignments and support closing of multiple scopes.
• Solicit and evaluate competitive pricing from trade partners and suppliers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with estimating leaders, bid teams, and suppliers.
• Establish critical-path schedules for estimates and pursuits.
• Provide mentoring to junior team members or indirect reports.

Skills

Estimating software

Construction knowledge

Communication

Bid coordination

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree or related discipline

On-site construction experience

Equiv. education & experience

Tools

MS Excel

MS Office

Job description

Our client, an established organization in the commercial construction industry, is seeking a skilled Construction Estimator to join its Florida buildings team. This position offers the opportunity to lead small to midsize estimates, contribute to larger and more complex pursuits, and collaborate with project teams, trade partners, and suppliers. The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating knowledge with practical construction experience, sound judgment, and the ability to identify project risks and opportunities.

Location

Tampa, Florida

Job Type

Permanent

Key Responsibilities

• Lead small to midsize estimates or assigned components of larger estimates.
• Review bid documents, contract documents, drawings, and specifications to validate project requirements.
• Complete detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, equipment, and materials.
• Support pursuit planning by preparing tender forms, developing requests for information, anticipating proposal requirements, and assisting with pursuit schedules.
• Identify risks and opportunities associated with project requirements, contract terms, site conditions, schedules, and market constraints.
• Organize, document, and archive estimating information for successful turnover to the project team.
• Complete bid-day assignments and support the closing of multiple scopes.
• Solicit and evaluate competitive pricing from trade partners and suppliers.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with estimating leaders, bid teams, trade partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Establish critical-path schedules for estimates and pursuits.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to junior team members or indirect reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in a related discipline, relevant trade experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least four years of progressive construction cost-estimating experience.
• Approximately six months of on-site construction experience is preferred.
• Successful experience leading pursuits valued up to $25 million.
• Strong general construction knowledge, including an understanding of drawings, specifications, materials, construction methods, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of bid preparation, quantity takeoff procedures, trade-partner procurement, pricing, general expenses, and bid-closing processes.
• Familiarity with multiple project-delivery methods, including:
  • Hard Bid
  • Guaranteed maximum price, or GMP
  • Unit price
  • Design-build
  • Target price
  • Cost-reimbursable
• Ability to identify relevant market conditions, business trends, cost considerations, and competitive factors.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, including the ability to engage trade partners and suppliers.
• Working knowledge of estimating software.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to quickly adopt new technology.

Benefits and Professional Development

• Annual discretionary performance bonuses
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Prescription drug and telemedicine benefits
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave and family-care support
• Healthcare, dependent-care, and transportation spending accounts
• Mental-health and wellness resources
• Employee assistance programs
• Career-development pathways
• Leadership development and mentorship
• Professional training and continuing-education opportunities

Our client is committed to providing an inclusive workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, potential, and the ability to contribute. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and interview process.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

the individual's skill sets, experience and training;

licensure and certification requirements;

office location and other geographic considerations; and

other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits).

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here.

Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring.