Construction Project Estimator

Higley Construction; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Higley Construction seeks an experienced Senior Project Estimator to join their team in Pittsburgh. This role involves leading conceptual estimates and managing subcontractor relationships in various construction markets. The ideal candidate will have a passion for construction and a strong understanding of industry techniques.

Benefits

25 days of Paid Time Off

9 Paid Holidays

401k Contributions/Match

Life Insurance/AD&D

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Family Leave

Short & Long Term Disability

$1,000 Referral Bonus

Cell Phone Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Experience in preconstruction for commercial general contracting.
• Ability to produce conceptual estimates from limited information.
• Strong understanding of construction systems and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead in producing conceptual estimates at schematic and design development levels.
• Manage relationships with subcontractors and validate costs.
• Support project managers with detailed scopes of work.

Skills

Construction knowledge

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Diverse educational backgrounds accepted

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Office Suite

Job description

Posted Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM

About the Company

Higley Construction is one of the most experienced and respected construction firms in the region. For nearly a century we have helped our clients realize their goals and visions, while always adhering to our principles of honesty, integrity, and mutual respect.

Higley Construction is more than just a construction company because we build more than just buildings. Since 1925, we've built the offices where you work, the schools where you learn, and the hospitals where you heal. We build environments so that you can live, work, and play. With every building, we go beyond bricks and mortar by connecting people and place.

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Estimator or a seasoned Project Estimator looking to advance their career with a passion for construction to join our team. The Senior Project Estimator will have experience working in Preconstruction for a Commercial General Contractor/Construction Manager in construction markets that include Corporate, Healthcare, Education, Non-Profit, Assisted Living, Multi-family, Science and Research Facilities, Industrial and Manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• The Senior Project Estimator will work closely with the preconstruction team, taking the lead in producing Conceptual Estimates at the Schematic and Design Development level of design and forecasting costs for all General Trades in a variety of commercial and multi-family construction markets.
• Take the lead in all Lump Sum Competitive Bidding for select projects.
• This position requires a strong understanding and connection with the Subcontractor community in the office’s region, and the surrounding communities. Established relationships and the ability to establish relationships with Subcontractors is essential to success.
• You will be helping owners validate and manage their budget through the design process with the objective of determining a responsible subcontractor bid day cost.
• Perform quantity takeoff and pricing of all system components, inclusive of labor, material, and subcontractor overhead and profit.
• Use On-Screen Takeoff and Office Suite products to prepare estimates.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and subcontractors to validate and confirm costs and unit costs.
• Assist the design team with value added suggestions and pricing exercises.
• Support the Project Managers with detailed scopes of work for bidding and post bid scope reviews with subcontractors.
• Review subcontractor bids and submittals for conformance with the specifications.
• Take the lead in communicating estimate and project details to the clients, architects, engineers, and project stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• No one can be a subject matter expert in all aspects of construction. We are looking for a candidate who has a passion for construction and can demonstrate they understand the sequence and techniques used in the construction industry.
• Higley Construction begins 80% of our Preconstruction Services at the Schematic Level of design. The successful candidate should be able to quantify all the designed components of the systems but also reasonably “fill in” the gaps and include cost allowances for the incomplete components of the systems.
• The ability to review and analyze plans and specifications.
• A thorough understanding of how the following systems are designed and constructed:
  • Civil and sitework improvements
  • Foundations – including deep foundation systems.
  • Structural Systems – Steel, Concrete, Masonry and Cold Formed Framing
  • Exterior Enclosure Systems – Masonry, Metal Panels, Curtainwall/Storefront, etc.
  • Roofing Systems
  • Interior Construction – non-load bearing partitions, demountable partitions, doors/frames/hardware, millwork, etc.
  • Interior Finishes – all types of flooring, painting, ceiling systems, etc.
  • Division 10 specialties
  • A solid understanding of MEP systems is a plus.
• Working and cooperating within a team environment is required.
• A Self-starter with good time management skills is essential in this position.
• A plus if the candidate can produce a complete Conceptual Estimate from limited information.

Education and Qualifications:

• Candidates may have a diverse array of educational backgrounds and professional experiences if they have the required skills and abilities necessary for this position.
• Field installation experience and a working knowledge of construction systems are a plus.

Drug and Alcohol Screening Requirement

As part of your employment with Higley Construction, an initial pre-employment drug and alcohol test is required . This is followed by company-wide annual and random drug and alcohol testing for all employees for the duration of your employment. Higley Construction prohibits employees from being under the influence of substances such as drugs or alcohol during work hours. Higley Construction is dedicated to the Safety of all individuals in our offices and our job sites.

What We Offer:

• 25 days of Paid Time Off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Health/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• 401k Contributions/Match
• Life Insurance/AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Family Leave
• Short & Long TermDisability
• Years of Service Awards
• $1,000 Referral Bonus
• Capability for u p to 16 hours / week of r emote work .
• Casual Frida y Policy
• Cell Phone Reimbursement

Higley Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Higley Construction is strongly committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination for all employees and candidates. It is the policy and practice that Higley Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, socio-economic status, age, disability, physical and mental ability, genetic information, service in the military, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.

Notice to Recruiters & Agencies: Higley Construction does not accept unsolicited resumes from Recruiters or Agencies. Do not send resumes to our jobs alias, website, or employees. We are not responsible for agency or recruiting fees unless we specifically request those services in writing and will treat unsolicited resumes as Higley Construction property.