Electrical Estimator

Lester Hamilton; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lester Hamilton is seeking an experienced Electrical Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive estimates for electrical construction projects. You will review documents, perform detailed takeoffs, obtain pricing from vendors, and develop complete estimates and proposals.

The role requires strong understanding of electrical construction, plan interpretation, and excellent organization. Office-based with potential site visits and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in electrical estimating or related role.
• Strong knowledge of commercial/industrial electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and specs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and related tools.
• Familiarity with estimating and cost analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, bid documents to define scope of work.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for electrical materials and components.
• Develop labor estimates based on project requirements and conditions.
• Prepare cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, and overhead.
• Solicit and evaluate quotations from vendors and subcontractors.
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Assist with bid summaries, clarifications, and exclusions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong analytical skills

Mathematical proficiency

Time management

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field preferred

Electrical field experience or journeyman knowledge valued

Prior electrical estimating experience preferred

Tools

Excel

Electric estimating software

Construction management software

Job description

Reports To: Estimating Manager / Director of Preconstruction

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Company is seeking an experienced Electrical Estimator to support the preparation of accurate, competitive, and comprehensive estimates for electrical construction projects. The Electrical Estimator is responsible for reviewing project documents, completing detailed material and labor takeoffs, obtaining vendor and subcontractor pricing, and developing complete project estimates and proposals.

This position works closely with project management, operations, vendors, subcontractors, and customers to ensure estimates accurately reflect project scope, schedule, labor requirements, material costs, and potential risks. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of electrical construction, can effectively interpret plans and specifications, and is highly organized and detail-oriented.

Key Responsibilities

• Review electrical drawings, specifications, addenda, bid documents, and other project information to determine the complete scope of work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for electrical materials, equipment, fixtures, feeders, branch systems, and associated components.
• Develop labor estimates based on project requirements, installation methods, productivity expectations, and project conditions.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, overhead, and other project-related expenses.
• Solicit and evaluate quotations from electrical suppliers, equipment manufacturers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Compare vendor and subcontractor proposals to confirm pricing and scope coverage.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, constructability concerns, project risks, and potential cost‑saving opportunities.
• Prepare bid summaries, proposals, clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, and supporting estimating documentation.
• Participate in pre‑bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and estimate review meetings as required.
• Coordinate with project managers and field leadership to incorporate historical costs, production rates, and lessons learned into future estimates.
• Review project schedules and determine potential impacts related to manpower, overtime, phasing, logistics, and procurement.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative electrical solutions to improve project cost and constructability.
• Maintain organized estimating files, pricing information, bid documentation, and historical cost data.
• Monitor changes in material pricing, labor costs, market conditions, and electrical construction practices.
• Support the transition of awarded projects from estimating to project management and operations.
• Perform additional estimating and preconstruction responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in electrical estimating, electrical construction, or a related role.
• Strong working knowledge of commercial and/or industrial electrical systems and installation methods.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, specifications, one‑line diagrams, schedules, and construction documents.
• Understanding of electrical materials, equipment, labor requirements, and construction sequencing.
• Familiarity with electrical codes and industry standards.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project managers, field personnel, vendors, subcontractors, general contractors, and customers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with electrical estimating, takeoff, or construction management software preferred.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline preferred.
• Electrical field experience, apprenticeship training, or journeyman‑level electrical knowledge is highly valued.
• Prior electrical estimating experience preferred; equivalent combinations of field and construction experience may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Electrical construction knowledge
• Blueprint and specification interpretation
• Material and labor takeoff capabilities
• Cost estimating and bid preparation
• Vendor and subcontractor quote analysis
• Value engineering and cost analysis
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize work in a deadline‑driven environment
• Professional communication and collaboration skills

Working Conditions

This position is primarily office‑based but may require occasional travel to construction sites, pre‑bid meetings, customer locations, or vendor facilities. The employee may periodically be required to walk active construction sites and work around typical construction‑site conditions.

Success in This Role

Success as an Electrical Estimator requires producing accurate and competitive estimates while maintaining complete scope coverage and protecting project profitability. The estimator should be able to manage multiple opportunities, recognize project risks early, communicate assumptions clearly, and provide operations with a thorough and organized handoff when projects are awarded.