Estimator

Actalent; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an experienced Estimator to deliver accurate healthcare construction estimates in California, focusing on HCAI/OSHPD-regulated projects. You will prepare estimates across all project phases, support bids, and collaborate with project teams to ensure compliance and competitive pricing.

The role emphasizes data-driven cost analysis, unit cost database maintenance, and coordination with subcontractors, designers, and engineers.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in construction estimating, preferably healthcare or hospital projects.
• Demonstrated experience with HCAI/OSHPD requirements or similar healthcare regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage, WinEst, and Procore.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
• Hands-on experience in cost estimation, construction bidding, and subcontractor management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Familiarity with OSHPD/HCAI requirements or local healthcare regulations and their impact on project costs.
• Knowledge of California building codes and seismic retrofit requirements.
• Experience working with general contractors, healthcare owners, or design firms.
• Ability to prepare clear cost reports, value-engineering options, and budget updates.
• Strong analytical skills to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities within project documents.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with multidisciplinary project teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for all phases of healthcare projects.
• Analyze drawings and specifications to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.
• Use estimating software to perform quantity takeoffs and develop estimates.
• Develop, update, and maintain unit cost databases and benchmarking tools.
• Collaborate with project teams and subcontractors to gather pricing information and validate scope.
• Review and interpret HCAI/OSHPD codes and submittal processes affecting costs.
• Prepare and present cost reports, value-engineering options, and budget updates.
• Support bid preparation by organizing bid packages and procurement strategies.
• Oversee subcontractor management activities related to estimating and bidding.
• Participate in constructability reviews and risk assessments to mitigate issues.
• Monitor market trends and material pricing to keep estimates current.
• Assist with change order evaluations and process improvements.

Skills

Healthcare estimating

Cost estimation

Reading drawings

Bidding and procurement

Analytical skills

Subcontractor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field

Tools

Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage, WinEst, Procore

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Estimator Job Description

This Estimator role focuses on delivering accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for healthcare construction projects regulated by HCAI/OSHPD. You will prepare estimates across all project phases, support bidding and procurement activities, and collaborate closely with project teams to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and building codes. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing, family-owned organization with a strong backlog of work, performance-based bonuses, and a structured training and advancement program.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for all phases of healthcare construction projects, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents.
• Analyze architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings, as well as specifications and project requirements, to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.
• Use industry-standard estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage, WinEst, and Procore to perform accurate quantity takeoffs and develop cost estimates.
• Develop, update, and maintain unit cost databases, historical cost records, and benchmarking tools specific to HCAI-regulated projects.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to gather pricing information, validate scope, and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Review and interpret HCAI/OSHPD codes, standards, and submittal processes to accurately reflect regulatory impacts on project costs.
• Prepare and present cost reports, value-engineering options, and budget updates for internal stakeholders and clients.
• Support bid preparation by organizing bid packages, coordinating procurement strategies, and managing subcontractor outreach and engagement.
• Oversee and support subcontractor management activities related to estimating and bidding, ensuring clarity of scope and competitive pricing.
• Participate in constructability reviews and risk assessments to identify potential schedule, design, or cost issues and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Monitor market trends, labor rates, and material pricing to ensure estimates remain competitive, current, and accurate.
• Assist with change order evaluations by analyzing design changes, engineering revisions, and their impact on project costs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and templates to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of experience in construction estimating, preferably with a focus on healthcare or hospital projects.
• Demonstrated experience with HCAI/OSHPD requirements or similar healthcare regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage, WinEst, and Procore.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
• Hands-on experience in cost estimation, construction bidding, and subcontractor management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Familiarity with OSHPD/HCAI requirements or local healthcare regulations and their impact on project costs.
• Knowledge of California building codes and seismic retrofit requirements.
• Experience working with general contractors, healthcare owners, or design firms.
• Ability to prepare clear cost reports, value-engineering options, and budget updates.
• Strong analytical skills to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities within project documents.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with multidisciplinary project teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with BIM-based estimating workflows and integration of model-based quantities into estimates.
• Experience participating in constructability reviews and formal risk assessments.
• Working knowledge of design and engineering processes, including change order evaluation.
• Exposure to tools and practices related to AutoCAD and other design platforms used in healthcare construction.
• Ability to maintain and improve unit cost databases, historical cost records, and benchmarking tools.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple estimates and bidding deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning through training and advancement programs, with an interest in expanding into new roles over time.

Work Environment

This role operates across both office settings and indoor/outdoor job sites, providing exposure t