Estimator

ACTalent; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an experienced Estimator in Poughkeepsie, NY to lead preconstruction estimating for public and commercial projects, including municipal and educational facilities. The role requires strong knowledge of prevailing wage and Wicks Law bidding, and involves takeoffs, bid coordination, and transfer of awarded projects to operations.

You will manage bid day activities, coordinate with owners and architects, and use On Screen Takeoff or similar tools to develop accurate cost

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field.
• 10+ years estimating experience with a general contractor, including senior/lead estimator responsibilities.
• Experience with New York public works bidding and prevailing wage requirements.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as On Screen Takeoff and cost breakdowns.
• Strong communication and coordination with owners, architects, and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete and detailed estimates for public and commercial projects (municipal, educational, institutional).
• Perform quantity takeoffs across CSI divisions and develop self-perform pricing where applicable.
• Solicit and analyze bids from subcontractors and suppliers for competitive pricing.
• Manage bid schedules, milestones, and bid day activities; assemble and submit proposals.

Skills

Estimating experience

Public bidding

Takeoffs

Bid management

On Screen Takeoff

Education

Construction Management degree

Tools

On Screen Takeoff

Excel

Job description

Job Description

The Estimator plays a key role in preconstruction by preparing complete and accurate estimates for public and commercial building projects, including municipal, educational, and institutional work. This position focuses on competitively bid public projects in New York, requiring strong knowledge of prevailing wage requirements and multiple-prime/Wicks Law bidding. The Estimator leads the estimating process from quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid solicitation through bid day management and proposal preparation, ensuring clear communication and a smooth transition of awarded projects to operations.

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator plays a key role in preconstruction by preparing complete and accurate estimates for public and commercial building projects, including municipal, educational, and institutional work. This position focuses on competitively bid public projects in New York, requiring strong knowledge of prevailing wage requirements and multiple-prime/Wicks Law bidding. The Estimator leads the estimating process from quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid solicitation through bid day management and proposal preparation, ensuring clear communication and a smooth transition of awarded projects to operations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete and detailed estimates for public and commercial construction projects, including municipal, educational, and institutional facilities.
• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs across all CSI divisions and develop self-perform pricing where applicable.
• Solicit, receive, level, and analyze subcontractor and supplier bids to ensure accurate and competitive pricing.
• Manage bid schedules, track milestones, and coordinate all activities leading up to bid deadlines.
• Lead bid day activities, including final pricing review, bid compilation, and submission of proposals and bid forms.
• Apply prevailing wage requirements and multiple prime/Wicks Law bidding practices for competitively bid public work in New York.
• Review and interpret contract documents, drawings, specifications, and general conditions to identify scope, risk, and cost impacts.
• Account for bonding, insurance, and other contractual requirements in estimates and proposals.
• Prepare clear, organized estimate summaries and supporting documentation for internal review and client presentations.
• Communicate effectively with owners, architects, and project management staff throughout the estimating and preconstruction process.
• Coordinate a smooth handoff of awarded projects to operations, including transferring estimate details, assumptions, and clarifications to the project management team.
• Use estimating and takeoff software, such as On Screen Takeoff or similar tools, to develop accurate quantities and cost breakdowns.
• Support scheduling and preconstruction planning by providing cost and quantity information aligned with project timelines.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating procedures, templates, and historical cost databases for projects in the $550 million range.

Essential Skills

• At least 10 years of estimating experience with a general contractor, including a minimum of 35 years in a senior or lead estimator role.
• Proven experience preparing complete estimates for public and commercial construction projects, including municipal, educational, and institutional work.
• Hands-on experience with competitively bid public work in New York, including prevailing wage requirements and multiple prime/Wicks Law bidding.
• Strong command of all CSI divisions with the ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop self-perform pricing.
• Demonstrated ability to solicit, level, and analyze subcontractor and supplier bids for a wide range of trades.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software such as On Screen Takeoff or comparable platforms.
• Experience managing bid schedules, coordinating pre-bid activities, and leading bid day efforts.
• Solid understanding of contract documents, general conditions, bonding, and insurance requirements in construction contracts.
• Clear and professional communication skills for interacting with owners, architects, and project management staff.
• Ability to prepare accurate proposals and bid forms that align with project specifications and contractual requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent field experience.
• Background in construction estimating for commercial, municipal, educational, and institutional projects.
• Experience with preconstruction planning and coordination in a general contracting environment.
• Familiarity with construction management principles, including scheduling and project phasing.
• Comfort working on projects in the approximate size range of $550 million.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail in cost breakdowns and documentation.

Work Environment

The Estimator works in a professional office-based construction environment focused on preconstruction and bidding for public and commercial projects, typically in the $550 million range. The role involves extensive use of estimating and takeoff software such as On Screen Takeoff, as well as standard office productivity tools for documentation, communication, and scheduling. Work is deadline-driven around bid schedules and bid days, requiring careful coordination with internal project management staff and external stakeholders such as owners and architects. Work environment emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and accuracy in cost estimating, with a culture that values thorough preparation, transparency in proposals, and strong adherence to public bidding requirements, including prevailing wage and Wicks Law compliance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poughkeepsie, NY.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poughkeepsie, NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Poughkeepsie,NY.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.