Estimator

DeKalb Health; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Estimator at DeKalb Health collaborates with external clients to establish accurate project costs across preconstruction. You will review documents, define scopes, prepare budgets, and support design assist efforts while building strong relationships with owners, engineers, and vendors.

Responsibilities include defining work scopes, developing budgets, producing proposals, and ensuring clear handoffs to Project Managers, while maintaining organized estimating files and pricing databases for

Qualifications

• Two-year degree required; bachelor's preferred.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Experience forecasting demand and analyzing construction requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and scheduling software (Project, Smartsheet).
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define work scopes and develop material budgets, labor budgets, allowances, contingencies, and lead times.
• Prepare complete scope of work proposals for all phases of project implementation.
• Review documents and evaluate details to establish accurate estimates.
• Build relationships with owners, managers, architects, engineers, and other clients.
• Support design assist efforts and value engineering options.
• Ensure smooth handoff to Project Managers with pricing and project details.

Skills

English fluency

Microsoft Office

Scheduling software

Reading drawings & specs

Communication & problem-solving

Education

Two-year degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Industry experience

Tools

Project

Smartsheet

PDF markup tools

Excel

Access

Outlook

AutoCAD or Revit (preferred)

Job description

• Base Pay $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type Exempt
• Required Degree 2 Year Degree

Contact information

Description

Position Summary

The Estimator works closely with external clients - including Construction Managers, General Contractors, and Architectural Design Teams to accurately establish project costing for contract sales. This role plays a key part in the preconstruction process by reviewing documents, defining scopes, preparing budgets, evaluating construction details, supporting design assist efforts, and strengthening client relationships. The position provides opportunities for growth while contributing significantly to operational success and project execution across the company.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities

• Develop strong relationships and maintain open communication with owners, decision makers, construction managers, architects, engineers, and other external clients critical to project success.
• Create and sustain positive working relationships with subcontractors and vendors, ensuring fairness, professionalism, and consistent collaboration.
• Identify and pursue opportunities through relationship building, networking, and active engagement with clients.
• Accurately define work scopes and develop material budgets, labor budgets, allowances, contingencies, and lead times.
• Prepare complete scope of work proposals for all phases of project implementation, from schematic design through GMP submissions.
• Deliver a best-in-class client experience by contributing to design assist efforts, offering value engineering options, and providing comprehensive preconstruction support.
• Interpret architectural drawings, plans, and specifications to develop detailed and accurate estimates.
• Support smooth project transition to Project Manager's by providing clear scope of handoff, pricing documentation, and project details.
• Continue supporting Operations throughout contract sales to clarify scope, update pricing, and ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Maintain strong organizational standards in document management, estimating files, specifications, pricing databases, and digital records.
• Demonstrate strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills in all internal and external interactions.
• Apply critical thinking, active listening, and teamwork to achieve accurate estimates and successful project outcomes.

Producer Accountabilities

Producer roles impact the company’s success via sales, estimating, project management, and other revenue and profit generating efforts. Producers are important to overall execution and profitability.

• Produces role specific scope of work for a team or location.
• Develop plans to achieve goals set by leadership.
• Execute tasks and projects to deliver quality solutions.
• Follows company policies and processes holding peers accountable.
• Maintains communication, documentation, and reporting metrics for roles.
• Trains new team members for role specific- or team specific- work (as SME).
• Collaborate with team members to deliver quality work and meet timelines and financial expectations.
• Sets and communicates goals and plans for accounts, projects, etc., internally and with clients.
• Recommends growth of ideas, efficiencies, and new systems for improvement.
• Communicates progress, needs, and updates to manager or director.

Safety Accountabilities

• Champion a culture of safety across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Lead by example in promoting safe work practices and hazard awareness.
• Support safety training, audits, and continuous improvement efforts while working with safety manager.
• Empower employees to speak up about safety concerns and take corrective action.
• Collaborate with safety teams to monitor and improve safety performance.
• Integrate safety into planning and project execution.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree required, bachelor's degree preferred. Or Industry experience.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Experience forecasting demand and analyzing construction requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Outlook), scheduling software (Project, Smartsheet), and PDF markup tools.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical aptitude: AutoCAD or Revit experience preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail, active listening skills, and critical thinking.