Estimator

Diamond Peak Recruiting; Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas (TX, TX, TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Diamond Peak Recruiting is seeking an Estimator to support preconstruction and bidding for K-12 projects with CMAR delivery. Focused on the DFW market, this role covers new campuses, additions, renovations and occupied facilities.

You will collaborate with project teams, school districts, architects and trade partners to develop budgets, evaluate design options, prepare competitive bid packages and GMP proposals.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret drawings, specs, and trade scopes.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Experience supporting CMAR delivery and takeoffs.

Responsibilities

• Develop estimates for conceptual to construction document phases for K-12 projects.
• Support CMAR preconstruction from budgeting to GMP development.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and cost evaluations for labor, materials, and subs.
• Review drawings to identify scope gaps and cost impacts.
• Prepare bid packages, solicit subs, and conduct bid leveling.
• Collaborate with architects and trade partners as designs evolve.
• Develop value engineering options to meet budgets.
• Account for school calendars, phased work, and long-lead procurement.
• Assist with GMP documentation including clauses and contingencies.
• Attend preconstruction meetings and site walks; maintain pricing references.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Collaboration

Communication

Budgeting

Phasing

Takeoffs

CMAR

Tools

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Job description

We are seeking an Estimator to support preconstruction and bidding for K–12 education projects, with a focus on Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery. Projects include new school campuses, additions, renovations, and improvements to occupied educational facilities.

This position works closely with project teams, school district representatives, architects, and trade partners to develop reliable budgets, evaluate design options, and prepare competitive subcontractor bid packages and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, schematic design, design development, and construction document estimates for K–12 projects.
• Support CMAR preconstruction from early budgeting through subcontractor bidding and GMP development.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and evaluate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Review drawings and specifications to identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and cost impacts.
• Prepare and organize trade bid packages, solicit subcontractor proposals, and conduct bid leveling and scope reviews.
• Collaborate with architects, consultants, and project teams to reconcile estimates as designs evolve.
• Develop value engineering options that support district budgets, facility performance, and project requirements.
• Account for school calendars, phased construction, summer completion windows, occupied campuses, and long‑lead procurement.
• Assist with GMP documentation, including scope clarifications, assumptions, exclusions, allowances, and contingencies.
• Attend preconstruction meetings, site walks, and subcontractor scope review meetings.
• Maintain current pricing, historical cost information, and relationships with qualified trade partners.
• Support the transition from preconstruction to operations by communicating estimate assumptions, scope commitments, and procurement priorities.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of general contractor experience in estimating, preconstruction, project management, or project engineering.
• Experience supporting K–12 school construction, additions, or renovations preferred.
• Familiarity with CMAR delivery, phased estimating, subcontractor bidding, and GMP development.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and trade scopes.
• Understanding of construction sequencing and logistical considerations for occupied school campuses.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam and Microsoft Office; experience with estimating and takeoff software preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and collaborate effectively with owners, designers, subcontractors, and internal teams.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Office‑based estimating and preconstruction work with periodic meetings and jobsite visits throughout the DFW market.
• Prolonged periods of computer use and occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Extended hours or occasional Saturday work may be required to meet bid and project deadlines.

This description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position. Duties may evolve based on business and project needs.