Estimator

Koehncs; Fredonia (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Koehncs is seeking an Estimator to support pre-construction by developing takeoffs, budgets, scopes, and pricing for assigned projects. The role works with Senior Pre-Construction staff, BD, and PMs to ensure dependable early project information aligned with client expectations.

The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in construction-related field and at least 5 years of progressive estimating experience, with strong ability to interpret drawings and develop cost estimates for competitive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; or combination education with minimum 5 years estimating experience.
• Strong ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, develop cost estimates, and analyze proposals.
• Organized, analytical, and professional with strong communication and collaboration with PMs, operations, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual drawings, layouts, and early design documents for budgets or proposals.
• Support bid outreach to subcontractors and vendors for bid coverage and accurate information.
• Complete quantity takeoffs using approved tools and document assumptions for transparency.
• Develop budgets and detailed scopes reflecting project requirements and communicate inclusions/exclusions.
• Prepare handoff materials for project management and operations after award.

Skills

Takeoffs and estimates

Interpret drawings

Cost analysis

Communication

Education

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

Job description

Role Summary

The Estimator supports the pre-construction process by developing accurate takeoffs, budgets, scopes, and pricing for all assigned projects. This role contributes directly to project strategy, competitiveness, and risk management by producing clear, organized, and well-documented estimates. The Estimator works closely with Senior Pre-Construction staff, Business Development, and Project Management to ensure early project information is dependable and aligned with client expectations.

Core Responsibilities

Conceptual Drawings / Drafting

• Develops conceptual layouts, drawings, and early design documents as needed for budgets or proposals.
• Prepares graphics, exhibits, and conceptual plans that support project understanding.
• Ensures conceptual drawings accurately reflect project intent under direction of senior staff.

Bid Interest Generation

• Supports outreach to subcontractors and vendors to gather bid interest.
• Ensures subcontractors receive accurate bid information, drawings, and schedules.
• Maintains consistent communication to ensure adequate bid coverage.

Takeoff

• Completes accurate quantity takeoffs using company-approved tools and methods.
• Documents assumptions and clarifications for estimating transparency.
• Reviews drawings thoroughly to ensure all scope is captured.

Budgets / Scopes

• Develops budgets and detailed scopes of work that reflect project requirements.
• Ensures inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions are clearly communicated.
• Prepares detailed cost breakdowns and pricing summaries for internal review.

Project Handoff

• Prepares handoff materials for Project Management and Operations after project award.
• Communicates key cost drivers, scope considerations, and estimating assumptions.
• Supports PMs during early execution planning to ensure smooth transition.

Key Measurables

• Estimate accuracy compared to final project costs
• On-time completion of estimates and proposals
• Bid coverage and subcontractor participation level
• Quality and clarity of scopes, assumptions, and takeoffs
• Internal audit score for estimating documentation

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; or a combination of education and minimum 5 years of progressive estimating or construction experience demonstrating competency in preparing accurate and competitive bids.
• Strong ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, develop cost estimates, and analyze subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Working knowledge of construction means and methods, project scheduling, and cost drivers to ensure realistic and profitable estimates.
• Organized, analytical, and professional with strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Operations, and subcontractors.