Estimator

S+B James Construction; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Discretionary bonus program

Company-sponsored events

Referral bonuses

Company credit card

Holiday party with hotel

Job summary

S+B James Construction in Southern California is seeking an Estimator to join our Preconstruction team. You will develop accurate estimates from concept through final bid, collaborating with clients, design teams, trade partners, suppliers, and internal teams to evaluate scope, costs, and risks.

Ideal candidate has strong commercial construction knowledge with healthcare/DSA/K-12 estimating experience preferred, and the ability to read drawings, perform takeoffs, and build competitive bids.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM, Civil Eng, Arch, or related field; or equivalent construction experience
• Commercial estimating, preconstruction, or project engineering experience
• HCAI/OSHPD healthcare and/or DSA K-12 estimating experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, and costs
• Experience with conceptual estimating, takeoffs, hard bids, design-build
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specs, and contracts
• Experience soliciting and analyzing subcontractor proposals
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication with teams
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, takeoff software, BIM tools

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specs, addenda, and docs to understand scope
• Prepare quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and costs
• Develop conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, design-build, and hard-bid estimates
• Evaluate documents for scope gaps, cost risks, and opportunities
• Maintain estimates throughout design with cost comparisons and VE options
• Evaluate site logistics, sequencing, schedules, productivity, costs
• Participate in estimate reviews and bid-day activities for accuracy
• Develop bid packages, scopes, RFQs/RFPs, and subcontractor docs
• Solicit and analyze trade partner proposals for competitiveness
• Build relationships with trade partners, suppliers, clients, and teams
• Communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, risks to teams
• Collaborate with Operations to transition projects to Ops
• Participate in client meetings and project pursuits as needed
• Lead preconstruction on complex projects and mentor junior staff

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Reading drawings

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in CM/CE/Arch

Tools

Bluebeam

Takeoff software

BIM tools

Excel

Construction management platforms

Job description

Founded in 1956, S+B James Construction is a full-service design-build contractor delivering projects from concept through completion. Our integrated teams work collaboratively to deliver exceptional results while strengthening the communities we serve, across a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, education, life sciences, commercial, retail, industrial, and public works throughout California and Oregon.

Our Mission

To be the most trusted building partner in the communities we serve. This mission guides everything we do. We measure success through the strength of our relationships-with our clients, our colleagues, and our communities.

Our Core Values

• Be there for each other
• Support our communities
• Be transparent
• Make things right

What we are looking for

We are seeking an Estimator to join our Preconstruction team. This role is responsible for developing accurate and comprehensive construction estimates from early conceptual design through final bid and project award. The Estimator works closely with clients, design teams, trade partners, suppliers, and internal project teams to evaluate scope, identify opportunities and risks, and develop competitive project pricing. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of commercial construction, with HCAI (formerly OSHPD) healthcare and/or DSA K-12 education experience highly preferred.

Location

• Southern California (including Moreno Valley, Inland Empire, Irvine areas)

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret project plans, specifications, addenda, and other contract documents to understand project scope and requirements
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, general conditions, and other project costs
• Develop conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, design-build, and hard-bid estimates
• Evaluate project documents for scope gaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities
• Develop and maintain estimates throughout the design process, including cost comparisons, variance analyses, and value engineering options
• Evaluate site logistics, sequencing, schedule requirements, productivity, and other factors that may impact project costs
• Participate in estimate reviews and bid-day activities to ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and competitive
• Develop bid packages, scopes of work, RFQs/RFPs, and subcontractor solicitation documents
• Solicit, review, level, and analyze trade partner and supplier proposals for completeness and competitiveness
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, suppliers, clients, and project teams
• Clearly communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, opportunities, and risks to project teams and leadership
• Collaborate with Operations and Project Management to support the transition of awarded projects from Preconstruction to Operations
• Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and project pursuits as needed
• Depending on experience, lead preconstruction efforts on complex projects and provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimating team members

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent construction experience will be considered
• Commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related experience
• HCAI/OSHPD healthcare and/or DSA K-12 estimating experience highly preferred
• Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, materials, building systems, and costs
• Experience with conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, hard bids, negotiated work, design-build, and/or GMP estimating
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, leveling, and analyzing subcontractor proposals
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, takeoff/estimating software, BIM tools, and construction management platforms

Compensation

• Full-Time
• Salary Range: $100,000/year - $195,000/year (based on experience)
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off, sick days, and wellness days
• Paid holidays
• Discretionary bonus program
• Company-sponsored community events
• Recruiting referral bonuses
• Company credit card
• Annual holiday party with hotel accommodation

S+B James Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.