General Contractor Estimator

CALTEC Corp.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 46,838 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Flexible Schedule

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Training Opportunities for Growth

Job summary

A general contracting firm in California is seeking an Estimator to analyze costs for public works and commercial projects. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and organizational skills, along with experience in cost estimation and construction drawings. Key responsibilities include engaging clients, estimating project costs, and maintaining budgets. A high school degree is required, with a BA in a relevant field preferred. The position offers a salary of $34.00 - $40.00 per hour and includes health benefits and a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• High school degree required.
• Bachelor's preferred in related field.
• Three years of experience in cost estimation for experienced roles.

Responsibilities

• Engage clients in pre-bid meetings to assess needs.
• Estimate costs for multiple projects efficiently.
• Analyze subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive pricing.
• Assess construction drawings for necessary resources.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Cost accounting principles

Bidding software proficiency

Communication skills

Understanding construction drawings

Education

High school degree

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field

Relevant coursework or internships

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Bidding and takeoff software

Job description

Job Summary

We are a general contracting firm in California focusing on public works and commercial tenant improvements and new builds, seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Estimator. This role involves collecting and analyzing information to estimate costs for various construction projects and services.

Classification

Nonexempt

Pay

$34.00 - $40 per hour

Reports To

President, Executive Vice President

Duties & Responsibilities

• Client Engagement:
  • Participate in Pre-Bid meetings with potential clients to understand their needs and site conditions.
• Project Management:
  • Simultaneously estimate costs for multiple projects, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
  • Independently pursue the bid process, from evaluation to presentation of final bids to management.
  • Collaborate with Project Managers to develop and maintain project budgets and schedules.
• Cost Analysis & Estimation:
  • Conduct comprehensive scope-of-work evaluations for each project.
  • Analyze quotations from subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and quality assurance.
  • Employ strategic negotiation tactics to optimize job costs and secure favorable terms.
• Vendor & Subcontractor Relations:
  • Solicit and vet subcontractors and suppliers to establish a reliable network.
  • Issue Requests for Information (RFI's) during the bidding phase to clarify project requirements and ensure accurate quotations.
  • Process and interpret addenda issued before bid opening to adjust estimates accordingly.
• Technical Assessment:
  • Assess construction drawings and specifications to identify labor, material, and time requirements.
  • Utilize spreadsheets and on-screen takeoff tools to estimate bid packages accurately.
• Market Analysis:
  • Evaluate market conditions and analyze competition for each estimate to position the company strategically.
  • Maintain an organized repository of working documents, including supplier price lists and sales brochures, to support the estimating database.
• Business Development:
  • Contribute to defining subcontract scopes, developing the business, and fostering enduring and profitable client relationships.
  • Note: The Estimator may be required to assist with additional duties as needed to support project completion and company growth.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and detail-oriented skills.
• Thorough understanding of cost accounting principles and procedures.
• Proficiency in bidding and takeoff software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and within a team.
• The ability to read and understand construction drawings and specification manuals.

Required Education

• High school degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• For entry-level positions: Relevant coursework or internships preferred.
• For experienced positions: At least three years of verifiable related experience in cost estimation.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel

• No travel outside of Southern California is expected for this position.
• Office visits for those who elect to work remotely, as determined by management.
• Pre-construction meetings with potential clients throughout Southern California.

Compensation & Benefits

• Health and Dental Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Flexible Schedule (if it doesn’t interfere with role responsibilities)
• Sick Pay
• Training Opportunities for Growth
• Mileage Reimbursement (when site visits are required)
• Phone Stipend (if role duties require frequent coordination)
• Paid Vacation and Holidays

Additional Information

CALTEC Corp. participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workplace.

No visa sponsorship (H1B or otherwise) is available at this time.

Please do not contact the office directly.