Estimator

Progressive; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive is seeking a construction estimator to prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial, industrial, civil, and infrastructure projects in the Omaha area. You will review plans, perform quantity takeoffs, and analyze costs across labor, materials, equipment and subcontractors.

Collaborate with project teams through preconstruction to bid submission, ensuring competitive pricing and accurate budgets.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience in commercial/industrial/infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of means, methods, materials, and labor productivity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed construction cost estimates (conceptual, preliminary, final) for various project types.
• Review plans, specs, drawings, and bid documents to define scope and cost.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and cost analyses for labour, materials, equipment and subcontractors.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor/subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive pricing.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, cost databases and estimating tools.

Skills

Cost estimation

Bid proposals

Vendor negotiation

Project budgeting

Analytical skills

Tools

Estimating software

Cost databases

Job description

• Prepare detailed conceptual, preliminary, and final construction cost estimates for commercial, industrial, civil, and infrastructure projects.
• Review project plans, specifications, drawings, and bid documents to determine project scope and cost requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and detailed cost analyses for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project expenses.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate vendor and subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive pricing.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, cost databases, and estimating tools.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and recommend cost‑saving alternatives while maintaining project quality and performance requirements.
• Analyze project risks, market conditions, labor availability, and material pricing trends that could impact project costs.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, architects, and operations personnel during preconstruction and bidding activities.
• Assist in preparing bid proposals, scope letters, qualifications packages, and contract documentation.
• Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure continuity between estimating and project execution teams.
• Maintain communication with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders throughout the bidding process.
• Track awarded projects and compare estimated costs against actual project performance to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Assist in developing and implementing estimating best practices and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed conceptual, preliminary, and final construction cost estimates for commercial, industrial, civil, and infrastructure projects.
• Review project plans, specifications, drawings, and bid documents to determine project scope and cost requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and detailed cost analyses for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project expenses.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate vendor and subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive pricing.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, cost databases, and estimating tools.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and recommend cost‑saving alternatives while maintaining project quality and performance requirements.
• Analyze project risks, market conditions, labor availability, and material pricing trends that could impact project costs.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, architects, and operations personnel during preconstruction and bidding activities.
• Assist in preparing bid proposals, scope letters, qualifications packages, and contract documentation.
• Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure continuity between estimating and project execution teams.
• Maintain communication with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders throughout the bidding process.
• Track awarded projects and compare estimated costs against actual project performance to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Assist in developing and implementing estimating best practices and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years of construction estimating experience within commercial, industrial, civil, utility, pipeline, or infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience preparing detailed estimates ranging from conceptual budgets to hard bid proposals.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor productivity, and project scheduling.
• Consistently produces high quality work products, implements innovations, and meets or exceeds project schedules and cost expectations.
• Teamwork skills to work with others in the department and with external customers to benefit the department and the organization.
• Advanced estimating and cost management skills with the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines concurrently.
• Strong analytical and mathematical abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and interpreting construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Knowledge of construction means and methods, procurement processes, and subcontractor management.
• Ability to identify project risks and develop cost‑effective solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills with vendors and subcontractors.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding company and client information.

Ensures compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable industry regulations

EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.