Estimator

Columbia Construction Company; Reading (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Construction Company is seeking a Preconstruction Estimator in Reading, MA to develop accurate budgets and drive the preconstruction process. This role supports collaborative teams across estimating, project controls, and operations, identifying risks and opportunities to deliver winning bids and smooth handoffs.

The ideal candidate has 3–6 years of estimating experience, strong cost analysis, proficiency with OST/Bluebeam and MS Office, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-6 years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction.
• Strong understanding of construction documents, methods, and sequencing.
• Excellent verbal, written, visual, and virtual communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel), Microsoft Project, OST, and Bluebeam.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate conceptual budgets and detailed estimates across all project phases.
• Identify potential scope gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies.
• Coordinate resources efficiently across multiple projects and manage bid processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams and participate in client presentations.
• Prepare turnover packages to operations.

Skills

Construction estimating concepts

Cost analysis

Review drawings and specs

Quantity takeoffs

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Estimating software & MS Office

Tools

OST

Bluebeam

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

The Preconstruction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and strategic project budgets while supporting a highly collaborative preconstruction process. This role plays a key part in identifying risks and opportunities, driving value, and ensuring a seamless transition from preconstruction to operations.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction Execution

• Utilize and coordinate resources efficiently and effectively across multiple projects
• Provide accurate conceptual budgets and detailed estimates across all project phases
• Develop comprehensive scopes of work based on contract documents
• Identify potential scope gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies
• Interpret and apply project-specific General Conditions (GCs) and General Requirements (GRs)

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate proactively with internal and external project teams to gather feedback and validate assumptions
• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and proposal preparation
• Provide clear and organized proposal deliverables when required
• Finalize and deliver a thorough and accurate turnover package to operations teams

Risk Management & Strategy

• Identify and manage project risks and opportunities throughout the preconstruction process
• Develop, track, and manage budget tracking reports
• Identify, track, and implement early release and procurement strategies

Subcontractor & Market Engagement

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with a diverse pool of subcontractors and vendors
• Support competitive bidding and ensure thorough bid coverage

Continuous Improvement & Leadership

• Improve and refine existing estimating processes, tools, and technologies
• Mentor and support the development of junior team members
• Actively contribute to a culture of learning and continuous improvement

Required Skills/Abilities

• Working knowledge of construction estimating concepts and cost analysis.
• Ability to review construction drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
• Ability to perform quantity takeoffs and develop project cost estimates.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to construction projects.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple estimating tasks and deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills when working with project teams and subcontractors.
• Proficiency with estimating specific software and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) or similar software.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-6 years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction
• Strong understanding of construction documents, methods, and sequencing
• Excellent verbal, written, visual, and virtual communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), Microsoft Project, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), and Bluebeam
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

The Columbia Way

• Demonstrate accountability, ownership, and integrity in all aspects of work
• Collaborate openly and respectfully with teammates, partners, and clients
• Strive for continuous improvement and innovation
• Contribute to a positive, team-first culture
• Deliver an exceptional experience—every project, every time
• Think “outside the box” and challenge the status quo.

Columbia Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer