Estimator

Koehn Construction Services LLC; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 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. You will help shape project strategy, competitiveness, and risk management with clear, well-documented estimates and strong collaboration with Senior Pre-Construction, Business Development, and Project Management.

Responsibilities include creating conceptual drawings, generating bid coverage, performing takeoffs, and preparing detailed cost breakdowns for

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications and perform detailed quantity takeoffs.
• Develop cost estimates and analyze subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Knowledge of construction means and methods, scheduling, and cost drivers.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills with cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual layouts and early design documents for budgets or proposals.
• Gather bid information from subcontractors and vendors and ensure bid coverage.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs and document assumptions.
• Develop budgets and detailed scopes of work with clear inclusions and exclusions.
• Prepare handoff materials for Project Management after award and support early execution planning.

Skills

Interpret drawings and specs

Quantity takeoffs

Cost estimation

Analysis of subcontractor proposals

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

5+ years estimating/construction experience

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.