Estimator – Civil Construction Cost & Budgets

CDM Smith; Edison (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking an estimator in the United States to produce accurate quantity take-offs and pricing for project elements. You will coordinate with vendors, assemble budgets, and support senior staff on estimating deliverables. Travel up to 10% may be required across domestic and international opportunities.

The role emphasizes reading drawings and specifications, applying WBS, and delivering on-time estimates while maintaining high-quality documentation and pricing accuracy.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of estimating techniques, cost control and material pricing.
• Ability to read and comprehend drawings and specifications and identify missing elements during design development.
• Strong multi-tasking skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Solid PC skills with some estimating and On-Screen digitizing software.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Produces accurate quantity and material take-offs by reviewing plans, specifications, and instructions for assigned areas for estimate preparation.
• Enters quantity take-offs and material unit pricings as applicable to project.
• Applies appropriate work breakdown structure (WBS).
• Coordinates estimate material pricing from vendors and other sources and develops pricing for basic project elements.
• Contacts subcontractors and suppliers for outsource pricing.
• Contributes to the preparation of key estimating deliverables.
• Supports conceptual estimating efforts within the department, including development of basic models for review by senior personnel.
• Develops budgets and purchasing plans with minimal oversight from senior estimation staff.
• Coordinates flow of documents during estimate preparation.
• Provides administrative logging of estimates.
• Performs additional duties as required.

Skills

Estimating techniques

Cost control

Reading drawings & specs

Multi-tasking

Estimating software

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking an estimator in the United States to produce accurate quantity take-offs and pricing for project elements. You will coordinate with vendors, assemble budgets, and support senior staff on estimating deliverables. Travel up to 10% may be required across domestic and international opportunities.

The role emphasizes reading drawings and specifications, applying WBS, and delivering on-time estimates while maintaining high-quality documentation and pricing accuracy.