Estimator I

Tri-City Group; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-City Group is seeking an Estimator I to support projects within our Technologies, Structured Cabling, and Mission Critical Divisions. This entry-level role assists the Estimating team in preparing bids and designs that meet schedules and documentation requirements for an enterprise environment.

The ideal candidate has field experience or a Construction Management background and is eager to learn takeoff software, price vendor items, and maintain accurate estimating files for data center

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-2 years of field or technical experience in structured cabling or low voltage.
• Bachelor's in Construction Management or equivalent apprenticeship/certification.
• Interest in mission-critical and data center projects.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and willingness to learn estimating/takeoff software.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass background/screening.

Responsibilities

• Support review of plans, specs, and Division 27/28 docs for cabling designs.
• Perform takeoffs of fiber optic and copper cabling systems for data centers.
• Learn product applications for fiber, copper, connectors, and hardware.
• Gather and organize vendor pricing across structured cabling lines.
• Apply standards, testing, certification, and QA/QC documentation.
• Read and navigate large construction drawing sets.
• Support bid package preparation and pricing data assembly.
• Maintain estimating files, templates, and pricing data.

Skills

Structured cabling knowledge

Data center familiarity

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management

Low-voltage apprenticeship or cert program

Tools

Accubid

Microsoft 365

Estimating software

Job description

Tri-City Group is seeking an Estimator I to support projects within our Technologies, Structured Cabling, and Mission Critical Divisions. This position will assist the Estimating team in preparing bids and designs that adhere to the schedule and documentation requirements of an enterprise environment. This position is responsible for updating documentation and ensuring data accuracy.

This is entry-level, a first step in an Estimating career. This is a great opportunity for someone with field experience looking to switch into Estimating or for those with a Construction Management college background.

Essential Duties:

• Support the review of plans, technical specifications, and Division 27/28 documents, applying them to complete mission-critical cabling designs
• Perform takeoffs of fiber optic and copper structured cabling systems on data center projects, including cable footage, drop counts, terminations, patch panels, racks, and pathways
• Learn product applications for single-mode and multimode fiber, category copper (Cat 6, Cat 6A, and beyond), connectors, hardware, and supporting infrastructure used in high-density data center environments
• Gather and organize vendor and manufacturer pricing across structured cabling lines (CommScope, Panduit, Corning, Belden, Ortronics, Superior Essex, and others), including tracking long-lead items critical to hyperscale schedules
• Apply industry standards, testing and certification requirements, and QA/QC documentation expected by data center owners
• Learn to read and navigate large, complex construction drawing sets typical of mission-critical sites
• Support proposal and bid package preparation, including how material and field labor are assembled into a competitive, profitable estimate
• Maintain estimating files, templates, and pricing data

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 1-2 two years of field or technical experience in structured cabling or low voltage
• Education: Bachelor's in Construction Management, low-voltage apprenticeship with hands-on experience or technical education/certification program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (4 Years)
• Interest in mission-critical and data center projects
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work within structured documentation processes
• Clear, professional communication with vendors, project managers, and internal team members
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel) and willingness to learn estimating and takeoff software
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to pass a background check and site-specific security screening required for data center access

Preferred Qualifications (Not required):

• Experience reading and navigating large, complex construction drawing sets and submittals
• BICSI credentials, or interest in pursuing them
• Prior use of estimating or takeoff software, including Accubid

Candidates who meet most but not all of the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen. Tri-City Group is an equal-opportunity employer.