Estimator Landscape

McGuire & Hester; United States; On-site; USD 135,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Vehicle or Vehicle Allowance

Family medical, dental, and vision

401(k) Employer Match

Bonus Program

Paid Sabbatical Program

Continuing Education Reimbursement

Paid Holidays

PTO

Personal Financial Planning

Job summary

McGuire & Hester is looking for an Estimator to manage project bid opportunities and prepare detailed cost estimates for various construction projects. Candidates should possess a degree in civil engineering, construction management, or landscape architecture with at least five years of experience in estimating landscape construction.

You will be responsible for validating plans, conducting site visits, and coordinating with team members to create successful bids. The position offers a salary range of $135k to $166k based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of successful progressively responsible estimating experience in commercial landscape.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated with strong planning and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Review project bids and prepare cost estimates.
• Coordinate with Takeoff Engineers for accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Conduct site visits and thorough investigations prior to bid assembly.

Skills

Fluent in English

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Mathematical Skills

Planning and Organizing

Education

Undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Landscape Architecture

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suites

Bluebeam

Salesforce

HCSS HeavyBid

PlanSwift

Job description

Description

McGuire and Hester is a comprehensive sitework construction company with 100-year history of building many of Northern California's most recognizable landmark and infrastructure projects. We offer a full range of services, including pipeline, grading, paving, concrete, landscape and mechanical work, utilizing both conventional and alternative project delivery methods. Our team adage “Together We Build Things Right” sums up our culture and explains what makes McGuire and Hester both an excellent partner and a great place to work.

Job Summary

The Estimator reviews assigned invitations to bid, prepares cost estimates for all materials, labor and miscellaneous costs to assemble and deliver project bids, manages bid opportunities, and supports business development through strategic follow‑up and sales tracking.

Reports to

Estimating Manager – Landscape

Key Communication Partners

Division Manager – Landscape, VP of Estimating, General Superintendent – Landscape, Takeoff Manager, Estimators, Estimating Administrator, Takeoff Engineers, Area Managers, Project Managers

Typical Duties

• Validate and review plans, specifications, related reports, scope, historical bid files and cost information.
• Coordinate needed quantity takeoff with Takeoff Manager and/or assigned Takeoff Engineers.
• Visit jobsite and conduct thorough site investigations prior to assembly of the bid.
• Coordinate and mentor Takeoff Engineers and review their work to ensure the takeoff is performed correctly and efficiently; conduct early pre‑takeoff meeting with Takeoff Engineer.
• Analyze bidding documents and addendum and determine/write any needed RFIs.
• Understand all aspects of the bid, including labor productivity, crew makeup, equipment, escalation, acceleration, tax, margin, and all other requirements.
• Recognize scope and jobsite hazards and allow for best practices that ensure worker safety.
• Procure dependable and competitive subcontractor and material quotes and maintain documentation for all good‑faith efforts if required.
• Prepare complete and detailed bids. Determine best means and methods for each task, and provide evidence backed production rates for each task given specific project conditions. Assemble and keep bid data in organized bid files.
• Develop preliminary schedules to determine probable construction time required.
• Be fully prepared with ample time to review bid with the assigned reviewer.
• On award, prepare accounting budget and conduct a Project Hand‑off Meeting.
• On awarded jobs, review purchase order and subcontract buy‑out packages.
• Conduct periodic site visits and job projection reviews and relate findings with project team.
• Assist operations team with change order pricing as needed.
• Participate in project close‑out meetings with the Project Manager and return production data.
• Create and maintain good client and business partner relationships.
• Cultivate an exceptional people environment within the Company, prioritize client partnerships, and drive operational excellence.

Expected Trade Knowledge (Landscape)

• Commercial landscape construction means and methods.
• Plant material (identification, availability, related botany, vendors, etc.)
• Irrigation (systems, components, controls, workings)
• Soil and aggregates (science, structure, sourcing & transport)
• Furnishings, play structures, arbors, decks, fencing, unit pavers, masonry, on‑deck systems, synthetic turf and related civil trades

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience: undergraduate degree in civil engineering, construction management or landscape architecture and five or more years of successful progressively responsible estimating experience in commercial landscape.

Language Skills: must be able to fluently read and write in English.

Mathematical Skills: basic business math, budgets, schedules; geometry, algebra and physics. In addition, estimators must be able to calculate volume, area and tonnage.

Planning and Organizing: this position requires self‑motivation, strong planning, organizing and time‑management skills, the ability to create and follow a schedule with multiple activities.

Reasoning Ability: must have strong problem‑solving, analytical skills and reading comprehension and be able to easily deal with various situations.

Interpersonal Skills: the ability to interface and collaborate with a wide variety of people including clients, employees, managers, agencies and the public. In addition, estimators should be comfortable presenting in front of large groups.

Computer Skills: must be fluent with Microsoft Office and Google Suites. Estimators will be expected to learn and use other systems, including: Bluebeam, Salesforce, HCSS HeavyBid, PlanSwift and other systems as they evolve. HeavyBid expertise is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration: valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.

Benefits

Besides a competitive salary and the best retirement package in the industry, we offer:

• Company Vehicle or Vehicle Allowance
• Family medical, dental and vision
• Company Stock (ESOP)
• 401(k) Employer Match
• Bonus Program
• Continuing Education Reimbursement
• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sabbatical Program
• Personal Financial Planning

Compensation: $135k – $166k, based on skills, experience and knowledge.