Estimator (Landscape & Construction)

Open Systems Technologies; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Systems Technologies in Birmingham, AL seeks a seasoned estimator for pre-construction and bidding in commercial landscaping. You will lead bid evaluations, prepare detailed estimates, and coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and leadership to win work.

Responsibilities include the full bid lifecycle from invitation receipt through award, with emphasis on accurate takeoffs, market-driven pricing, and constructive collaboration with operations and project teams.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in pre-construction, estimating, or project management in commercial landscaping or related construction trades.
• Strong estimating and quantity takeoff experience using effective tools.
• Ability to read and interpret landscaping and irrigation drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Solid understanding of commercial construction workflows and GC bidding processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Receive and manage all incoming bid invitations and requests.
• Evaluate project opportunities and determine bid/no-bid decisions in collaboration with leadership.
• Track and manage all outgoing bids, including deadlines, scope, and pricing.
• Follow up with General Contractors on submitted bids and awards.
• Compare bid pricing against competitors and historical data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs (QTOs) for materials, labor, and equipment using Bluebeam and other estimating tools.
• Develop comprehensive, accurate estimates for commercial landscape projects.
• Coordinate with industry trade partners, suppliers, and vendors to obtain pricing and scope input.
• Ensure estimates reflect current market conditions, labor availability, and material costs.
• Set up and maintain a vendor log.
• Review estimates and scopes with leadership prior to submission.
• Collaborate with the construction team to review project schedules, crew availability, and workload forecasting.
• Identify potential scheduling gaps or capacity conflicts and factor them into bid strategy.
• Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure a smooth transition from pre-construction to operations.
• Receive and review awarded contracts from General Contractors.
• Coordinate contract review with leadership and operations to ensure scope, pricing, and schedule alignment.
• Maintain organized records of bids, estimates, contracts, and related documentation.

Skills

Pre-construction experience

Estimating

Quantity takeoffs

Reading drawings & specs

Communication

Tools

Bluebeam

Job description

• Receive and manage all incoming bid invitations and requests.
• Evaluate project opportunities and determine bid/no-bid decisions in collaboration with leadership.
• Track and manage all outgoing bids, including deadlines, scope, and pricing.
• Follow up with General Contractors on submitted bids and awards.
• Compare bid pricing against competitors and historical data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs (QTOs) for materials, labor, and equipment using Bluebeam and other estimating tools.
• Develop comprehensive, accurate estimates for commercial landscape projects.
• Coordinate with industry trade partners, suppliers, and vendors to obtain pricing and scope input.
• Ensure estimates reflect current market conditions, labor availability, and material costs.
• Set up and maintain a vendor log.
• Review estimates and scopes with leadership prior to submission.
• Collaborate with the construction team to review project schedules, crew availability, and workload forecasting.
• Identify potential scheduling gaps or capacity conflicts and factor them into bid strategy.
• Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure a smooth transition from pre-construction to operations.
• Receive and review awarded contracts from General Contractors.
• Coordinate contract review with leadership and operations to ensure scope, pricing, and schedule alignment.
• Maintain organized records of bids, estimates, contracts, and related documentation.

Qualifications:

Required

• 3+ years of experience in pre-construction, estimating, or project management within commercial landscaping or related construction trades.
• Strong estimating and quantity takeoff experience using effective tools.
• Ability to read and interpret landscaping and irrigation drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Solid understanding of commercial construction workflows and GC bidding processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience working directly with General Contractors on negotiated work, budgets, and hard-bid projects.
• Familiarity with labor production rates and crew scheduling in landscape construction.
• Experience comparing market pricing and maintaining historical cost data.