Estimator Specialist

CL 2bc4259c 82d2 4d4a 97b9 ee7e4d77ee89; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k Company matches 50% up to 10%

PTO after 30 days of employment

Company bonus incentive

Excellent health insurance plans

Dental & Vision available

Short- & Long-Term Disability provided

Life Insurance

Identity Theft Insurance

Accident Insurance

Clothing Allowance

10% Discount on purchases at the How‑T

Job summary

CL 2bc4259c 82d2 4d4a 97b9 ee7e4d77ee89 is seeking an Estimator Specialist to support the estimating department by preparing material takeoffs, reviewing plans, and entering estimates into software. You will work with customers, contractors, and vendors to provide accurate quotations and timely bids.

The role emphasizes strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication as you verify pricing, coordinate with sales, and stay informed on current building materials and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; construction-related coursework preferred.
• Experience in lumber yard, building materials, construction, or customer service preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and blueprints (learnable via training).
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and willingness to learn estimating software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Prepare material takeoffs from residential and light commercial plans.
• Review blueprints, specs, and documents to determine material requirements.
• Enter project information into estimating software and maintain files.
• Prepare quotations for lumber, engineered wood, truss, siding, roofing, and building materials.
• Contact vendors and manufacturers for pricing, lead times, and availability.
• Verify pricing accuracy and update cost databases as directed.
• Coordinate with sales staff to ensure complete quotations on schedule.
• Follow up on bids and assist with revisions or change requests.
• Communicate with builders, contractors, and homeowners regarding estimates and material selections.
• Maintain organized records of estimates, plans, and bid documents.
• Stay informed on current lumber products and industry pricing trends.
• Assist with inventory inquiries and product substitutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Estimating Manager or Sales Manager.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer-service focus.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Mathematical & analytical skills

Attention to detail

Customer service orientation

Project multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Construction management coursework preferred

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Take-Off Software

Job description

Overall Job Function:

The Estimator Specialist supports the estimating department by preparing material takeoffs, reviewing construction plans, entering estimates into estimating software, and assisting customers and contractors with building material quotations. This position works closely with Estimators, Sales Representatives, and vendors to ensure accurate, timely, and competitive project estimates while providing exceptional customer service.

Essential Job Functions:

Estimator Specialist with preparing material takeoffs from residential and light commercial construction plans.

Review blueprints, specifications, and construction documents to determine material requirements.

Enter project information into estimating software and maintain accurate project files.

Prepare lumber, engineered wood, truss, siding, roofing, and building material quotations.

Contact vendors and manufacturers to obtain current pricing, lead times, and product availability.

Verify pricing accuracy and update cost databases as directed.

Coordinate with sales staff to ensure quotations are complete and submitted on schedule.

Follow up on outstanding bids and assist with revisions or change requests.

Communicate with builders, contractors, and homeowners regarding estimates and material selections.

Maintain organized electronic and paper records of estimates, plans, and bid documents.

Stay informed on current lumber products, building materials, and industry pricing trends.

Assist with inventory inquiries and product substitutions when necessary.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Estimating Manager or Sales Manager.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and quality oriented with a focus on customer service.

Must have a strong understanding of overall computer skills, Microsoft Office, Estimating, and Take-Off Software.

Must possess strong communication skills, both written and oral.

Ability to manage stressful situations professionally.

Competencies:

High school diploma or GED required; coursework in construction management or a related field is preferred.

Previous experience in a lumber yard, building materials, construction, or customer service preferred.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and blueprints is preferred but can be learned through training.

Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and willingness to learn estimating software.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required; coursework in construction management or a related field is preferred.

Previous experience in a lumber yard, building materials, construction, or customer service preferred.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and blueprints is preferred but can be learned through training.

Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and willingness to learn estimating software.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Benefits:

• 401k Company matches 50% up to 10%
• PTO after 30 days of employment
• Company bonus incentive
• Excellent health insurance plans
• Dental & Vision available
• Short- & Long-Term Disability provided at no cost to you
• Life Insurance
• Identity Theft Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Clothing Allowance
• 10% Discount on purchases at the How-To Building Center

This position is based in a fast-paced office setting. Equipment utilized will be a computer, phone, fax, copy machine and other standard office equipment. Hours will vary with the demands of the retail environment, including evening, weekend, and holiday rotations. Position will occasionally work outside; exposed to elements, loud noise, and varying weather conditions.

While performing job functions the employee will be required to talk and hear most of the time. The employee will spend frequent intervals moving and sitting, while also needing to reach, bend, twist, crawl, crouch, stoop or kneel. The employee will need to be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and 15 pounds frequently and maneuver on and off step equipment. The physicality of this job is low.

*FCS job descriptions are a representation of a job requirements knowledge, skills and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.