Estimator (Tier 2 or 3 - Ft. Lauderdale)

Vaco by Highspring; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonuses

401(k) plan with company match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life, AD&D, and disability insurance

Paid parental leave and family-care

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring seeks a Construction Estimator to join its Florida buildings team in Fort Lauderdale. The role will lead small to midsize estimates, review documents, perform quantity takeoffs, and support pursuit planning with tender forms, RFIs, and schedules.

You will identify project risks and opportunities, mentor junior colleagues, and build strong relationships with trade partners, suppliers, and internal teams while applying estimating software and MS Office proficiency.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree or diploma in a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Progressive cost-estimating experience in construction (4+ years).
• On-site construction experience preferred (6 months).
• Experience leading pursuits up to $25 million.
• Understanding of drawings, specs, materials, methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of bid prep, quantity takeoffs, trade-partner procurement, pricing, and bid-closing processes.
• Familiarity with delivery methods: Hard Bid, GMP, Unit price, Design-build, Target price, Cost-reimbursable.
• Ability to assess market conditions, trends, costs and competitive factors.
• Strong relationship-building and communication with trade partners and suppliers.
• Experience with estimating software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead small to midsize estimates or components of larger estimates.
• Review bid documents, drawings and specs to validate project requirements.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, equipment and materials.
• Support pursuit planning with tender forms, RFIs, and pursuit schedules.
• Identify risks and opportunities in project requirements, terms, site conditions and schedules.
• Organize and archive estimating information for turnover to the project team.
• Complete bid-day assignments and support closing of scopes.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from trade partners and suppliers.
• Develop relationships with estimating leaders, bid teams and suppliers.
• Establish critical-path schedules for estimates and pursuits.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Estimating knowledge

Risk identification

Bid preparation

Quantity takeoffs

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in related discipline

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client, an established organization in the commercial construction industry, is seeking a skilled Construction Estimator to join its Florida buildings team. This position offers the opportunity to lead small to midsize estimates, contribute to larger and more complex pursuits, and collaborate with project teams, trade partners, and suppliers.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating knowledge with practical construction experience, sound judgment, and the ability to identify project risks and opportunities.

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Key Responsibilities

• Lead small to midsize estimates or assigned components of larger estimates.
• Review bid documents, contract documents, drawings, and specifications to validate project requirements.
• Complete detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, equipment, and materials.
• Support pursuit planning by preparing tender forms, developing requests for information, anticipating proposal requirements, and assisting with pursuit schedules.
• Identify risks and opportunities associated with project requirements, contract terms, site conditions, schedules, and market constraints.
• Organize, document, and archive estimating information for successful turnover to the project team.
• Complete bid-day assignments and support the closing of multiple scopes.
• Solicit and evaluate competitive pricing from trade partners and suppliers.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with estimating leaders, bid teams, trade partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Establish critical-path schedules for estimates and pursuits.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to junior team members or indirect reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in a related discipline, relevant trade experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least four years of progressive construction cost-estimating experience.
• Approximately six months of on-site construction experience is preferred.
• Successful experience leading pursuits valued up to $25 million.
• Strong general construction knowledge, including an understanding of drawings, specifications, materials, construction methods, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of bid preparation, quantity takeoff procedures, trade-partner procurement, pricing, general expenses, and bid-closing processes.
• Familiarity with multiple project-delivery methods, including:
• Hard Bid
• Guaranteed maximum price, or GMP
• Unit price
• Design-build
• Target price
• Cost-reimbursable
• Ability to identify relevant market conditions, business trends, cost considerations, and competitive factors.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, including the ability to engage trade partners and suppliers.
• Working knowledge of estimating software.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to quickly adopt new technology.

Benefits and Professional Development

The total rewards package may include:

• Annual discretionary performance bonuses
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Prescription drug and telemedicine benefits
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave and family-care support
• Healthcare, dependent-care, and transportation spending accounts
• Mental-health and wellness resources
• Employee assistance programs
• Career-development pathways
• Leadership development and mentorship
• Professional training and continuing-education opportunities

Equal Opportunity

Our client is committed to providing an inclusive workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, potential, and the ability to contribute. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and interview process.

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.