Estimator Trainee in South Orange

Energy Jobline ZR; South Orange (NJ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Match

HSA

FSA

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Training & Certifications

Career Growth

Job summary

VIVE Collision is hiring a Collision Estimator Trainee in New Jersey. You’ll learn to inspect vehicle damage, write repair estimates, and coordinate repairs with customers and insurers.

No prior collision estimating experience is required; you’ll train alongside experienced estimators and shop leaders. This paid training role offers hands-on development, OEM and I-CAR certification options, and a clear path to estimator and leadership roles within a growing collision repair organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or preferred.
• Interest in automotive and collision repair with a desire to learn.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Inspect vehicles and identify collision damage.
• Learn to write accurate repair estimates and repair plans.
• Use estimating and shop management software.
• Explain repair processes and provide customer updates.
• Coordinate repairs with customers, insurers, and shop staff.
• Maintain repair documentation and status updates.

Skills

People skills

Customer service

Mechanical inclination

Basic computer skills

Curious about repair

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CCC ONE

Shop management software

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionCollision Estimator Trainee | Paid Training + Career GrowthWant to build a career in the automotive industry but don’t know where to start?

If you’re good with people, comfortable around cars, and eager to learn a valuable skill, VIVE Collision will help you build the career.

We’re looking for a motivatedCollision Estimator Trainee to join our team. Previous collision estimating experience is not required. You’ll work alongside experienced Estimators and shop leaders who will teach you how to inspect vehicle damage, write repair estimates, work with customers and insurance companies, and coordinate repairs from start to finish.

This is more than an entry-level job. It’s an opportunity to learn a specialized skill, earn industry certifications, and build a long-term career in the collision repair industry.

Why Start Your Career with VIVE?

We invest in your development. You’ll receive hands‑on training and real-world experience while learning from experienced collision professionals.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Learn collision estimating from experienced Estimators and shop leaders
• Receive paid I-CAR and OEM training
• Learn industry-leading estimating technology, includingCCC ONE
• Build knowledge of vehicle repair procedures and insurance processes
• Develop valuable customer service and repair planning skills
• Gain experience that can lead to future Estimator and leadership opportunities
• Build a long-term career with a growing collision repair organization

What You'll Learn & Do

As an Estimator Trainee, you'll gradually learn how to manage the repair process from the moment a customer arrives until their vehicle is ready to go home.

You'll receive hands‑on experience with:

• Inspecting vehicles and identifying collision damage
• Learning how to write accurate repair estimates and repair plans
• Using estimating and shop management software
• Checking customers and vehicles in for repairs
• Explaining the repair process and providing customer updates
• Learning OEM repair procedures and insurance carrier requirements
• Working with Body Technicians, Painters, Parts teams, and Production Managers
• Identifying additional damage and assisting with repair supplements
• Maintaining accurate repair documentation and repair status updates
• Assisting with quality inspections and final vehicle delivery
• Learning how a high-performing collision repair center operates

You won't be expected to know everything on day one.We're looking for someone who is ready to learn, takes initiative, communicates well, and wants to build a career.

You Could Be a Great Fit If You...

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Enjoy working with bothpeople and vehicles
• Have strong communication and customer service skills
• Are organized and comfortable juggling multiple priorities
• Have basic computer skills and are comfortable learning new technology
• Are curious, mechanically inclined, and interested in understanding how vehicles are repaired
• Thrive in a busy, team-oriented environment
• Want a career where you can continue learning and advancing

Experience incustomer service, automotive service, collision repair, dealerships, sales, parts, insurance, or another automotive environment is a plus — but it isnot required.

Automotive, collision repair, or business-related education is also a plus.

Benefits That Support You & Your Future

VIVE Collision offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance options for you and your family, including domestic partners
• $50,000 employer-paid life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling and support resources
• Paid time off
• 8 paid holidays, including Black Friday, plus a floating holiday for your birthday
• Paid training and professional development
• Paid I-CAR and OEM certification opportunities
• Career growth and advancement opportunities within VIVE Collision

Build a Career — Not Just a Resume

Collision estimating combinesautomotive knowledge, technology, problem-solving, and customer service into one career. At VIVE, you'll have the opportunity to learn those skills from experienced professionals while getting hands‑on experience in a real collision repair environment.

If you're motivated, dependable, eager to learn, and ready to turn your interest in automotive into a career, we want to meet you.

The specific pay rate/salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by several factorsincluding experience, education, specialized certifications from OEMs, and where the job is located.

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants equally regardless of , , , , , , , veteran status, or status.