Junior Construction Estimator

A-1 Construction Specialty, Inc.; Collegeville (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A Junior Estimator role at A-1 Construction Specialty, Inc. in Collegeville is focused on supporting the Preconstruction Manager through all estimating and bidding stages. You will gain hands-on experience across a range of commercial projects while developing your estimating knowledge.

The ideal candidate has a construction-related background and is motivated, detail-oriented, and a strong team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and a positive company culture focused on teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in commercial construction, estimating, coordinator roles, or construction administration preferred.
• Entry-level candidates with relevant construction education or internship experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist Preconstruction Manager with preparation and coordination of commercial estimates.
• Review drawings, specs, addenda, RFIs, and bid documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and help develop project budgets and estimates.
• Prepare subcontractor and vendor bid packages and invitations to bid.
• Develop subcontractor scopes of work and assist with scope reviews.
• Solicit subcontractor and vendor pricing via calls, emails, and online platforms.
• Track subcontractor participation and bid coverage.
• Review and compare subcontractor proposals for scope completeness.
• Assist with bid leveling, pricing analysis, and identifying scope gaps.
• Prepare project proposals, clarifications, allowances, and exclusions.
• Maintain project files, estimate documentation, and cost history.
• Coordinate bid documents, RFIs, addenda, and drawings.
• Set up projects in estimating and bid-management systems.
• Manage client bid portals and upload proposals and required docs.
• Maintain subcontractor/vendor database and track bid dates and deadlines.
• Assist with project-related correspondence and bid follow-ups.
• Participate in handoff meetings and transfer estimate data to project teams.
• Communicate professionally with subcontractors, vendors, clients, and internal teams.
• Support preconstruction team as needed.

Skills

Self-motivated

Detail-oriented

Multitasking

Strong communication

Team player

MS Office

Reading drawings

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management / Engineering / Architecture / Business

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Bluebeam

Adobe Acrobat

ConstructConnect

Sage

BuildingConnected

Job description

Well-established and growing general contractor in Collegeville has an immediate full-time opening for a Junior Estimator. This position will assist the Preconstruction Manager throughout all phases of the estimating and bidding process while gaining hands-on experience across a diverse range of commercial construction projects.

A construction-related background is strongly preferred. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual who is interested in developing their estimating knowledge and advancing within our preconstruction department.

The ideal candidate is a flexible team player who can manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. If you enjoy working hard, having fun, and being part of a positive company culture focused on teamwork and building relationships, we want you on our team!

Responsibilities

Assist the Preconstruction Manager with the preparation and coordination of commercial construction estimates, including:

• Reviewing drawings, specifications, addenda, RFIs, and other bid documents.
• Performing quantity takeoffs and assisting with the development of project budgets and estimates.
• Preparing subcontractor and vendor bid packages and invitations to bid.
• Developing subcontractor scopes of work and assisting with scope reviews.
• Soliciting subcontractor and vendor pricing through phone calls, emails, and online bidding platforms.
• Tracking subcontractor participation and following up to ensure adequate bid coverage.
• Reviewing and comparing subcontractor proposals for scope completeness.
• Assisting with bid leveling, pricing analysis, and identifying scope gaps or exclusions.
• Assisting with the preparation of project proposals, clarifications, allowances, and exclusions.
• Maintaining accurate project files, estimate documentation, and historical cost information.

Coordinate project documents throughout the bidding process, including:

• Procuring, organizing, and distributing drawings, specifications, RFIs, and addenda.
• Setting up projects within the company's estimating and bid-management systems.
• Managing client bid portals and uploading completed proposals and required documentation.
• Maintaining and updating the company's subcontractor and vendor database.
• Tracking project bid dates, RFI deadlines, addenda, and proposal requirements.

Assist with project-related correspondence, including RFIs, subcontractor communications, proposal requests, and bid follow-ups.

Participate in project handoff meetings and assist with transferring estimate information to the project management and construction teams.

Communicate professionally with subcontractors, vendors, clients, and internal team members.

Contribute to and support the preconstruction team as needed.

Requirements and Skills

• Self-motivated and organized, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing as a strong team player.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable communicating with subcontractors and vendors by phone and email.
• General knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and terminology.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with RFIs, RFPs, addenda, scopes of work, and subcontractor proposals.
• Basic understanding of quantity takeoffs, construction costs, and the estimating process.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, as well as PDF review and markup software.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, ConstructConnect, Sage, or similar construction and estimating platforms is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to learn new estimating software and construction processes.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• One to three years of experience in commercial construction, estimating, project coordination, or construction administration is preferred.
• Entry-level candidates with relevant construction education, internship experience, or field experience will also be considered.

This is an outstanding opportunity to become immersed in the commercial construction industry and develop into a well-rounded estimator. The position offers significant hands-on experience, exposure to a wide variety of projects, and excellent potential for professional growth within our company.