Junior Estimator

Build Talent LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Training and mentorship

Professional development

Company holidays

Job summary

Build Talent LLC in Houston, TX is seeking a Junior Estimator to help develop estimating and preconstruction skills on commercial construction projects. You will assist with takeoffs, cost estimates, bid packages, and coordination with project teams.

This entry‑level opportunity emphasizes mentorship from experienced estimators, subcontractor solicitation, and learning to read drawings and specs to support competitive bids and value engineering as you build a long‑term career in estimating.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of construction estimating or related experience (internships welcome).
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, and competitive bids for commercial projects.
• Review plans and bid documents to understand scope and identify gaps.
• Solicit pricing from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Organize and compare subcontractor proposals for coverage and pricing.
• Assist senior estimators with bid leveling and proposal preparation.
• Maintain estimating files, bid logs, and historical data.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Detail-oriented

Strong communication

Reading blueprints

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

On-Screen Takeoff

PlanSwift

Procore

Job description

Location: Houston, TX

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Junior Estimator to join a reputable commercial construction General Contractor. This is an excellent opportunity for an early‑career construction professional who wants to develop strong estimating and preconstruction skills while working alongside experienced estimators, project managers, subcontractors, and trade partners.

The Junior Estimator will assist with quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, subcontractor solicitation, bid preparation, scope review, and other preconstruction activities for commercial construction projects. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, comfortable working with construction drawings, and eager to build a long‑term career in estimating and preconstruction.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates, budgets, and competitive bids for commercial construction projects.
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and other bid documents to understand project scope and identify potential gaps.
• Solicit pricing from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Organize, review, and compare subcontractor proposals for scope coverage and pricing.
• Assist senior estimators with bid leveling, scope sheets, bid packages, and proposal preparation.
• Maintain accurate estimating files, bid logs, subcontractor information, and historical cost data.
• Track drawing revisions, addenda, RFIs, and other changes throughout the bidding process.
• Participate in pre‑bid meetings, site walks, estimate reviews, and project handoff meetings as needed.
• Coordinate with project management and operations teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements.
• Assist in identifying value‑engineering opportunities and potential project risks.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and internal team members.
• Support multiple estimates and bid deadlines simultaneously.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related construction experience; relevant internships are welcome.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent construction experience will also be considered.
• Basic understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, and building systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu, On‑Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, Procore or similar construction/estimating software is a plus.

The successful candidate will be comfortable asking questions, digging into drawings and specifications, communicating with trade partners, and working collaboratively with both preconstruction and operations teams.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Training and mentorship from experienced construction professionals
• Exposure to a variety of commercial construction projects
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Clear career path toward Estimator / Senior Estimator / Preconstruction roles