Junior Estimator: Traffic-Control Plans & Takeoffs

Buyers Barricades; Richland Hills (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Buyers Barricades is seeking a Junior Estimator to support the estimating team through plan review, quantity takeoffs, bid preparation, and documentation. The role focuses on developing a strong foundation in temporary traffic control and heavy-highway construction while learning Buyers' estimating processes.

The successful candidate will receive training and progressively take ownership of more complex estimating work, with the long-term goal of becoming an independent estimator capable of

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong computer skills and comfort working extensively in digital systems.
• Ability to learn and interpret technical documents, drawings, plans, specifications, and written instructions.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, time management, and follow-through.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to identify problems, ask questions, and use sound judgment when information is incomplete or unclear.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to jobsites or other company/project locations when required.

Responsibilities

• Review construction plans, specifications, addenda, TCPs, and related bid documents to identify temporary traffic-control scope and requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for signs, channelizing devices, barricades, pavement markings, attenuators/crash cushions, temporary traffic-control equipment, and other applicable materials or services.
• Build preliminary estimates using Buyers' pricing, estimating procedures, product knowledge, project durations, and rental assumptions.
• Identify missing information, plan discrepancies, unusual requirements, and potential scope issues; communicate questions before they become bid-day problems.
• Organize bid documents, project folders, bid calendars, addenda, notes, and supporting information so each estimate is complete and easy to review.
• Enter and maintain accurate project and estimate information in TCR and other company systems.
• Assist with bid-day preparation, final estimate reviews, revisions, and submission requirements.
• Track submitted bids and maintain accurate records of bid status and outcomes.
• Assist the estimating team with pricing research, vendor/product research, and other information needed to develop competitive estimates.
• Communicate professionally with internal teams, vendors, customers, contractors, and other project contacts when required.
• Use Microsoft Office, estimating software, digital plan tools, and approved AI-assisted tools such as Onyx to research information, organize data, and improve efficiency while independently verifying the accuracy of the final work.
• Continue developing knowledge of Buyers' products, temporary traffic-control practices, construction operations, TxDOT standards, MUTCD requirements, and industry terminology.

Skills

Strong computer skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Valid driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

Plan-Review software

Excel

Job description

Buyers Barricades is seeking a Junior Estimator to support the estimating team through plan review, quantity takeoffs, bid preparation, and documentation. The role focuses on developing a strong foundation in temporary traffic control and heavy-highway construction while learning Buyers' estimating processes.

The successful candidate will receive training and progressively take ownership of more complex estimating work, with the long-term goal of becoming an independent estimator capable of