Landscape & Construction Estimator

McDugald Steele; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement

Medical coverage

Life insurance

Paid time off

Education support

Job summary

McDugald Steele in Houston is seeking a Landscape Construction Estimator to join our design-build team. The role blends office and field work, preparing detailed cost estimates for high-end residential and commercial projects, reviewing drawings, and coordinating with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers throughout pre-construction.

You will perform quantity takeoffs, track pricing, assist with budgeting and bid development, and help select materials while ensuring accuracy and timely

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating for landscape projects.
• Experience with residential and commercial landscape construction.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape drawings and specs.
• Proficiency with estimation tools and software.
• Strong communication and team coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for residential and commercial landscape projects.
• Read and interpret landscape drawings, specs, and documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for landscape, hardscape, irrigation, drainage, lighting, pools and fountains.
• Coordinate pricing with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Assist with budgeting, proposal preparation, and bid development.
• Support landscape architects and construction teams during pre-construction planning and throughout construction.
• Track material pricing and market fluctuations.
• Maintain organized estimating records and documentation.
• Communicate with internal teams to support project accuracy and scheduling.

Skills

Read drawings

Estimating

Vendor coordination

Communication

Organization

Detail oriented

Field involvement

Tools

Microsoft Office

Smartsheet

Adobe

Estimating software

Job description

Landscape & Construction Estimator – Residential & Commercial

McDugald Steele is seeking a Landscape Construction Estimator to join our growing team in Houston. This position offers the opportunity to work on highly detailed residential and commercial landscape projects involving landscape design, construction, hardscape, irrigation, drainage, lighting, planting, pools and fountains, site development, and pre-construction coordination executed at a high level.

The Estimator plays a critical role in the pre-construction process by supporting project planning, pricing, budgeting, and coordination. While the position includes technical estimating and construction document review, this is not strictly a desk-based role. The Estimator participates in site visits, field verifications, attending meetings with subcontractors and vendors, as well as material selection coordination throughout the entire project planning process.

This role is ideal for an organized and detail-oriented professional who enjoys both office and field involvement while contributing to the successful execution of complex landscape projects.

Candidates should possess strong computer proficiency, the ability to read and interpret landscape construction plans and specifications, and a solid understanding of construction materials and estimating processes. The position offers long-term growth opportunities within a collaborative and design-driven environment focused on quality, professionalism, and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for residential and commercial landscape design-build projects
• Read and interpret landscape construction drawings, specifications, and project documents
• Perform quantity takeoffs for landscape, hardscape, irrigation, drainage, lighting, pools and fountains.
• Coordinate and confirm pricing with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors
• Assist with budgeting, proposal preparation, and bid development
• Support landscape architects and construction teams during pre-construction planning and throughout construction.
• Track material pricing and market fluctuations
• Maintain organized estimating records, spreadsheets, and documentation
• Communicate with internal teams to support project accuracy, scheduling, and project coordination

What Sets This Role Apart

• Opportunity to work on some of Houston’s most distinguished residential estates
• Work alongside a team of highly skilled landscape architects and experienced construction professionals
• This position is not limited to office-based estimating and includes site visits, field verifications, meetings with subcontractors and vendors, and participation in material selection and specification throughout the design-build process
• Be part of a collaborative team that partners with some of Houston’s leading luxury design and construction professionals
• Direct involvement in the design-build project lifecycle from initial field mobilization through construction completion

Company Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) retirement program
• Medical and dental coverage with employer contribution and HSA program options
• Life and disability insurance programs
• $15,000 employer-sponsored life insurance policy
• Company-issued cell phone
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Continuing education support
• Professional development and licensure reimbursement related to the field of employment
• Complimentary membership in select local and national professional design organizations supported by the company
• Discounts with select local suppliers and industry partners
• Vehicle mileage reimbursement
• Reimbursement for company - approved expenses

Job Requirements:

• Experience in construction estimating, landscape construction, or related fields
• Experience in high-end residential landscape construction
• Strong ability to read and interpret landscape construction documents and specifications
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, Adobe, estimating software, and digital project management platforms
• Knowledge of landscape materials, irrigation systems, drainage, lighting, and hardscape construction
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors and vendor procurement
• Familiarity with construction scheduling and budgeting processes
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong communication and coordination skills