Landscape & Construction Estimator

McDugald Steele Landscape Architects & Contractors; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) retirement program

Medical and dental coverage with HSA

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Continuing education support

Licensure reimbursement

Job summary

McDugald Steele Landscape Architects & Contractors in Houston seeks a Landscape Construction Estimator to join our team on detailed residential and commercial projects. The role includes field verifications, vendor coordination, and participation in material selection throughout design-build processes.

The position blends office estimating with on-site responsibilities, supporting project planning, budgeting, and coordination to ensure accurate, timely bids and successful project delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating or landscape construction.
• Experience with high-end residential landscape projects.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape construction drawings and specs.
• Strong computer proficiency including Office, Smartsheet, and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for residential and commercial landscape projects.
• Read and interpret landscape construction drawings and project 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 construction.
• Track material pricing and market fluctuations.
• Maintain estimating records and documentation.
• Communicate with internal teams to support project accuracy and coordination.

Skills

Landscape estimation

Reading plans & specs

Budgeting & cost control

Project coordination

Communication

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, attends 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
• Be a part of company traditions and team gatherings, including the spring appreciation picnic, holiday events and monthly birthday celebrations

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

Qualifications

• 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