Lead Estimator

MD Property Services; American Fork (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development and growth

Job summary

MD Property Services, a Utah landscape contractor, seeks a Senior Landscape Construction Estimator to lead our estimating efforts and drive profitable bids for commercial and municipal projects. You will mentor junior estimators and collaborate with operations, vendors, and management to position the division for growth.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in landscape construction estimation, strong plan-reading, and a proven ability to develop competitive, accurate estimates while improving

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience in landscape/construction industries.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specs, and contracts.
• Experience preparing complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing.
• Analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience mentoring other estimators.
• Experience with estimating software and digital takeoff tools.
• Knowledge of irrigation, grading, hardscape, planting, and landscape methods.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Landscape Construction, Civil Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Review plans, specs, addenda, and bid docs to determine project scope and requirements.
• Prepare complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, logistics, and production costs.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and scope analysis.
• Solicit, review, and validate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies while protecting project profitability.
• Prepare clear, professional proposals and bid packages.
• Participate in bid reviews with leadership prior to submission.
• Identify scope gaps, design conflicts, and risks before bid submission.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve profitability through value engineering and planning.
• Ensure estimates provide operations with complete and accurate information for execution.
• Review estimated vs actual costs to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Mentor junior estimators and promote high-quality standards across the team.
• Help develop estimating procedures and templates, and foster collaboration across departments.

Skills

Plan reading

Estimating

Bid management

Communication

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Negotiation

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related

Tools

Aspire

Digital takeoff tools

Job description

MD Property Services is one of Utah’s leading landscape contractors, providing commercial and residential landscape installation, maintenance, irrigation, enhancements, and snow removal services. We are committed to delivering exceptional workmanship, building strong relationships, and creating opportunities for our employees to grow and succeed.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Landscape Construction Estimator to lead our estimating efforts and help drive the continued growth of our construction division. This position plays a critical role in securing profitable work, improving estimating processes, mentoring junior estimators, and helping position the company for long-term success.

Position Summary

The Lead Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive estimates for commercial and municipal landscape construction projects while providing leadership within the estimating department. This position works closely with operations, project managers, vendors, subcontractors, and company leadership to develop winning bids that support profitable project execution.

The ideal candidate combines technical estimating expertise with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. They are committed to continuous improvement, enjoy mentoring others, and understand that a great estimate is the foundation of a successful project.

Key Responsibilities

• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Prepare complete project estimates, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, logistics, and production costs.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and scope analysis.
• Solicit, review, and validate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies while protecting project profitability.
• Prepare clear, professional proposals and bid packages.
• Participate in bid reviews with company leadership prior to submission.
• Identify scope gaps, design conflicts, and potential project risks before bid submission.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve project profitability through value engineering and strategic planning.
• Ensure estimates provide operations with complete and accurate information for successful project execution.
• Review estimated versus actual project costs to improve future estimating accuracy.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor and support junior estimators through coaching, training, and regular review of their work.
• Promote consistent estimating practices and high-quality standards across the estimating team.
• Help develop estimating procedures, templates, and standard operating procedures.
• Foster collaboration between estimating, operations, project management, and field teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Stay informed of current market pricing, material availability, and industry trends.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client discussions as needed.
• Conduct bid follow-up conversations to strengthen customer relationships and improve future win rates.

Process Improvement

• Continuously improve estimating systems, workflows, and reporting.
• Help identify opportunities to improve estimating efficiency, consistency, and accuracy.
• Support implementation of new estimating software, technology, and best practices.
• Contribute to building a scalable estimating department that supports the company’s long-term growth.

Requirements

• Five or more years of estimating experience in commercial landscape construction, site development, civil construction, or a related industry.
• Strong ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, and project documents.
• Experience preparing complete project estimates, including labor, materials, subcontractors, equipment, and production costs.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience mentoring or leading other estimators.
• Experience with commercial or municipal landscape construction projects.
• Experience with estimating software and digital takeoff tools.
• Experience with Aspire or similar construction management software.
• Knowledge of irrigation, grading, hardscape, planting, and landscape construction methods.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Landscape Construction, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Competitive salary ($90,000–$120,000 DOE)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing estimating department