Preconstruction Estimator — Client‑Focused Budget Leader

Stgermainsglass; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

St. Germain’s in Duluth, MN is seeking an Estimator who collaborates with construction managers, general contractors, and design teams to establish project costs and budgets across preconstruction.

Responsibilities include reviewing drawings, defining scopes, preparing proposals, and delivering accurate estimates while maintaining strong client relationships and seamless handoffs to project management.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Experience forecasting demand and analyzing construction requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Outlook) and scheduling software (Project, Smartsheet), and PDF markup tools.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• AutoCAD or Revit experience preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with owners, decision makers, construction managers, architects, and external clients.
• Define work scopes and develop material budgets, labor budgets, allowances, contingencies, and lead times.
• Prepare complete scope of work proposals from schematic design through GMP submissions.
• Deliver best-in-class client experience by supporting design assist efforts and value engineering options.
• Interpret architectural drawings, plans, and specs to develop detailed estimates.
• Provide clear pricing documentation and smooth handoff to Project Manager.
• Maintain organized estimating files, pricing databases, and digital records.

Skills

Forecasting demand

Reading drawings

English fluency

Communication, negotiation

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Two-year degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project

Smartsheet

PDF markup tools

AutoCAD/Revit (optional)

Job description

St. Germain’s in Duluth, MN is seeking an Estimator who collaborates with construction managers, general contractors, and design teams to establish project costs and budgets across preconstruction.

Responsibilities include reviewing drawings, defining scopes, preparing proposals, and delivering accurate estimates while maintaining strong client relationships and seamless handoffs to project management.