Preconstruction Estimator: Fast, Detail-Driven Bids

RockBridge Search; Saint George (UT); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

RockBridge Search is seeking a sharp Estimator to turn plans and specs into competitive, executable project estimates in the fast-paced world of construction. You will analyze drawings, perform quantity takeoffs, coordinate with subs and vendors, and deliver detailed bid packages while maintaining accuracy, speed, and clear communication with the team.

You will work closely with project management, operations, subcontractors, suppliers, and leadership to ensure estimates tell the complete story.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in construction estimating, preconstruction, or a closely related construction role.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, materials, and project costs.
• Ability to confidently read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and contract documents.
• Strong quantity takeoff and estimating skills.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Experience obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Ability to identify scope gaps and ask the questions that need to be asked before the bid goes out the door.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to see both the forest and the trees.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines and stay organized in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong computer skills and comfort working with estimating software, spreadsheets, and construction technology.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Professional confidence when communicating with subcontractors, vendors, clients, and internal teams.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning as a highly collaborative member of the team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed conceptual, budgetary, bid, and hard-bid estimates for construction projects.
• Review architectural, structural, civil, MEP, and specialty drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents.
• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs and accurately quantify labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor scopes, and other project costs.
• Break projects down into logical scopes and cost components so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
• Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Develop detailed bid packages and scope sheets for subcontractors and vendors.
• Maintain strong communication with subcontractors, suppliers, project managers, superintendents, and company leadership.
• Identify gaps, conflicts, exclusions, omissions, ambiguities, and potential cost exposures before bids are finalized.
• Review historical project data and market conditions to develop realistic and competitive pricing.
• Analyze labor productivity, material costs, equipment requirements, subcontractor pricing, and other project-specific variables.
• Prepare detailed estimate summaries and bid documentation for management review.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, scope reviews, and project turnover meetings.
• Track bid invitations, deadlines, subcontractor coverage, and proposal status.
• Coordinate with the project team to ensure estimating assumptions align with actual field conditions and construction requirements.
• Assist with value engineering and identify practical alternatives that can improve project cost, schedule, constructability, or overall value.
• Review revisions, RFIs, addenda, and drawing changes and incorporate their impacts into estimates.
• Maintain organized estimating files, documentation, pricing databases, and historical cost information.
• Help develop and maintain relationships with reliable subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Support post-bid reviews to understand wins, losses, pricing trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Stay informed on labor markets, material pricing, construction trends, and local market conditions.
• Juggle multiple estimates and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Bring urgency to the estimating process without sacrificing quality. Fast is great. Fast and right is better.

Skills

Construction estimating

Preconstruction

Reading drawings

Quantity takeoffs

Bid preparation

Subcontractor coordination

Vendor negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Organization

Job description

RockBridge Search is seeking a sharp Estimator to turn plans and specs into competitive, executable project estimates in the fast-paced world of construction. You will analyze drawings, perform quantity takeoffs, coordinate with subs and vendors, and deliver detailed bid packages while maintaining accuracy, speed, and clear communication with the team.

You will work closely with project management, operations, subcontractors, suppliers, and leadership to ensure estimates tell the complete story.