Project Estimator

Confidential Careers; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers is seeking a Commercial Construction Estimator to prepare proposals for private and public projects across educational, institutional, hospitality, multi-family, and healthcare sectors. You will perform quantity take-offs, develop costs, review bid docs, and support pre-construction efforts in a fast-paced environment.

Role requires 4+ years of estimating experience and familiarity with hard bid, conceptual, and negotiated approaches.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience with hard bid, conceptual, and negotiated estimating.
• BS degree in Construction/Engineering preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver proposals for private and public projects.
• Perform quantity take-offs for materials and pricing.
• Develop material, labor, subcontractor, and preliminary project costs.
• Review bid documents, drawings, specifications, and other project requirements.
• Coordinate with Estimating Dept., Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Assist with pre-construction process following project award and start-up.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using MS Project or similar software.
• Manage estimating assignments across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Support negotiations with subcontractors, suppliers, and project partners.
• Maintain estimating records, bid documentation, and pricing information.

Skills

Estimating

Negotiation

Communication

Detail oriented

Scheduling

Education

BS degree in Construction/Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Project

Takeoff software

Job description

The Commercial Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive proposals for private and public construction projects across educational, institutional, hospitality, multi-family, and healthcare sectors. This role manages project quantity take-offs, material and labor pricing, preliminary budgeting, bid document review, subcontractor proposal evaluation, and pre-construction support. The Estimator plays a key role in developing competitive bids, maintaining pricing accuracy, and supporting successful project pursuits in a fast-paced construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive proposals for private and public construction projects
• Perform and document detailed quantity take-offs for materials and pricing
• Develop material, labor, subcontractor, and preliminary project costs
• Review bid documents, drawings, specifications, and other project requirements
• Request and evaluate material and subcontractor quotes
• Review, compare, and qualify subcontractor proposals and job costs
• Conduct job site visits as needed to support estimating and project evaluation
• Prepare estimates for hard bid, conceptual, and negotiated projects
• Communicate effectively with the Estimating Department, Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, subcontractors, and vendors
• Assist with the pre-construction process following project award and project start-up
• Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project or similar scheduling software
• Manage estimating assignments across multiple projects while balancing priorities and deadlines
• Support negotiations with subcontractors, suppliers, and other project partners
• Maintain accurate and organized estimating records, bid documentation, and pricing information
• Perform other duties as assigned and demonstrate flexibility to meet the needs of a growing company

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of commercial construction estimating experience required
• Experience with hard bid, conceptual, and negotiated estimating required
• BS degree in Construction, Engineering, or a related field preferred but not required
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Special Requirements

• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines independently
• Ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality, accuracy, and completeness
• Ability to review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents
• Familiarity with the local subcontractor and construction market
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and willing to learn and master company estimating processes

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Knowledge of on-screen takeoff systems and construction estimating software
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or similar scheduling software, including the ability to develop project schedules
• Strong understanding of construction materials, labor costs, subcontractor pricing, and project requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to quickly learn and apply company-specific estimating processes and procedures
• Ability to effectively communicate with Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal team members

This position operates in a fast-paced commercial construction environment and requires collaboration with Estimators, Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and other construction professionals. The role involves managing multiple bids and projects simultaneously, working within strict deadlines, and may require job site visits and flexibility to meet project and business demands.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment
• Ability to review detailed construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents for prolonged periods
• Ability to visit and walk active construction job sites as needed
• Ability to navigate construction job site environments safely and effectively