Senior/Chief Construction Estimator

ZipRecruiter; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Estimator with 8-10 years of experience in site demolition and excavation. The successful candidate will prepare accurate estimates and bids for commercial, industrial, and residential projects, requiring strong analytical skills and effective communication to coordinate with various stakeholders.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience as an estimator in demolition, excavation, or general contracting.
• Strong understanding of demolition methods and site logistics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and bid packages for demolition and excavation projects.
• Analyze project requirements and prepare detailed cost breakdowns.
• Collaborate with project management to transition awarded projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field

Tools

PlanSwift

Bluebeam

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Estimator with 8-10 years of experience in site demolition, building demolition, excavation, and general contracting. The successful candidate will support the estimating and preconstruction teams by preparing accurate, competitive, and thorough estimates and bids for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. This role requires an understanding of demolition and excavation processes, a strong analytical mindset, and excellent communication skills to coordinate with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Estimating & Pre-construction:
• Prepare detailed estimates and bid packages for building demolition, excavation, site demolition, and general construction projects.
• Interpret architectural, structural, and civil plans/specifications and extract quantities and scopes.
• Perform quantity take-offs using manual methods and estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or On-Screen Takeoff).
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Develop scopes of work and ensure alignment with project requirements and bid inclusions/exclusions.

Cost Analysis & Proposal Development:

• Analyze project requirements, site conditions, and constraints to determine pricing and scheduling impacts.
• Prepare detailed cost breakdowns, labor and equipment productivity calculations, and risk analysis.
• Develop bid proposals and presentations that communicate estimate scope, assumptions, and strategy.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with the project management team to transition awarded projects smoothly.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and walkthroughs as required.

Technology & Process:

• Maintain estimating databases, unit cost records, and historical cost data for continuous improvement.
• Utilize estimating tools and software to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience: 8-10 years of experience as an estimator in demolition, excavation, or general contracting.

Technical Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of demolition methods, structural systems, soil types, shoring, and site logistics.
• Proficient with estimating software such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam, and scheduling tools like MS Project or Primavera.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaboration across departments and stakeholders.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience estimating selective demolition, interior gut jobs, or structural takedowns.
• Understanding of environmental remediation, asbestos abatement, or hazardous material removal.

Work Conditions:

• Office-based with occasional site visits.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Travel to bid meetings, job walks, and project sites (typically local or regional).
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.