Senior Estimator

Mainerafting; Biddeford (ME); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Deering Lumber in Maine seeks a Senior Estimator to prepare precise material takeoffs and cost estimates for residential projects, while coordinating and maintaining the bid process.

You will interpret blueprints, support the sales team, mentor junior estimators, and ensure bids are accurate, timely, and aligned with current pricing, lead times and inventory.

A degree and 3+ years of construction materials experience are required; strong math, communication and software skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to read blueprints and other technical materials.
• Ability to interpret building plans in diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to operate networked computer systems and specialized software applications and to instruct others in effective use of application software.
• Must have excellent oral communication skills and positive interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of measurements and basic math principles.

Responsibilities

• Estimate material quantities and costs for residential construction projects in accordance with company policies, building codes, and industry standards.
• Interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications to develop complete and accurate takeoffs.
• Support sales staff in understanding blueprint reading, estimating techniques, and construction procedures.
• Assist with trim and specialty material takeoffs when requested.
• Maintain a high level of product and material knowledge to ensure accurate estimates and recommendations.
• Maintain and manage all active bids, including tracking bid status, revisions, due dates, and outcomes.
• Organize and update bid logs, proposal records, and related documentation for visibility and accuracy.
• Coordinate with sales, purchasing, and operations teams to ensure bids are aligned with current pricing, lead times, and inventory availability.
• Ensure bid deadlines are met and submissions are complete, compliant, and professionally presented.
• Mentor and train junior estimators on estimating techniques and best practices.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Plan interpretation

Computer software

Oral communication

Math & measurements

Education

Associate's Degree in engineering or related area

Job description

Founded in 1866, Deering Lumber operates three locations in Maine, supplying building materials to customers across southern and coastal Maine and along the New Hampshire Seacoast.

A Brief Overview

The Senior Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate material takeoffs and cost estimates for residential construction projects while also managing and maintaining the company's bid process. This role combines technical estimating expertise with organizational and analytical skills to ensure bids are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company goals. The Senior Estimator supports the sales team, mentors junior estimators, and plays a key role in improving the efficiency and consistency of the estimating and bidding functions.

What you will do

• Estimate material quantities and costs for residential construction projects in accordance with company policies, building codes, and industry standards.
• Interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications to develop complete and accurate takeoffs.
• Support sales staff in understanding blueprint reading, estimating techniques, and construction procedures.
• Assist with trim and specialty material takeoffs when requested.
• Maintain a high level of product and material knowledge to ensure accurate estimates and recommendations.
• Maintain and manage all active bids, including tracking bid status, revisions, due dates, and outcomes.
• Organize and update bid logs, proposal records, and related documentation for visibility and accuracy.
• Coordinate with sales, purchasing, and operations teams to ensure bids are aligned with current pricing, lead times, and inventory availability.
• Ensure bid deadlines are met and submissions are complete, compliant, and professionally presented.
• Mentor and train junior estimators on estimating techniques and best practices.

Required For All Jobs

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.
• Adheres to Company's commitment to workplace safety.

Education Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in engineering or related area required.

Experience Qualifications

• 3+ years construction and building materials related experience required.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read blueprints and other technical materials.
• Ability to interpret building plans in diagram form and deal with abstract and concretevariables.
• Ability to operate networked computer systems and specialized software applicationprograms and to instruct others in effective use of application software.
• Must have excellent oral communication skills and positive interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of measurements and basic math principles.

Building Your Career With Benefits:

• The Usual. Medical, Dental and Vision (starting the 1st of the month after 30 days).
• The Good. 401(k) with company match.The Best. Paid Time Off and Closed Holidays.
• Even Better. Employee Discounts and Company Cookouts.
• How do we top that? We support your educational and career goals with our continuing education programs, paid training, and promoting from within.

Build Your Future Today With Deering Lumber.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.