Senior Estimator

Ruppert Companies; Saint Augustine (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits with dental andVision

Flexible Spending Account

401(k) plan

Flexible work/life balance

Family-oriented company culture

Job summary

Ruppert Landscape is seeking a Senior Estimator in Florida to lead the estimating process from bid inception through proposal submission. You will review plans, define scopes of work, and coordinate bid activities with internal teams and subcontractors.

Responsibilities include developing cost estimates, soliciting pricing, supporting pre-construction budgeting, and contributing to value engineering for successful project execution and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Extensive understanding of landscape installation or construction methods.
• Minimum 3-5 years of Estimating experience.
• Basic knowledge of plant material and best horticultural practices.
• Ability to read and understand plans and specifications.
• Ability to build strong relationships with subcontractors and customers.
• Ability to project a professional image and a positive attitude in all situations.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Estimating Software Program.

Responsibilities

• Manage estimating workflow to provide complete proposals before bid deadlines.
• Manage estimating team and prioritizing bid deadlines.
• Develop a partnership with the internal Operations Team.
• Foster and maintain relationships with Landscape Architects, Vendors, Sub-contractors, and Clientele.
• Assist customers with technical information and pricing during pre-construction.
• Review plans and specifications to determine our scope of work and the most effective production methods.
• Define scopes of work for various trades and distribute subcontract bid packages.
• Review each subcontractors scope of work and negotiate final bid prices.
• Recommend preferred subcontractors on each job to internal team members.
• Solicit written quotes for hard materials and site furnishings.
• Submit plant lists to Purchaser to be sourced and priced.
• Continually update estimating software database and factors.
• Complete plan take-off and enter bid information into estimating software.
• Calculate total direct cost estimates for each bid.
• Assign or propose profit margins based on current pricing guidelines.
• Prepare a Bid Summary for each estimate.
• Develop value engineering alternatives.
• Estimate change orders.

Skills

Estimating experience

Plan reading

Relationship building

Communication skills

Time management

Estimating software

Plant knowledge

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Estimating software

Job description

Senior Estimator

Who We Are

Ruppert Landscape is a leading provider of commercial landscape maintenance and installation service s with more than 3,500 employees serving customers from 55+ branches across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern U S . We take pride in delivering reliable, high-quality service s on a wide range of commercial properties and construction projects. For over 50 years , o ur mission ha s been to provide opportunities for our people, take care of our customers, and be good stewards of the environment and our community.

Where You Fit In

As an Estimator, you will lead the estimating process from inception through proposal submission, ensuring accurate, complete, and competitive bids are delivered on time. Responsibilities include reviewing plans and specifications, defining project scopes of work, soliciting and analyzing subcontractor and supplier pricing, preparing detailed cost estimates, and coordinating all bid-related activities. This role also supports pre-construction efforts by assisting customers with budgeting and value engineering, collaborating with internal teams to review bid strategy and profit margins, and participating in pre- and post-job meetings to evaluate project performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute to successful project execution and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

• Manage estimating workflow to provide complete proposals before bid deadlines
• Manage estimating team and prioritizing bid deadlines
• Develop a partnership with the internal Operations Team
• Foster and maintain relationships with Landscape Architects, Vendors, Sub-contractors, and Clientele
• Assist customers with technical information and pricing during pre-construction
• Review plans and specifications to determine our scope of work and the most effective production methods
• Define scopes of work for various trades and distribute subcontract bid packages
• Review each subcontractors scope of work and negotiate final bid prices
• Recommend preferred subcontractors on each job to internal team members
• Solicit written quotes for hard materials and site furnishings
• Submit plant lists to Purchaser to be sourced and priced
• Continually update estimating software database and factors
• Complete plan take-off and enter bid information into estimating software
• Calculate total direct cost estimates for each bid
• Assign or propose profit margins based on current pricing guidelines
• Prepare a Bid Summary for each estimate
• Develop value engineering alternatives
• Estimate change orders

Qualifications:

• Extensive understanding of landscape installation or construction methods
• Minimum 3-5 years of Estimating experience
• Basic knowledge of plant material and best horticultural practices
• Ability to read and understand plans and specifications
• Ability to build strong relationships with subcontractors and customers
• Ability to project a professional image and a positive attitude in all situations
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Estimating Software Program

What we provide:

• Competitive salary
• Medical benefits with dental and vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) plan
• Flexible work/life balance
• Family-oriented company culture

Ruppert Landscape is an Equal Opportunity and E-verify Employer.

Disclaimer

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.