Senior Estimator - Federal Projects

Jordan Foster Construction LLC; Fair Oaks Ranch (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Jordan Foster Construction is seeking a Senior Estimator for Federal Projects in the San Antonio area. You will analyze project specifications, prepare cost estimates, and assemble competitive bids for infrastructure and commercial work.

The role requires collaborating with project teams, engineers, architects, and subcontractors to validate assumptions and deliver accurate proposals. Responsibilities include takeoffs, pricing, evaluating bids, and developing cost models using historical data

Qualifications

• Experience in estimating commercial construction projects.
• B.S. degree as stated or equivalent field experience.
• Proficient with common estimating software and office tools.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specs, and drawings to understand scope.
• Take-offs, pricing, and labor cost estimation.
• Analyze subcontractor bids and prepare bid proposals.
• Coordinate with project teams and clients to validate assumptions.
• Prepare detailed estimates including direct/indirect costs, overhead, contingency, and profit.

Skills

Estimating

Commercial construction

Reading plans/specs

Cost analysis

Strong analytical skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Education

B.S. in Civil/Architectural Engineering or Construction Management

Equivalent field experience

Tools

BlueBeam

Primavera Scheduling

MS Excel

MS Word

MS Project

Job description

# Senior Estimator - Federal ProjectsSan Antonio Commercial - Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015## DescriptionThis position is responsible for analyzing project specifications, conducting cost estimates, and preparing competitive bids for infrastructure construction projects. The incumbent should have a strong background in estimating commercial engineering and federal projects, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with project teams and stakeholders.**Essential Duties/Responsibilities:*** *Review project plans, specifications, and drawings to understand the scope of work, materials, labor requirements, and project constraints.** *Conduct quantity take-offs, material pricing, and labor cost estimation for various aspects of commercial construction projects, including earthwork, utilities, paving, structures, and landscaping.** *Analyze subcontractor bids, quotes, and proposals to determine subcontracting requirements and costs.** *Collaborate with project managers, engineers, architects, and subcontractors to gather information, clarify project details, and validate cost assumptions.** *Prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates, including direct costs, indirect costs, overhead, contingency allowances, and profit margins.** *Utilize estimating software, spreadsheets, databases, and historical cost data to develop cost models, pricing strategies, and bid proposals.** *Evaluate alternative materials, construction methods, and value engineering opportunities to optimize project costs without compromising quality or functionality.** *Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and discussions with clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies to assess project requirements and risks.** *Review and negotiate subcontractor agreements, purchase orders, and vendor contracts to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.** *Provide support during bid presentations, negotiations, and contract award processes to win new projects and achieve business objectives.** *Ensure company compliance with bidding regulations and goals of each project (advertising, etc.)** *Develop, prepare, coordinate, and execute presentations and proposals to existing or new clients.** *Work on multiple company bids simultaneously and deliver on time.** *Operate and maintain proficiency in all internal/external estimating systems, technologies, and software.** *Minimizes exposure and risk by implementing quality assurance controls in estimating. Promptly reports changes and issues in scope and revenue to senior management.** *Identify and execute strategic opportunities within the proposal to optimize Jordan Foster Construction’s position in securing the work.** *Work with the operations team throughout the preconstruction process to review plans and specifications for constructability issues and determine general project requirements.** *Relate and transfer all relevant project information to the project team.** *Review subcontractor and supplier bids for compliance with contract requirements and determine which bids are acceptable.** *Coordinate the opportunity management system with the Estimators and the Operations Manager** *Regular attendance is required under company policy to ensure the crew can operate at normal efficiency.** *Performs other related duties as assigned.*## Qualifications**Required Skills/Abilities:*** *Experience in estimating commercial construction projects.** *Able to read, understand, and follow required construction documents.** *Proficient in construction estimating software (**BlueBeam, Primavera Scheduling, MS Excel, MS Word, MS Project)** *Excellent written and verbal skills & strong numerical and analytical skills.** *Able to work with external clients using strong commercial awareness.** *Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.** *Strong leadership attributes.** *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, and vendors.** *Familiarity with cost control methods and financial**& project management principles** *In-depth knowledge of research and data analysis methods and estimation metrics** *Outstanding communication and negotiation abilities** *Excellent organizational skills***Education and Experience:*** *B.S. degree in Civil, Architectural Engineering, or Construction Management, or equivalent field experience.** *Minimum of four (4) years of federal construction estimating experience.** *Experience with mass excavation, underground utilities, paving, and site concrete projects.** *Experience with estimating software such as Primavera, Bluebeam, and/or other related software.** *Negotiated project experience preferred, including technical writing skills.** *Valid Driver’s License with a clear MVR may be required.***Physical Requirements:*** *The ability to see, read, and understand written communications, including directions, instructions, and warning signs, to see and distinguish colors, to visually distinguish shapes and patterns, to accurately sense distances (depth perception), and to accurately see objects and detect motion at wide angles (peripheral vision).** *Climb permanent and temporary stairs, ladders, negotiate work areas under construction, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on an occasional basis.** *Moving objects backward, forward, in, or out in a horizontal direction, particularly heavy or bulky objects.** *Reaching, extending the hand(s) and/or arm(s) in any direction.** *While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in an office or on-site at the construction work site. In the on-site setting, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; and risk of electrical shock. The noise in this work environment is usually moderate to very loud.** *Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.** *Able to wear personal protective equipment is required, including but not limited to steel-toe shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, vest, etc.** *Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.** *Able to safely operate a motor vehicle.** *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions**.**This position may require the use of personal and/or company vehicles on company business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Employees in this position may be subject to random Motor Vehicle Record and alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment.*