Specialty Commercial Estimator

Empire Netting and Fence; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay: $22–$28 per hour

Insurance: health, dental, vision, and

401(k)

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Travel support with per diem

Job summary

Empire Netting and Fence is seeking a Specialty Commercial Construction Estimator to review drawings, prepare accurate takeoffs, and deliver detailed cost estimates and bid proposals. You will work with subs and suppliers, support project budgets, and help ensure projects are properly scoped and priced.

The role requires 2+ years in construction estimating, strong math and problem-solving skills, and proficiency with Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Sage Estimating, and Excel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of construction estimating experience or related role.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical documents.
• Strong math, analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and project documents to understand scope.
• Prepare accurate material, labor, and equipment takeoffs.
• Develop detailed cost estimates and bid proposals.
• Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers to gather pricing.
• Coordinate with project managers to ensure proper scoping and pricing.
• Identify risks and cost-saving opportunities before construction begins.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and jobsite visits as needed.
• Prepare RFIs and review addenda; adjust estimates as details change.
• Stay organized while managing multiple estimates and deadlines.
• Follow up on bids and help convert opportunities into projects.

Skills

Construction estimating

Blueprint reading

Prebid/RFIs

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Construction Management/Engineering degree is a plus

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

Sage Estimating

Job description

Specialty Commercial Construction Estimator

Are you tired of putting in the effort, catching every detail, and helping win jobs, only to feel like you're just another number?

You know your way around blueprints. You see details others miss. You take pride in putting together an estimate that's accurate, competitive, and sets a project up for success. But maybe you're starting to wonder if your current company really sees the value you bring.

What if you could work somewhere your attention to detail matters, your ideas are heard, and your hard work actually opens doors for your future?

At Empire, we’re looking for a Specialty Commercial Construction Estimator who wants more than just another paycheck. We’re looking for someone who takes ownership, enjoys solving problems, and wants to be part of a team that’s building something bigger.

We’re not looking for someone who just punches numbers into a spreadsheet. We’re looking for the person who asks one more question, catches the detail everyone else overlooked, and takes pride in knowing their work makes a difference.

Sound like you? Keep reading.

The Kind of Person We’re Looking For

You’re Someone Who

• Takes pride in getting it right. You understand that the smallest details can make the biggest difference.
• Thinks two steps ahead. You don’t just see numbers on a page. You see potential challenges, opportunities, and solutions.
• Has grit. When a project gets complicated or a deadline gets tight, you don’t back down. You figure it out.
• Believes in loyalty. You want to be part of a company where people have each other’s backs and success is shared.
• Does the right thing. Your integrity matters, even when nobody is watching.
• Brings a positive mindset. You understand that challenges are part of the process, and your attitude can make all the difference.
• Knows how to enjoy the journey. You work hard, but you also believe life is meant to be enjoyed.

Maybe your weekends are spent hunting, fishing, watching sports, at the racetrack, or making memories with family and friends. That’s the kind of life many of our team members enjoy, too.

We believe you should be proud of what you do for a living without forgetting what you’re working for.

What Could Your Future Look Like at Empire?

Imagine starting your Monday knowing you’re part of a team that respects your knowledge, trusts your judgment, and appreciates the effort you put in.

Imagine having opportunities to grow your skills, take on new challenges, and become an important part of the company’s success.

Imagine working alongside people who share your values, celebrate wins together, and know how to have a little fun along the way.

What would it feel like to stop searching for a better opportunity because you finally found a place where you belong?

That’s the kind of team we’re building at Empire.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

Your ability to see the big picture while never losing sight of the details will help us build successful specialty commercial construction projects.

You’ll Put Your Skills To Work By

• Reviewing construction drawings, blueprints, specifications, and project documents to understand the full scope of each project.
• Preparing accurate material, labor, and equipment takeoffs.
• Developing detailed cost estimates and competitive bid proposals.
• Working with subcontractors and suppliers to gather and evaluate pricing.
• Collaborating with project managers to make sure projects are properly scoped and priced.
• Identifying potential risks, cost‑saving opportunities, and creative solutions before construction begins.
• Attending pre‑bid meetings and jobsite visits when needed.
• Preparing RFIs, reviewing addenda, and adjusting estimates as project details change.
• Staying organized while managing multiple estimates and deadlines.
• Following up on submitted bids, building relationships, and helping turn opportunities into successful projects.
• Supporting project budgets, scheduling, and preconstruction planning.

Your work won’t just help us win projects. It will help set our entire team up for success.

What Will Help You Succeed Here

We Believe Attitude, Character, And Work Ethic Matter Just As Much As Experience. That Said, You’ll Have a Strong Foundation For Success Is If You Bring

• At least 2 years of construction estimating experience or experience in a related role.
• A solid understanding of specialty commercial construction methods, materials, and costs.
• The ability to confidently read and interpret blueprints and technical documents.
• Strong math, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Sage Estimating, or similar programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and teammates.
• The ability to work independently, stay organized, and manage multiple deadlines.
• A high school diploma or equivalent. A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is a plus.
• Knowledge of building codes and industry regulations is a plus.
• OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or First Aid/CPR/AED certifications are preferred but not required.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is hungry to learn, willing to take ownership, and excited to grow with a company that values the person behind the work.

What Empire Offers You

We know building a great life takes more than just working hard. It takes opportunity, stability, and a team that wants to see you succeed.

Here’s What We Offer

• Pay: $22.00–$28.00 per hour, depending on experience.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance to help protect what matters most.
• 401(k) to help you plan for your future.
• Paid time off so you can enjoy life outside of work.
• Professional development assistance to help you continue building your skills and career.
• Travel support when required: Empire covers employee hotel accommodations and provides a $50 daily per diem in addition to regular compensation when traveling.

And something you can’t put a dollar amount on? The opportunity to be part of a team built around Grit, Loyalty, Enjoying the Journey, Integrity, and a Positive Mindset.

Your Next Chapter Could Start Here

You already know what it’s like to work hard. You already know what it’s like to be counted on to get things right.

But do you know what it’s like to work for a company where your effort, ideas, and future truly matter?

Maybe you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to make a change. Maybe you’ve been telling yourself there’s got to be something better out there.

What if this is it?

We’re not looking for just another estimator.

We’re looking for our next teammate. Someone who wants to build a career, be proud of your work, and enjoy the journey along the way.