Specialty Construction Estimator: Bids, Costs & Takeoffs

Kforce Inc; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kforce Inc. is seeking a Project Estimator - Specialty Construction in Grand Rapids, MI.

You will develop accurate estimates by evaluating drawings, labor, materials, equipment, and schedules while managing customer communication through bids and handing off to project management for execution. The role requires 3–5 years of relevant estimating experience, proficiency with takeoffs and cost databases, and strong collaboration with drafting, operations, and field teams.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications to develop quantity and cost estimates.
• Experience with labor, material, equipment costing and bid submissions preferred.
• Exposure to specialty walls systems, commercial construction, fabrication or field installation operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, drawings, specs, narratives, renderings, addenda to define scope, exclusions and assumptions.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and estimates for materials, labor, equipment, logistics, and installation methods.
• Assess constructability, site constraints, sequencing, labor productivity, and bid risks; identify clarifications and cost-effective alternatives.
• Develop preliminary milestones and installation assumptions aligned to customer schedule for refinement.
• Prepare and submit accurate, timely bids and supporting documentation.
• Serve as the primary customer contact during bidding.
• Participate in reviews with Lead Estimator to discuss bid progress and strategy.
• Coordinate with drafting and project management to validate scope and constructability.
• Work with operations and purchasing to test pricing, labor, and equipment needs.
• Support scope changes and estimate reconciliation during project execution.
• Capture actual cost and field feedback to improve estimating data for future bids.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

Takeoff & estimating

Construction knowledge

Costing & pricing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Kforce Inc. is seeking a Project Estimator - Specialty Construction in Grand Rapids, MI.

You will develop accurate estimates by evaluating drawings, labor, materials, equipment, and schedules while managing customer communication through bids and handing off to project management for execution. The role requires 3–5 years of relevant estimating experience, proficiency with takeoffs and cost databases, and strong collaboration with drafting, operations, and field teams.