Construction Estimator

To apply, you will only have to fill a short form on our website that will take you less than 5 minutes.

 

Job Title: Construction Estimator

 

About the Company:

Our client is a California-based general contractor that focuses on commercial painting, coatings, windows, doors, exterior building improvements, and renovations for the hospitality industry.

 

Job Description:

Our client is growing its preconstruction team. They need a detail-oriented construction professional. You should have a background in architecture, civil engineering, construction engineering, or a similar field. This role is not a typical administrative assistant job. You need to understand construction drawings, specifications, estimating, and quantity takeoffs. You will help build a reliable, technology-driven estimating operation.

 

Responsibilities of the role:

• Read and understand architectural, structural, and construction drawings.

• Review full plan sets, specifications, schedules, details, and addenda.

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for painting, coatings, drywall, siding, windows, doors, and general renovation work.

• Find differences between drawings, specifications, schedules, and actual quantities.

• Check takeoff quantities against specific drawing sheets, details, and specifications.

• Identify missing information, scope gaps, exclusions, and possible change orders.

• Prepare Requests for Information (RFIs) when drawings are incomplete or conflict.

• Review and create drawings, sketches, markups, and scope clarification documents using CAD or PDF software.

• Develop detailed estimates using company Excel templates and pricing standards.

• Use ChatGPT and AI tools to speed up plan reviews, quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, and estimating.

• Independently check AI-generated information against original construction documents.

• Keep accurate source references for every major quantity and scope item.

• Verify measurements, calculations, material quantities, and estimate completeness before internal review.

• Use consistent estimating methods across projects.

• Clearly show verified quantities, assumptions, allowances, and items needing clarification.

• Monitor incoming Invitations to Bid (ITBs), contractor bid portals, and estimating opportunities.

• Screen opportunities based on company requirements, geographic areas, project types, and bid deadlines.

• Download and organize plans, specifications, addenda, and supporting documents.

• Create and manage estimating projects in Asana.

• Track bid deadlines, outstanding RFIs, estimating progress, and proposal submissions.

• Coordinate with project managers and company leadership on bid priorities.

• Maintain an organized estimating pipeline and historical estimate database.

 

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree or significant professional training in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.

• Proven experience reading and understanding U.S. construction drawings.

• Experience producing construction quantity takeoffs and estimates.

• Ability to read architectural plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and construction details.

• Ability to prepare or modify CAD drawings and construction markups.

• Strong skills in Excel.

• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, STACK, or similar construction software.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to independently verify technical information.

• Strong written English communication skills.

• Comfortable learning ChatGPT, Asana, and other AI-powered workflows.

 

Preferred Skills:

• Experience estimating commercial construction projects in the United States.

• Experience with commercial painting, exterior coatings, windows, doors, siding, or hotel renovations.

• Familiarity with California construction practices and prevailing wage projects.

• Experience reviewing architectural specifications and preparing RFIs.

• Experience with Revit or other BIM software.

• Previous experience supporting a U.S.-based general contractor.

 

Personality:

• You can take a complete construction plan set and independently identify the applicable scope of work.

• You can review all relevant plans, details, schedules, specifications, and addenda.

• You can produce accurate and traceable quantity takeoffs.

• You can identify discrepancies, missing scope, and potential estimating risks.

• You can prepare a complete preliminary estimate using established templates.

• You can organize the project and supporting documents in Asana.

• You can deliver a clean estimating package ready for management review.

• Accuracy, completeness, and source verification are more important than speed.

• You are excited about AI but understand that AI-generated measurements, quantities, and scope interpretations must be verified against original construction documents.

• You combine construction knowledge, technical drawing skills, and technology to deliver accurate, repeatable results.

 

Software & Tools:

• Excel

• AutoCAD

• Bluebeam

• PlanSwift

• STACK

• ChatGPT

• Asana

• Revit (preferred)

 

Schedule:

Full-time

Monday to Friday

 

Salary and Benefits:

• Payment in USD or Local Currency according to candidate's preference.

• Full-time remote opportunity.