What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Estimator position at Actalent?
Job Description
The Estimator is responsible for preparing cost estimates for construction projects or services in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and construction. This role involves analyzing project plans, specifications, and other documents to estimate project costs, including materials, labor, and equipment.
Responsibilities
- Review and interpret project documents such as drawings, specifications, and proposals to identify project needs.
- Develop and maintain relationships with project managers, superintendents, subcontractors, and estimators.
- Maintain open and frequent communication with project managers, estimators, foremen, general foremen, superintendents, subcontractors, accounting team, vendors, owners, and clients.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates by analyzing plans and specifications, identifying labor, material, and time requirements.
- Obtain bids from vendors and subcontractors by specifying materials, identifying qualified subcontractors, and negotiating prices.
- Evaluate offers to purchase by considering changes, additions, and site requirements.
- Present prepared estimates by assembling and displaying numerical and descriptive data.
- Maintain a cost database by entering and backing up data.
- Conduct gap analysis when projects close, comparing actual costs to anticipated costs, profits, and timelines; make recommendations for future bids; communicate lessons learned to all appropriate parties.
- Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.
- Cross-train in all facets of the Commercial and Industrial Division, preparing to fill in for anyone absent and grow in responsibility and scope over time.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
- Proven experience as an estimator in commercial and industrial projects.
- Strong understanding of construction processes, materials, and market trends.
- Proficiency in estimating software such as Accubid and MS Office Suite.
- Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Proficiency in electrical construction.
- Experience with commissioning, electrical circuits, and blueprint reading.
- Familiarity with mission-critical systems, data centers, duct bank, racking systems, shell and core, generator, PDUs, RPPs, busway, and branch power to rack.
- Knowledge of preconstruction and undisturbable power supply (UPS).
Primarily an office-based role requiring long periods of desk work and computer use. May require occasional visits to construction sites, necessitating walking, standing, and minor lifting. Extensive travel, primarily local, is required for project site assessments and meetings. Occasionally, travel may be needed for training, conferences, and client or vendor meetings. The role offers company-paid health insurance, 100% 401k match up to 5% of salary, paid personal/sick leave, paid vacation, paid parental leave, educational assistance, and various discount programs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Edwardsville, IL.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $50.00 - $80.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully remote position.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Salary : $50 - $80