What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimator position at Adams & Smith, Inc.?
We are seeking a detail-oriented Steel Erection Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive estimates for structural steel erection projects. The Estimator will analyze bid documents; develop labor, equipment, crane, rigging, travel, and material-related costs; identify scope gaps and project risks; and support bid submissions, negotiations, and turnover to operations.
This position requires practical knowledge of structural-steel erection means and methods, sequencing, field production rates, crane and rigging requirements, and commercial construction bid processes. Steel-specific estimating roles commonly encompass review of drawings and specifications, quantity takeoffs, field labor and equipment estimates, vendor coordination, and scope/proposal development.
Essential Duties
- Review invitations to bid, structural and architectural drawings, specifications, addenda, schedules, general conditions, and other contract documents.
- Perform complete scope analysis for structural-steel erection, including steel members, joists, metal deck, miscellaneous metals as applicable, bolting, field welding, temporary bracing, shoring, rigging, and related installation requirements.
- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and labor-hour estimates using project drawings, specifications, production rates, and anticipated erection methods.
- Develop estimates for labor, supervision, cranes, aerial lifts, forklifts, rigging, tools, consumables, mobilization/demobilization, travel, per diem, permits, safety measures, and other job-specific costs.
- Evaluate erection sequencing, site logistics, access constraints, crane locations, laydown areas, delivery coordination, weather exposure, and project schedule impacts.
- Identify exclusions, clarifications, assumptions, qualifications, and potential scope gaps before bid submission.
- Solicit, review, level, and incorporate quotations from crane companies, equipment suppliers, subcontractors, transportation providers, and other vendors.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client or general-contractor meetings when needed to verify field conditions and clarify scope.
- Prepare bid proposals, scope sheets, bid tabs, alternates, value-engineering options, and supporting estimate documentation.
- Coordinate with project management, operations, safety, fabrication/detailing teams, and senior leadership to confirm constructability, labor availability, equipment needs, and bid strategy.
- Participate in post-bid follow-up, negotiations, scope reviews, and change-order pricing.
- Complete a thorough handoff package for awarded projects, including estimate backup, scope assumptions, vendor quotes, labor assumptions, exclusions, schedule considerations, and risk items.
- Maintain estimating files, cost databases, labor production data, vendor contacts, and historical project information.
- Support continuous improvement of estimating tools, cost tracking, production-rate data, and bid procedures.
The role should be capable of estimating from both complete bid packages and early-stage conceptual information, where field experience helps the estimator make informed assumptions about installation logistics and cost exposure.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, estimating, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 3–5 years of estimating experience in structural steel, commercial construction, fabrication/erection, or a closely related trade; 5 years of structural steel estimating experience preferred for senior-level openings.
- Demonstrated experience estimating work, including field labor, cranes, rigging, equipment, mobilization, and erection sequencing.
- Ability to read and interpret structural and architectural drawings, shop drawings, specifications, bid instructions, and contract documents.
- Strong understanding of construction means and methods, labor productivity, crew composition, scheduling, and site logistics.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating/document-review software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, ProEst, or similar platforms.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple bid opportunities and meet strict deadlines.
- Ability to periodically travel to project sites, pre-bid meetings, and client locations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of steel erection practices, field bolting and welding, joist and deck installation, temporary bracing, fall protection, and jobsite safety requirements.
- Familiarity with AISC standards and applicable OSHA, building-code, and project safety requirements.
- Field experience as a steel erector, foreman, superintendent, crane/rigging professional, project manager, or structural-steel installer.
- Experience estimating commercial, industrial, institutional, warehouse/distribution, manufacturing, or multi-story structural-steel projects.
- Working knowledge of Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, Revit, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, FabTrol, or comparable construction and steel-industry software.
- Experience with public works, prevailing wage, union labor, certified payroll, bonding requirements, or government-contract bid requirements.
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or related estimating/construction credential.
- Experience with fabrication estimating and miscellaneous metals is beneficial, particularly where the company self-performs or coordinates both fabrication and erection.
Skills and Competencies
- Structural steel scope analysis and takeoffs. (able to develop)
- Field labor productivity and crew-rate development.
- Crane selection, lift planning awareness, rigging, and equipment costing. (able to develop)
- Erection sequencing, access planning, and jobsite logistics. (able to develop)
- Proposal writing, scope qualification, and bid-risk analysis.
- Vendor solicitation and quote comparison.
- Cost analysis, budgeting, and change-order pricing.
- Attention to detail, sound judgment, and ability to identify incomplete or conflicting design information.
- Clear written and verbal communication with general contractors, owners, suppliers, field personnel, and internal teams.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 4% Match
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000 - $105,000