What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Estimator position at Brewster Companies, Inc.?
Project Estimator
Brewster Companies, Inc. is a family owned and operated company that specializes in heavy civil and transportation construction. As a rapidly growing company, we are looking for employees with a strong work ethic and great personality to join our team.
This position will be a vital role and in addition to our management team, work duties will include preconstruction and hard bid estimating. Brewster is seeking hardworking, motivated individuals who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career rebuilding and expanding our infrastructure.
Brewster Companies is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer with advancement opportunities and a great work environment.
Benefits
Preconstruction & Estimating
Brewster Companies, Inc. is a family owned and operated company that specializes in heavy civil and transportation construction. As a rapidly growing company, we are looking for employees with a strong work ethic and great personality to join our team.
This position will be a vital role and in addition to our management team, work duties will include preconstruction and hard bid estimating. Brewster is seeking hardworking, motivated individuals who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career rebuilding and expanding our infrastructure.
Brewster Companies is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer with advancement opportunities and a great work environment.
Benefits
- Company Paid Medical Insurance for full-time employees.
- Dental/Vision/Life Insurance available after one month.
- 401(k) with competitive company match.
- Paid Holidays available upon hire.
- Paid Vacation accruals upon hire.
- Strong Family Culture - Family-Owned Business.
- Growth Opportunities - Promotions from within.
Preconstruction & Estimating
- Manage and update a log of potential opportunities, evaluating project scope and fit within Brewster's core competencies.
- Review and analyze civil construction plans, specifications, addenda, and contract requirements to identify cost impacts and project risks.
- Perform detailed takeoffs, measurements, and quantity calculations for earthwork, utilities, paving, structures, and other civil components.
- Prepare comprehensive estimates by assembling accurate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
- Develop cohesive estimate structures supported by achievable preliminary work plans and production rates.
- Utilize estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob) and electronic plan takeoff tools to prepare and document bids.
- Communicate with and expand subcontractor and supplier databases to ensure competitive pricing and coverage.
- Solicit, evaluate, and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotes for scope compliance and best value.
- Negotiate terms, factoring in safety, quality, cost efficiency, and supplier diversity.
- Identify project risks and work with management to determine appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Evaluate constructability, site logistics, schedule impacts, and phasing requirements during the bid process.
- Assist with developing contingencies and allowances to ensure accurate, defensible estimates.
- Coordinate closely with ownership, management, and field supervisors to align estimates with field execution strategies.
- Prepare bid summaries, clarifications, and recommendations for review by company leadership.
- Support preliminary scheduling activities, sequencing, and manpower planning for proposals.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client presentations as required.
- Support project handoff meetings with operations, ensuring that awarded projects are clearly communicated and properly set up in HeavyJob.
- Provide ongoing estimating support during project execution for change orders, cost tracking, and value engineering.
- Assist in maintaining historical cost data for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
- 5 years of experience in civil/heavy construction estimating preferred.
- Strong background in reading and interpreting civil construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob required).
- Experience with electronic plan takeoff software.
- Knowledge of DOT (IDOT, MoDOT) and public agency bidding processes preferred.
- Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities; able to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, and subcontractors.
- Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Detail-Oriented: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in all estimates and documentation.
- Strategic Thinker: Evaluates risks, opportunities, and project approaches to maximize competitiveness.
- Collaborative: Builds strong working relationships with team members, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
- Proactive: Anticipates project challenges and proposes solutions during the preconstruction phase.
- Professional & Personable: Represents Brewster Companies' family-oriented culture with integrity and positivity.
- Results-Driven: Focused on delivering high-quality estimates that lead to successful project awards.