What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimator position at Chief?
The Construction Estimator plays a key role in Chief Construction’s Pre-Construction process by developing accurate, comprehensive cost estimates that support informed decision-making for our customers and project teams. This position is responsible for evaluating plans, specifications, and project requirements to identify scope, constructability considerations, and value-engineering opportunities early in the project lifecycle. The Estimator works closely with Business Development, Project Management, subcontractors, and design partners to provide timely budgets, competitive bids, and clear documentation that align with Chief Construction’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer partnership.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead pre-construction evaluations by reviewing architectural plans, site information, and customer scopes to identify constructability issues, cost drivers, and value-engineering opportunities.
- Prepare accurate, timely estimates across all project stages, including conceptual, schematic, and detailed pricing when drawings are incomplete or evolving.
- Assist Business Development and Project Management with preliminary project layouts, budget guidance, and design recommendations that support economical and efficient construction solutions.
- Develop detailed quantity takeoffs and create pricing for non-standard or unique project conditions, clearly documenting assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions.
- Maintain current cost data, historical pricing, and estimating standards while managing a consistent backlog of bids and proposals.
- Collaborate professionally with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to clarify project requirements, resolve discrepancies, and reduce risk.
- Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships, representing Chief Construction with professionalism and a commitment to customer partnership.
The Company:
Putting the needs of customers first has taken Chief Industries, Inc. from a small construction company in 1954, to a highly diverse company with a reputation for manufacturing quality products and offering unparalleled customer service. Through its many divisions and subsidiaries, Chief Industries employs over 1,400 skilled and dedicated employees who produce a wide variety of products, many of which are used around the world.
A Brand of Chief Industries, Chief Construction has been your premier construction company in the Midwest since 1954. As design/build, general contracting, and construction management specialists, we focus on the entire process from concept through completion. Our success in the commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and institutional buildings segments can be attributed to our years of experience and to the use of the latest technological advances in planning, design, engineering, specifications, and construction.
Our Benefits:
This full-time position is eligible for full company benefits, including
- Paid vacation/time off
- 401(k) retirement plan plus company match
- Company-paid life insurance
- Company-paid short-term disability benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Financial wellness coaching
- Employee assistance program
- Paid holidays (8)
- Employee discounts
- Education assistance
- And much more.