Construction Estimator

The Role (In Person)

DCC is seeking a Commercial Construction Estimator to develop accurate, competitive estimates for commercial construction projects throughout Louisiana.

Our primary scopes include metal framing, drywall, insulation, acoustical ceilings, and exterior assemblies. The Estimator may also support broader conceptual estimating and budgeting as needed.

Previous commercial construction estimating experience is highly preferred. We will also consider candidates earlier in their careers who have a relevant foundation in construction, architecture, engineering, construction management, drafting, project coordination, or another background involving construction drawings, specifications, quantities, or project documentation.

This is not an entry point for someone with no relevant construction or design background.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Takeoffs

• Review Invitations to Bid, drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for DCC's commercial construction scopes.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Review drawings and specifications to identify scope requirements, Basis of Design, approved manufacturers, alternates, and special conditions.
• Identify scope gaps, conflicts, exclusions, and items requiring clarification.
• Prepare RFIs when additional information is required to accurately price the work.
• Maintain organized estimate files, takeoffs, assumptions, and supporting documentation.
• Update estimates as drawings, addenda, and project requirements change.
• Support conceptual estimates and budgets when required.

Vendor & Supplier Coordination

• Identify and solicit qualified suppliers and subcontractors.
• Prepare and distribute Requests for Quote.
• Review supplier and subcontractor quotations for scope completeness.
• Compare competing quotes and identify exclusions, gaps, or discrepancies.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms where appropriate.
• Maintain current vendor relationships and material-pricing information.
• Coordinate with vendors on lead times, availability, alternates, and project-specific requirements.

Proposal & Bid Preparation

• Build complete project estimates for management review.
• Develop clear scopes, assumptions, exclusions, alternates, and clarifications.
• Prepare final proposals for submission to General Contractors.
• Ensure bid requirements and deadlines are met.
• Participate in estimate reviews with the Preconstruction Manager and President.
• Incorporate management review and approval before final pricing is submitted.

Bid Follow-Up

• Own post-bid follow-up with General Contractors.
• Track bid status, decisions, revisions, and outstanding information.
• Maintain professional communication with General Contractors throughout the decision process.
• Track wins, losses, bid results, and available competitive information.
• Revise proposals and pricing when requested.

Project Handoff

• Participate in estimating-to-operations turnover meetings after project award.
• Clearly communicate scope, assumptions, exclusions, pricing decisions, vendor information, and identified project risks.
• Provide estimating documentation needed by the project team.
• Assist with procurement and buyout coordination when needed.

What Success Looks Like

A strong Estimator:

• Produces accurate and complete takeoffs.
• Understands both the drawings and specifications.
• Knows what DCC is including, excluding, and committing to before a proposal is submitted.
• Identifies scope gaps and project risks early.
• Maintains organized and defensible estimate documentation.
• Meets bid deadlines consistently.
• Develops strong supplier and General Contractor relationships.
• Follows bids through decision rather than stopping at submission.
• Learns from bid results and completed projects.
• Becomes increasingly capable of estimating projects independently.
• Asks about Lola in the interview process.

Qualifications

Preferred

• Previous commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience with a commercial General Contractor or specialty trade contractor.
• Experience estimating metal framing, drywall, insulation, acoustical ceilings, exterior assemblies, or related scopes.
• Experience performing digital quantity takeoffs.
• Strong ability to read commercial construction drawings and specifications.
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, and negotiating vendor or subcontractor pricing.

Relevant Early-Career Backgrounds We Will Consider

Candidates without direct estimating experience may be considered if they have a relevant foundation, including:

• Construction Management student or graduate.
• Architecture student or graduate.
• Civil or Architectural Engineering background.
• Drafting or design experience involving construction documents.
• Project Engineer or Project Coordinator experience.
• Relevant commercial construction internship or co-op experience.
• Commercial construction experience involving plans, materials, quantities, estimating, or project documentation.

Required Skills

• Strong numerical and analytical ability.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong organization and time management.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Professional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to identify discrepancies and ask appropriate questions rather than relying on unsupported assumptions.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to learn and effectively use construction estimating and takeoff software.

Software

DCC's estimating workflow includes:

• ConstructConnect
• Microsoft Excel
• Bluebeam Revu

Experience with similar estimating, takeoff, or construction-management software is also relevant.

Jobsite & Travel Expectations

This is primarily an office-based position in Baton Rouge.

Periodic travel throughout Louisiana will be required for:

• Pre-bid meetings.
• Site walks.
• Existing-condition verification.
• Scope review.
• Meetings with General Contractors or project teams.
• Other project-specific estimating needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $65,000 to $95,000 annually

Placement within the range will depend on relevant commercial construction experience, estimating experience, technical knowledge, and demonstrated capability.

Following DCC's 90-day introductory period, employees have access to benefit options including:

• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Accident coverage
• Cancer coverage
• Additional available voluntary benefit options

DCC contributes $25 per month toward employee benefit premiums.

Hiring Process

• Preliminary phone interview.
• In-person interview with DCC leadership.
• Final in-person conversation if additional discussion is needed before a decision.

About DCC

Diversified Construction Contractors is a commercial specialty contractor serving Louisiana and surrounding Gulf Coast markets.

Our core scopes include metal framing, drywall, insulation, acoustical ceilings, and exterior assemblies.

We are looking for Estimators who want to develop strong technical expertise, take ownership of their work, and grow into increasing levels of responsibility within commercial construction.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance