Chief Estimator

Company Description

Earthscapes is a commercial landscape contractor based in Ontario, CA, delivering planting, irrigation, design-build, site amenities, & maintenance for projects that demand proper execution. We’re known for a direct, streamlined process and a shared attention to detail - whether the job is straightforward or complex. If you’re after professional development, clear advancement and a team environment, we can build it, together.

Position Title: Chief Estimator

Pay Rate: Salary

Reports to: President / COO

General Description: The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating department and overseeing all aspects of cost estimation for landscape construction projects. This role ensures accurate, timely, and competitive bid proposals that align with company objectives and profitability targets. The Chief Estimator collaborates closely with project managers, sales teams, subcontractors, and clients to ensure successful project acquisition and handoff.

Estimating & Bid Management

• Lead the preparation of estimates, RFIs, and bid proposals for public and private landscape construction projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and related documents to determine scope, pricing strategy, and constructability.
• Conduct take-offs and develop detailed cost estimates including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Review and approve estimates prepared by junior estimators or team members.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, building codes, and industry standards.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Solicit, analyze, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotes.
• Maintain a current database of unit prices and market trends.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor estimating staff.
• Coordinate with operations, accounting, and business development teams to ensure alignment between estimates and execution.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings and project handoff to operations teams.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Establish and maintain estimating procedures, templates, and historical cost data.
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and accuracy.
• Report bid activity, success ratios, and market feedback to executive leadership.

• Advanced Estimating Techniques: Proficient in conceptual and detailed cost estimating for landscape construction projects.
• Blueprint & Specification Reading: Strong ability to interpret landscape plans, grading, irrigation, planting, and hardscape details.
• Takeoff Software Proficiency: Skilled in using estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, OST) and MS Excel.
• Cost Database Management: Ability to build and maintain unit cost libraries and historical bid data.
• Subcontractor & Vendor Analysis: Evaluate and compare proposals for scope, pricing, and qualifications.
• Clear Communicator: Present estimates, value options, and bid strategies effectively to internal teams and clients.
• Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating terms, pricing, and scope with vendors, subcontractors, and general contractors.
• Client Relations: Build trust and rapport with clients during pre-bid meetings, Q&A, and post-bid follow-ups.
• Professional Writing: Craft detailed scopes of work, clarifications, and proposal documents.

• 10 years of progressive experience in landscape or general construction estimating.
• Demonstrated success estimating public works, commercial, and/or design-build landscape projects.
• Proven ability to lead the full bid process, from takeoff to final proposal delivery.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent bids and mentoring junior estimators.

• Associate’s degree with significant estimating experience (10 years) in landscape or construction industries may be accepted in lieu of a Bachelor’s.
• Experience working with prevailing wage/Davis-Bacon projects.
• Experience with subcontractor procurement and scope writing.

• Office-based with occasional travel to job sites for site assessments and pre-bid walkthroughs.
• Fast-paced environment with tight bid deadlines.