Part-Time Construction and Specialty Trade Estimator

Kaiva Services is seeking a Part-Time Construction and Specialty Trade Estimator in Tulsa, OK

Location: Hybrid
Reports To: Director of Construction
Employment Type: Part-Time (potential to transition to full-time)

About Kaiva:
Kaiva is a tribally owned 8(a), HUBZone, and Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise
(ISBEE) federal contractor specializing in construction, cybersecurity, innovative services,
and aerospace manufacturing. We deliver mission-driven products, services, and solutions
to federal, tribal, and commercial clients across the country.

Position Overview:
Kaiva is seeking a Part-Time Construction Estimator to support our growing pipeline of
federal projects. This role will focus primarily on construction estimation, but will also
involve estimating low voltage systems (structured cabling, security, AV, network systems,
CCTV, ISP/OSP fiber, mechanical and electrical systems) and professional services. The
position will require light project management responsibilities, including coordinating with
internal teams, tracking bid timelines, managing subcontractor communications, and
assisting in transitioning awarded projects from estimating to execution.
The ideal candidate will have direct experience estimating federal agency projects,
performing accurate material and labor takeoffs, and managing the early project phases to
ensure a smooth handoff to operations. Prior experience with agencies such as USACE,
NAVFAC, the Air Force, and NPS, particularly with MATOC/MACC vehicles, ID/IQ contracts,
and task order pricing is valued. The estimator must also be prepared to solicit and receive
multiple subcontractor proposals for each trade, evaluate pricing, and assist with
subcontractor buy-out following contract award.
This position is part-time to start, with the potential to grow into a full-time role as
workload increases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for federal construction projects, including civil,
  architectural, mechanical, and electrical scopes.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and BIM models.
• Develop takeoff summaries and cost breakdowns to support estimates and
  procurement activities.
• Estimate low voltage systems, including structured cabling, security, audio video, access
  control and related technologies.
• Assist in estimating professional services for federal contracts, including labor
  categories, rates, and level of effort.
• Analyze RFPs, RFQs, and federal project specifications to develop accurate and
  competitive estimates.
• Create and maintain bid schedules, track milestones, and ensure timely submission of
  estimates.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to clarify scopes,
  resolve discrepancies, and confirm pricing.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate multiple subcontractor proposals across all trades; support
  subcontractor negotiations and buy-out post-award.
• Assist in developing preliminary project schedules, staffing plans, and budgets for
  awarded projects.
• Maintain cost databases, historical pricing, and takeoff records to improve estimate
  accuracy and efficiency.
• Support proposal teams with estimate breakdowns, bid narratives, and supporting
  documentation.
• Ensure all estimates and bid submissions align with FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific
  requirements.

Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum 3 years' experience in construction estimating, preferably for federal projects.
• Proven experience performing accurate material and labor takeoffs for multiple trades.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and statements of
  work.
• Knowledge of federal procurement processes, regulations, and contract types.
• Proficiency with Office 365, especially advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with experience tracking bid
  deadlines and managing multiple estimates simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills for working with internal teams, subcontractors, and
  federal clients.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload priorities under tight deadlines.

Preferred:

• Previous experience estimating projects for USACE, NAVFAC, the Air Force, and NPS.
• Experience with MATOC/MACC vehicles, ID/IQ contracts, and task order pricing.
• Familiarity with low voltage systems estimating.
• Estimate labor, material, and equipment costs for structured cabling, access control, CCTV, ISP/OSP fiber, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Experience in professional services pricing for federal contracts.
• Background in working with tribally owned, 8(a), or small business federal contractors.
• Exposure to project management principles such as scheduling, resource allocation, and risk assessment.

Tools & Technology:
Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Takeoff & Estimating Software: Bluebeam Revu, Planswift, RSMeans, Sage Estimating,
  ProEst.
• Office & Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
• PDF & Drawing Review: Adobe Acrobat Pro, AutoCAD (viewing/markup), or similar.
• Project Management Tools: Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Asana, or similar platforms for tracking bid progress and early project planning.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rate based on experience.
• Flexible part-time schedule.
• Potential to grow into a full-time position with benefits.
• Paid Holidays