Federal Estimator

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Preconstruction / Estimating

We are seeking a detail-driven Estimator with strong experience in federal and/or commercial building markets to join our St. Paul team. You will lead and support the full estimating lifecycle, from conceptual budgets through hard bids and GMP proposals across new construction, renovations, and tenant improvements.

• Estimate Development

  • Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and 100% CD estimates using assemblies and detailed takeoffs by CSI MasterFormat divisions.
  • Build and maintain quantity takeoffs and pricing for general conditions, self-perform scopes (as applicable), and subcontracted work.
  • Develop unit pricing, production rates, work breakdown structures, allowances, contingencies, and escalation assumptions.
  • Validate scope completeness against drawings, specs, and addenda; lead scope gap and scope overlap reviews.

• Federal Estimating & Compliance

  • Prepare sealed bids and proposals for federal agencies (e.g., USACE, VA, GSA, DHS), including SF 1442 and required forms/representations.
  • Incorporate FAR/DFARS, Davis-Bacon, Buy American/Trade Agreements, small business participation, and cybersecurity/QA provisions into pricing and narratives.
  • Support Past Performance and Technical Approach inputs for Best Value/LPTA procurements; coordinate RFI questions and bid clarifications.

• Market & Subcontractor Engagement

  • Develop bid lists; prequalify and solicit proposals from local and national trade partners.
  • Lead scope reviews and leveling of subcontractor proposals; normalize exclusions, alternates, and clarifications.
  • Track market conditions (labor productivity, material lead times, supplier volatility, escalation).

• Collaboration & Delivery

  • Work with Precon/Operations to align means & methods, logistics, phasing, and schedule assumptions.
  • Partner with VDC for model-based quantity verification and 3D scope checks where available.
  • Contribute to proposal content: executive summaries, project narratives, logistics plans, value engineering, and risk registers.

• Cost & Risk Management

  • Maintain historical cost database and benchmarking for the Upper Midwest region.
  • Perform value engineering, alternates, and life-cycle cost comparisons.
  • Identify project risks (site constraints, winter conditions, material volatility, schedule compression) and develop pricing strategies to mitigate.
    
    

• 4-8 years of estimating experience with a General Contractor focused on building construction (federal and/or commercial).
• Proven delivery of hard bids, negotiated/GMP proposals, and design-assist precon support.
• Proficiency with quantity takeoff and estimating tools (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff/PlanSwift, RSMeans, Sage/Timberline/ProEst/HCSS or similar).
• Solid knowledge of FAR/DFARS, Davis‑Bacon, CSI MasterFormat, drawing/spec standards, and procurement methods (Sealed Bid, Best Value, CMAR, Job Order/IDIQ, MATOC).
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, MEPFP, and civil drawings/specifications.
• Strong Excel skills (assemblies, cost libraries, pivot tables) and comfort with databases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present estimates and defend assumptions.
  
  

• Experience estimating for USACE, VA, or GSA projects (hospitals/clinics, office, labs, training facilities, mission-critical, secure spaces).
• Familiarity with Minnesota building codes, MS4/site constraints, winter construction logistics, and regional trade pricing.
• Exposure to LEAN preconstruction, Last Planner concepts, or Target Value Delivery.
• Familiarity with BIM 5D workflows (e.g., Navisworks quantities, model-based takeoff).
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Active clearance eligibility or prior work on secure federal projects (preferred, not required).
  
  

• Accuracy & Detail Orientation: Produces complete, defensible estimates with clear backup.
• Commercial Acumen: Understands how cost, schedule, logistics, and risk drive win strategies.
• Collaboration: Works seamlessly with Precon, Operations, VDC, and BD; leads trade partners with respect and clarity.
• Problem Solving: Anticipates design gaps; proposes constructible, cost-effective solutions.
• Time Management: Thrives under tight deadlines and multi-bid environments.
  
  

• Federal: Administrative/office, medical/clinical, training/classrooms, labs, warehouse/support, secure/SCIF renovations (as applicable).
• Commercial: Office, mixed-use, higher-ed, healthcare interiors, light industrial, retail/tenant improvements.
  
  

• Strong MS Excel Skills Required
• Estimating & Takeoff: RSMeans, Sage/Timberline, ProEst/WinEst/HCSS, OST/PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu
• Collaboration: Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams
• Scheduling (for assumptions): Primavera P6 or MS Project
• BIM/VDC (as available): Navisworks, Revit (quantities), model viewers