Commercial Construction Estimator

Job Title: Commercial Construction Estimator

Industry: Commercial Construction / General Contracting

Location: Spencer, Iowa (On-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

A growing commercial general contractor is seeking a Commercial Construction Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for commercial construction projects. This role is responsible for reviewing construction drawings and specifications, performing quantity takeoffs, coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers, and supporting the bidding process from project evaluation through proposal submission.

The ideal candidate has experience in commercial construction estimating, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple bids while meeting deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and project specifications.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Analyze bid documents to determine project scope and identify potential risks.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from subcontractors and material suppliers.
• Prepare bid proposals and estimate summaries.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits as required.
• Coordinate with project managers and operations during the estimating process.
• Maintain organized estimating files and project documentation.
• Track bid deadlines and ensure timely proposal submissions.
• Stay current with construction methods, material pricing, and industry trends.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating procedures and best practices.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architectural Technology, or a related field, or equivalent construction estimating experience.
• Minimum 1 year of commercial construction estimating experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience preparing quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
• Knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a commercial general contractor.
• Exposure to design-build and plan-and-spec construction projects.
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors and vendors.
• Familiarity with construction estimating software and digital takeoff tools.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
  
  

Preferred Project Experience

Experience estimating projects in one or more of the following sectors is a plus:

• Commercial Office Buildings
• Educational Facilities
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Industrial
• Municipal / Public Works
• Mixed-Use Developments
  
  

Required Skills

• Commercial Construction Estimating
• Quantity Takeoffs
• Blueprint Reading
• Construction Cost Analysis
• Bid Preparation
• Scope Review
• Subcontractor Coordination
• Vendor Management
• Material Pricing
• Construction Documentation
• Microsoft Excel
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Communication
  
  

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site position.
• Occasional travel to project sites and pre-bid meetings may be required.
• Extended hours may be necessary during bid deadlines.
  
  

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple estimates in a fast-paced commercial construction environment. They possess strong analytical abilities, communicate effectively with internal teams and subcontractors, and consistently deliver accurate, competitive estimates while meeting project deadlines.