Construction Project Estimator II

THE OPPORTUNITY

Fuel your career journey with Sun Construction, Inc.! We're actively seeking a highly skilled and detail oriented, proficient Construction Project Estimator to join our growing team on the Big Island (Hilo)

The ideal candidate will have strong estimating experience, proposal preparation skills, and a solid understanding of project planning, contract administration, and construction management. We value a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and contributes to continuous improvement across our operations.

As a Construction Project Estimator, you'll play a critical role in both developing new work and supporting successful planning and execution of active projects--working closely with our leadership team, field crews, subcontractors, and clients in delivering accurate, timely and competitive cost estimates.

Hourly Wage

THE COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$43.86

to $52.88 (DOE)Location: Our Hilo Office

Benefits

(some benefits require a one-year vesting period)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Life Insurance Benefits
• Supplemental Benefits Participation
• Social Security & TDI Benefits
• Group Life Insurance (after 90-day probationary period)
• Workers' Compensation
• Vacation Pay for Non-Exempt Status (after 90-day probationary period)
• Paid Time Off for Exempt Status Employees
• Professional development opportunities
  
  

(This salary range reflects current 2025 Hawaii construction industry averages for mid- to senior-level estimator working in commercial and federal sectors.)

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for commercial, government, and design-build projects primarily for commercial building construction.
• Review plans, specifications, and bid documents to develop scopes of work and subcontractor bid packages.
• Lead proposal development including narratives, pricing breakdowns, and supporting documents.
• Solicit, evaluate and negotiate subcontractor and supplier bids
• Develop quantity takeoffs and labor cost analyses
• Identify project risks, competitive advantages, and cost saving strategies.
• Conduct site visits and pre-bid meetings to evaluate project conditions, logistics, and constructability.
• Collaborate with management to develop budgets, value engineering alternatives, and bid strategies.
• Maintain and update estimating databases and track historical cost data for continuous improvement.
• Assist in preparing project schedules, budgets and feasibility studies.
• Must have deep understanding of construction methods and materials and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple stakeholders.
• Ensure all estimates comply with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assist operations teams with hand-off including subcontract preparation, purchase orders, scheduling, submittal tracking, and document control.
• Help implement process improvements in digital project documentation, workflows, and reporting tools.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and support staff.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify process bottlenecks and recommend technology or procedural enhancements.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: 5-10 years in commercial or government construction estimating and/or project management; Hawaii experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials and local market conditions
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in fast paced environment
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook) and Bluebeam or Adobe Acrobat.
• Familiarity with estimating software (e.g., ProEst, InEight, Destini, Win Est, Ediphi, Cost-os or similar).
• Understanding of construction contracts, drawings, and specifications.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional communication, leadership, problem-solving, and time management abilities.
• Other:
• Reliable transportation, willingness to travel interisland as needed, adherence to Sun Construction's core values: Accountability, Honesty, and Effective Communication.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both public and private sector projects
• Familiarity with contract types (lump sum, GMP, design-build, etc.)
• Professional certifications (e.g. Certified Professional Estimator -CPE) are a plus
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is performed in both office and active jobsite environments.
• Moderate noise level; occasional travel required between islands.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, sit, and reach with hands/arms as required.
  
  

WHY JOIN SUN CONSTRUCTION, INC.?

Founded in 2008 and based in Hilo, Hawaii, Sun Construction, Inc. is dedicated to excellence, integrity, and professionalism. We deliver high-quality construction projects across the islands while maintaining a supportive, family-oriented work culture.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a workplace free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and relevant project experience.

All offers are contingent upon a post-conditional background check.

Sun Construction, Inc. operates under an at-will employment policy.