What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimator (Chico) position at TD Thornton?
At TD Thornton, our estimators play a vital role in building the foundation for successful capital projects. Whether you’re early in your estimating career or bring up to 10 years of experience, this role offers the opportunity to deepen your skills, contribute to meaningful infrastructure programs, and grow within a collaborative and supportive environment.
As part of our estimating team, you’ll help bring consistency, accuracy, and clarity to the construction estimating process across a range of complex projects. You’ll engage directly with clients, contractors, and internal teams to support cost transparency, scope alignment, and risk-informed decision-making from early planning through delivery.
Your Day-to-Day Activities
Support & Execute
Founded in 2005, TD Thornton is a trusted partner in providing exceptional consulting services and staff augmentation for capital construction projects. Whether embedded within contractor teams or representing owners directly, we help bridge project gaps through expert guidance, rigorous processes, and a people-first approach. We are proud to be a woman- and minority-owned firm, committed to diversity and excellence.
Learn more about us on our website and follow us on LinkedIn.
By providing your mobile number and opting in via our registration form, you consent to receive text messages (SMS) from TD Thornton.
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As part of our estimating team, you’ll help bring consistency, accuracy, and clarity to the construction estimating process across a range of complex projects. You’ll engage directly with clients, contractors, and internal teams to support cost transparency, scope alignment, and risk-informed decision-making from early planning through delivery.
Your Day-to-Day Activities
Support & Execute
- Assist in the preparation and development of detailed cost estimates for construction projects
- Review project documents, including scopes of work, drawings, schedules, and specifications
- Participate in estimate reviews and job walks with clients, contractors, and stakeholders
- Respond to client questions about estimates, scope assumptions, and potential value engineering options
- Work with senior estimators or project leads to support preconstruction and bid strategy efforts
- Collect and organize cost data for labor, equipment, materials, and production rates
- Support the maintenance of cost databases and benchmarking tools
- Use estimating software (e.g., HCSS Heavy Bid/Heavy Job) to manage and refine estimates
- Stay informed of market trends and material pricing to contribute to cost strategies
- Support post-project reviews to compare estimated vs. actual costs
- Contribute to the development of cost models and support risk-adjusted estimating approaches
- Help assess different construction methods and their cost impacts
- Participate in internal and external meetings to ensure alignment on estimating expectations and timelines
- Collaborate with subcontractors and vendors to obtain and validate pricing
- Help prepare estimate reports, proposals, and dashboards for client and team use
- Assist in identifying potential estimating gaps, scope inconsistencies, or pricing anomalies
- Collaborate with project teams to support vendor and subcontractor evaluation
- Ensure estimates meet quality standards and client requirements
- 1 to 8 years of experience in construction estimating, project engineering, field supervision, or preconstruction support—ideally within infrastructure or public agency projects
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with an attention to detail
- A collaborative mindset with a desire to grow and take initiative
- Familiarity with construction drawings, bid documents, and estimating principles
- High School Diploma or GED (required); Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field (preferred but not required)
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced consulting environment
- Hands-on experience with HCSS Heavy Bid/Heavy Job or similar estimating software
- 2 Years distribution experience
- 4 Years Estimating
- Exposure to public agency or municipal project requirements
- Prior involvement in client-facing or owner’s representative roles
- A desire to pursue continued education, certifications (e.g., DBIA, PMP), or leadership development
Founded in 2005, TD Thornton is a trusted partner in providing exceptional consulting services and staff augmentation for capital construction projects. Whether embedded within contractor teams or representing owners directly, we help bridge project gaps through expert guidance, rigorous processes, and a people-first approach. We are proud to be a woman- and minority-owned firm, committed to diversity and excellence.
Learn more about us on our website and follow us on LinkedIn.
By providing your mobile number and opting in via our registration form, you consent to receive text messages (SMS) from TD Thornton.
Terms Of Service - TD Thornton
Privacy Policy - TD Thornton
Salary : $80,000 - $120,000