What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Estimator position at United Construction Company?
Sr. Estimator
Location: Reno, NV
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company Overview
For nearly 50 years, United Construction Company has proudly designed and built over 75 million square feet of facilities across the United States, creating spaces that inspire and serve communities. Our diverse portfolio spans private and public sector projects, including education, institutional, office, aviation, retail, medical, industrial, manufacturing, and tenant improvement initiatives.
At United Construction, we bring steady hands, straight talk, and a commitment to doing the job right—no shortcuts, no surprises. We don’t just construct buildings—we build trust, one project at a time. Our dedication to excellence and innovation shines through in our design/build, design-bid-build, and CMAR project delivery methods.
With a heartfelt commitment to our customers and communities, we approach every project with integrity, collaboration, and care, ensuring each structure we create stands as a testament to quality and enduring partnerships.
Job Overview
The Senior Estimator will play a pivotal role in our preconstruction group, leading the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates and bids for Commercial and Industrial building and Renovation projects. Reporting to the Executive VP, you will collaborate with project teams to analyze project scopes, develop detailed bids, and provide value engineering insights. This position requires a deep understanding of site and building construction methodologies, subcontractor management, and market trends in Nevada.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the estimating process for bids, including all building trades and systems.
- Review and interpret project plans, specifications, and RFIs to identify risks, opportunities, and scope gaps.
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes, ensuring competitive pricing and compliance with project requirements.
- Develop conceptual and detailed cost estimates using tools like Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, On Screen Take-Off, Procore, or similar software.
- Conduct value engineering analyses to optimize costs without compromising quality or schedule.
- Present estimates to customers, owners, and internal stakeholders, including cost breakdowns and assumptions.
- Mentor junior estimators and contribute to process improvements in estimating workflows.
- Stay abreast of local market conditions, material costs, labor rates, and regulatory changes in Nevada.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, or a related field (PE license preferred).
- 4 years in a senior estimating or preconstruction role.
- Proven track record of winning bids in competitive markets, particularly in the Western US.
- Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, Procore, Sage Estimating and Microsoft Office Suite).
- Strong knowledge of CSI Master Format, RS Means data, and Nevada building codes.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to travel locally within Nevada and the surrounding areas as needed.
Work Environment/ Physical Demands
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
· Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. You must have the ability to walk short distances, and/or drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials.
· The noise level in the office work environment is usually quiet.
· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
· The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
· The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Benefits
· Competitive salary based on experience
· Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
· 401(k) plan with company match
· Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
· Professional development opportunities
· A positive and collaborative work environment
Why United Construction?
At United Construction Company, we foster a vibrant and inclusive work environment where all team members contributions are deeply valued, and professional growth is nurtured with care. With a legacy of delivering exceptional projects across the United States, our team is renowned for its unwavering integrity, collaborative spirit, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Join us to build not just structures, but meaningful careers and lasting relationships, grounded in trust and a shared commitment to making a positive impact.
United Construction is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment at United Construction is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.
United Construction does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.