Construction Estimator

Job Description

The Construction Estimator plays a key role in preparing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for commercial construction projects. This position manages all estimate-related documentation, performs detailed quantity verification using estimating software, and develops work breakdown structures to support project planning and budgeting. The role collaborates closely with internal teams, vendors, and labor representatives to gather pricing information, supports subcontractor bidding, and tracks project performance against estimates throughout the construction lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Review and control all estimate background documentation, including requests for quotation (RFQ), internal requests for estimate (RFE), correspondence, drawings, and specifications in both paper and electronic formats.
• Prepare a clear and organized work breakdown structure for each project estimate to support planning and cost tracking.
• Manage and track the progress of assigned estimates and coordinate requirements with all necessary internal and external parties.
• Conduct quantity verification for project cost estimates using various software tools and develop computerized takeoff sheets to identify all project costs accurately.
• Identify potential risks and opportunities for improvement (betterments) for each assigned project and communicate findings to the appropriate leadership.
• Solicit wage determinations from labor union representatives and obtain material pricing from vendors to support accurate estimates.
• Assist the purchasing department in preparing subcontractor bid packages and ensuring all necessary information is included.
• Create complete cost estimates using corporate estimating software, incorporating labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, crew productivity, and other related costs.
• Prepare estimates for internal review and proposal submission, following established internal processes and using client-provided bid forms as required.
• Upon award of projects, develop preliminary bills of materials and project budgets based on approved estimates.
• Collaborate with jobsite personnel to track and report job progress, comparing actual performance to estimated performance, including any changes to the original project scope.
• Generate estimates, budgets, and tracking updates for change orders and estimate variances that arise during the construction phase.
• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of complete cost estimates and drafting projects for all assigned work.
• Maintain knowledge of internal standards and provide feedback and suggestions to improve department operations, including cost- and time-saving ideas.
• Participate in professional development or educational programs as requested or required.
• Adapt to changing priorities and handle additional tasks as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by leadership to support project and department goals.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in construction estimation, with a focus on commercial construction projects.
• Proficiency with estimating software and computerized takeoff tools to perform quantity verification and cost analysis.
• Strong ability to review and interpret RFQs, RFEs, drawings, specifications, and other project documentation.
• Solid understanding of bidding processes, including preparation of estimates for internal review and proposal submission.
• Ability to identify project risks and opportunities and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
• Competence in coordinating with labor union representatives and material vendors to obtain accurate pricing and wage information.
• Skill in preparing detailed work breakdown structures, bills of materials, and project budgets.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in preparing cost estimates and tracking project performance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with purchasing teams and jobsite personnel to support project execution.
• Capacity to manage multiple estimates simultaneously and track progress against deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to participate in professional development or educational programs as required.
• Flexibility to respond to changing project needs and perform additional tasks as assigned.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with commercial construction projects and related industry standards.
• Familiarity with internal estimating and drafting standards and a willingness to contribute ideas for process improvements.
• background in drafting or design work related to construction projects.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills for managing project information in both paper and electronic formats.
• Effective communication skills for working with internal teams, vendors, and labor representatives.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to suggest cost- and time-saving improvements to department operations.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in Watertown within a commercial construction environment. The estimator works closely with project, purchasing, and field teams, using corporate estimating software and various digital tools to review drawings, specifications, and other project documentation. The position involves regular interaction with vendors, labor union representatives, and jobsite personnel, and requires the ability to work in a fast-paced setting with changing priorities. Work is primarily performed in an office environment at the project location, with access to standard office technology and construction-related documentation.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Watertown, NY.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $52.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Watertown,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.