About this role
The Preconstruction Estimator supports the development and validation of construction cost estimates for capital projects. The role includes building ROM, schematic, and detailed estimates, performing quantity takeoffs, maintaining estimating standards and cost models, and supporting bid evaluation and change tracking.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare conceptual (ROM), schematic, and detailed construction cost estimates
- Perform quantity takeoffs and scope quantification
- Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and estimate structure
- Support bid leveling, trade solicitation, and cost validation
- Maintain historical cost databases and track estimate evolution/change tracking
Technical Overview
You will create and organize estimating structures such as Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), interpret Gantt-style schedules for cost impacts, and reconcile estimated versus actual costs. The stack includes Excel and digital takeoff/estimating tools: OST (On Screen Takeoff), Bluebeam, and Procore.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of construction estimating or project engineering experience, including performing quantity takeoffs with digital tools. They are proficient in Excel and construction cost estimating software, and can produce conceptual (ROM), schematic, and detailed estimates while maintaining cost models and reconciling estimated versus actual costs.
Must-Have Skills
2 - 4 years of construction estimatingproject engineeringor related experienceAbility to perform quantity take-offs using digital tools (OST - On Screen TakeoffBluebeamProcore)Proficiency in Excel and construction cost estimating software
Nice-to-Have Skills
Foundational knowledge of construction methodsmaterialsand sequencingBasic understanding of commercial or industrial construction procurementFamiliarity with construction drawings and specificationsStrong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionallyWillingness to travel (typically overnight once per quarter)
Tools & Platforms
OST - On Screen TakeoffBluebeamProcoreExcel
Required Skills
construction cost estimatesROM estimatesquantity takeoffsscope quantificationWork Breakdown Structures (WBS)general conditions estimatingindirect costs estimatingowner/developer costsmarkupsGantt-style project schedulesbid levelingcost validationhistorical cost databasesmarket intelligencelocal labor/material/equipment researchreview engineering and design documentsidentify scope gaps/overlapscompliance with company standardstrack estimate evolutionreconcile estimated versus actual coststrend logschange trackingdesign reviewsexecutive-level cost summariespay applicationschange order reviewsExcelconstruction cost estimating softwareOST - On Screen TakeoffBluebeamProcoreconstruction drawings and specifications
Hard Skills
Construction cost estimatesConceptual (ROM) estimatesSchematic estimatesDetailed construction cost estimatesBudget developmentQuantity takeoffsScope quantificationWork Breakdown Structures (WBS)General conditions estimatingIndirect costs estimatingOwner/developer costs estimatingApplicable markupsGantt-style project schedulesContractor third-party trade solicitationBid levelingCost validation processesHistorical cost databasesMarket intelligenceLocal labor researchLocal material researchLocal equipment researchReview engineering and design documentsIdentify scope gapsIdentify scope overlapsCompliance with company standardsTrack estimate evolutionReconcile estimated versus actual costsTrend logsChange trackingDesign reviewsExecutive-level cost summariesPresentationsPay applicationsChange order reviewsExcelConstruction cost estimating softwareOST (On Screen Takeoff)BluebeamProcore
Soft Skills
Analytical skillsOrganizational skillsCommunication skillsCross-functional collaborationAbility to work cross-functionallyAbility to travelAttention to detail for cost accuracy
Keywords for Your Resume
Preconstruction Estimatorconstruction estimatingconstruction cost estimatesROMschematic estimatesdetailed construction cost estimatesquantity takeoffsscope quantificationWork Breakdown StructuresWBSgeneral conditionsindirect costsowner/developer costsmarkupsGantt-style project schedulesGanttstyle project schedulescontractor thirdparty trade solicitationtrade solicitationbid levelingcost validationhistorical cost databasesmarket intelligencelocal laborlocal materiallocal equipmentengineering and design documentsscope gapsscope overlapscompliance with company standardsreconcile estimated versus actual coststrend logschange trackingdesign reviewsexecutive-level cost summariespay applicationschange order reviewsExcelconstruction cost estimating softwareOST - On Screen TakeoffBluebeamProcoreconstruction drawings and specificationsWork Breakdown Structures (WBS)
Deal Breakers
2 - 4 years of construction estimating, project engineering, or related experience, Must be able to perform quantity take-offs using OST - On Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, Procore, Must have proficiency in Excel and construction cost estimating software
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