Construction Estimator

General Description

First Companies is looking for an Estimator to join our Pre-Construction team. You will build the budgets and estimates that guide each project from concept through final bid: building conceptual square-foot budgets, developing Design Development (DD) estimates with trade partner input, and running a complete, competitive bid process. Working collaboratively with the Pre-Construction Lead, design partners, project management, and development team. The Estimator helps clients make confident decisions and set every project up to be delivered for success. This role manages multiple projects at differing stages and builds strong, positive relationships with clients, design teams, trade partners, suppliers, and government authorities.

Our Culture

At First Companies, we win as a team. Development, pre-construction, and project management work in tandem and we value open collaboration, honest communication, and helping each other succeed. Here, you will:

●      Learn directly from experienced construction leaders who want to share what they know

●      Take real ownership of your projects and see your work shape buildings in our communities

●      Grow your skills and your career as our company grows

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Budget Development & Estimating

• Assemble Schematic/Conceptual budgets with the Pre-Construction Lead, typically square-foot costs based on historical data
• Communicate with the design team as plans develop to build Design Development (DD) estimates with input from 1–2 trade partners per scope category
• Review drawings and specifications to identify work categories, constructability, overall scope of work, and all required costs, including general conditions and fees
• Evaluate project financial risk and collaborate with the project development lead and Vice President of Pre-Construction Services to establish accurate project fees
• Build preliminary project schedules in Microsoft Project covering preconstruction and construction activities, sequence, and durations
• Review estimates with the development lead and Pre-Construction Lead for quality and completeness

Bidding

• Assemble complete bid packages: bidder list, scopes of work, drawings, specifications, and supporting documents
• Communicate with trade partners prior to bid date to ensure competitive bids for every required trade
• Lead pre-bid walk-throughs and manage RFIs with design partners, distributing responses to all bidders
• Tabulate and evaluate all bids for accuracy and completeness, and partner with project management on post-bid reviews for compliance with bidding documents, scopes of work, and schedule

Client Support

• Support the Pre-Construction Lead in presenting budget, scope, and project specifics to clients
• Prepare thorough proposals and bid forms with all clarifications and exclusions, and provide RFP information to marketing on time
• Manage multiple projects at differing stages- Conceptual, SD, DD, and Final CD bidding stages
• Assist the Pre-Construction Manager and Vice President of Pre-Construction Services with other tasks and responsibilities as needed

What We’re Looking For

• Curious, energetic, and hungry to learn: you ask “why,” dig into the details, and want to build your career in construction
• A positive, solution-minded team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Lives First Companies’ values and represents us well with clients and partners
• Strong written and verbal communicator who is organized, detail-oriented, and meets deadlines while juggling priorities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook), MS Project, and Bluebeam;
• Procore experience preferred

Education and Experience

Minimum of 3 years of pre-construction, commercial project management, and/or estimating experience

Physical Requirements

Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

First Companies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We do not discriminate against individuals because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local statute or ordinance.

Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones be assigned at any time with or without notice.