Assistant Estimator

TMG Construction•Leesburg, VA

About The Position

The Assistant Estimator is a developmental role supporting the preparation of cost estimates and pre-construction deliverables for civil and building projects. Under the direction of a Senior Estimator or assigned estimator, the position assists project teams with solicitation review, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor outreach, scope development, and bid documentation for design-bid-build and design-build opportunities. The role supports projects of varying size and complexity and helps develop accurate, complete, competitive estimates and related pre-construction services. It does not independently own annual contract capture targets, final selling prices, or bid approvals. The Assistant Estimator works with estimating and operations personnel, subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams. The position involves reviewing construction documents, organizing pricing and estimate backup, supporting bid and pre-construction processes, and attending assigned site visits and pre-proposal meetings. It also includes participation in estimating training, mentoring, and professional development.

Requirements

B.S. degree in Engineering or Construction Management with 1–2 years of experience with a commercial and/or industrial general contractor, or 5 years of construction or estimating experience preferred.
Basic familiarity with construction means and methods for commercial and institutional buildings and related sitework, with willingness to develop proficiency.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications at a foundational level.
Strong math, organization, communication, and follow-up skills.
Detail-oriented, with demonstrated ability to organize and manage detailed analysis.
Basic proficiency with spreadsheets, email, and common office software; ability to learn construction estimating and digital takeoff applications.
Ability to work under supervision, seek guidance when appropriate, and meet bid deadlines.
Ability to lift and handle 50-pound objects.
Fully mobile and capable of walking job sites and climbing ladders and stairs multiple times daily.
Clean driving record to facilitate obtaining materials from suppliers when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to construction estimating, quantity takeoffs, subcontracted work, or self-performed work through education, internship, or experience.
Government contracting experience; it is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist in preparing and organizing detailed cost estimates by CSI division and in the format required by the solicitation.
Assist with project scoping, estimate summaries, and subcontractor outsourcing plans.
Draft Statements of Work and Scope Summary Sheets for bid packages for review by the assigned estimator and operations personnel.
Support subcontractor and supplier outreach, distribute bid invitations, track responses, and help obtain competitive proposals for bid packages.
Attend assigned project site visits and pre-proposal meetings; document scope questions and draft pre-bid RFIs for review.
Assist in evaluating projects for constructability and value-engineering cost savings.
Coordinate with estimating and operations personnel to understand project requirements, bid strategy, and competitive considerations.
Maintain the pre-proposal RFI log and track clarifications, addenda, and exceptions for review by the assigned estimator.
Assist with collecting subcontractor information and coordinating prequalification with TMG’s Contract Administrator.
Participate in subcontractor outreach to understand and nurture TMG’s supply-chain relationships.
Research and identify specialty subcontractors and suppliers appropriate to project scope.
Review Division 01 requirements and assist with identifying General Conditions costs and requirements.
Assist in developing self-performed work estimates, including quantity takeoffs, material costs, labor assumptions, and production rates.
Compare subcontractor and supplier proposals against drawings, specifications, and scope sheets; identify exclusions, gaps, and qualifications for review.
Compile and level subcontractor and supplier pricing to support development of the final estimate and selling price.
Identify potential estimating and solicitation risks and elevate them to the assigned estimator.
Support scope and pricing clarification discussions; final negotiations remain with authorized personnel.
Assist with organizing estimate backup, preparing accounting budget information, and supporting estimating-to-operations turnover.
Review solicitation documents for bid due dates, deliverables, alternates, addenda, and required forms; maintain bid calendars and tracking tools.
Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications using paper-based and digital takeoff tools, and document assumptions and backup.
Maintain organized electronic estimate files, bid tabs, subcontractor correspondence, and pricing support consistent with TMG procedures.
Use TMG’s standard estimating templates and assist with updating estimating information in TMG Project Center (TMGPC) and other applicable systems.
Participate in estimating training, mentoring, and professional development consistent with TMG’s Estimating Body of Knowledge.
Assist with subcontractor risk management by soliciting and gathering information through subcontractor prequalification forms and other research.
Visit job sites within a designated geographical area.
Walk job sites and climb ladders and stairs multiple times daily to inspect work, direct subcontractors and TMG field forces, and assure safety and quality control.
Obtain materials from suppliers when necessary.