Commercial Construction Estimator

Ethan Conrad Properties Inc•Sacramento, CA

6d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

Ethan Conrad Construction, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Commercial Construction Estimator to join the Pre-Construction team of an established property management and construction organization. The company performs tenant improvement, office, healthcare, retail, restaurant, industrial, retrofit, and other commercial construction projects, including work in Class A and Class B properties. The Estimator prepares conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates; performs digital quantity takeoffs; solicits and evaluates subcontractor pricing; and supports project feasibility, value engineering, and budget development. The role uses current estimating technology, including AI-assisted tools, while applying construction judgment and independently validating quantities, pricing, scope, and assumptions. The position coordinates with the Chief Estimator and project stakeholders, supports project budgets and financial risk assessments, manages bid solicitation and proposal evaluation, and maintains organized estimating records. The company describes its culture as collaborative and offers competitive pay, generous benefits, and investment in employee learning and development.

Requirements

Typically 3–5 years of commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related construction experience; candidates with a different level of experience may be considered based on demonstrated capability.
Demonstrated experience with digital takeoff, estimating spreadsheets, subcontractor solicitation, and bid comparison.
Experience with hard-bid, negotiated, design-build, and/or construction management delivery methods.
Strong written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, organization, time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications, understand trade sequencing and constructability, and identify missing scope or cost exposure.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and working knowledge of Procore, Bluebeam, and digital takeoff/estimating software.
Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines while maintaining accurate, well-documented work.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.
Ability to protect confidential company, tenant, and project information and independently validate software- or AI-generated information.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field; equivalent education and relevant commercial construction experience will be considered.
Experience estimating tenant improvements, office, retail, restaurant, healthcare, industrial, retrofit, or other commercial projects.
Experience using AI tools in a professional setting; willingness to learn approved tools and follow company data-security practices.
Working knowledge of the California Building Code and commercial construction practices.
Digital takeoff experience with Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, STACK, Autodesk Takeoff, CostX, or comparable tools.
Experience with Procore or comparable construction management systems; familiarity with AutoCAD/Revit is beneficial.
Practical ability or willingness to use ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or AI-enabled construction or estimating platforms.
OSHA training and First Aid/CPR are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Prepare ROM, conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates for commercial construction and tenant improvement projects of varying sizes and complexity.
Review drawings, specifications, site information, existing-condition reports, lease work letters, and other project documents to define scope, identify exclusions, and document assumptions.
Perform digital quantity takeoffs for applicable architectural, demolition, structural, civil/site, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and finish scopes.
Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, general conditions, escalation, and other project cost components, maintaining clear estimate summaries and supporting detail.
Prepare and update budgets, cost-per-square-foot analyses, feasibility studies, bid comparisons, and estimate reconciliations as design information develops.
Prepare trade bid packages, solicit and follow up with subcontractors and suppliers, review quotations for scope coverage, and identify gaps, qualifications, exclusions, and cost risks.
Research historical estimates, purchase orders, subcontracts, actual project costs, and productivity information to improve estimating accuracy and maintain useful cost data.
Identify and evaluate value engineering options, alternate materials and systems, constructability considerations, and opportunities to improve cost or schedule without compromising project requirements.
Coordinate with the Chief Estimator, project management, brokers, property management, development teams, architects, engineers, tenants, and subcontractors to clarify requirements and budget expectations.
Coordinate with brokers and potential tenants on value engineering opportunities before and during design to reduce project costs and lessen their impact on final lease terms.
Participate in site walks, design meetings, pre-bid meetings, and project handoffs; clearly communicate estimate basis, assumptions, risks, and scope boundaries.
Maintain current knowledge of construction methods, local market pricing, labor rates, material availability, building codes, permitting requirements, and industry trends.
Use AI-assisted tools for document review, scope comparisons, estimate narratives, bid leveling, historical cost analysis, and workflow efficiency, verifying outputs against source documents and project requirements.
Manage bid solicitation, evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals, and provide final award recommendations to Project Managers for assigned projects.
Maintain organized estimate files, takeoff records, bid tabs, scope sheets, clarifications, and version control in accordance with department procedures.
Support the Project team regarding project feasibility, budgets, and financial risk.
Support a professional, cooperative, self-directed team environment and represent the Company respectfully in project and vendor interactions.
Independently evaluate procurement options, negotiate terms within delegated authority, and collaborate with the project team to recommend contract awards.
Use digital takeoff and estimating platforms, project and cost management systems, Microsoft Excel, electronic construction documents, and AI-assisted workflows as applicable.
Independently verify AI- or software-generated quantities, pricing, code references, and recommendations; protect confidential company, tenant, and project information and do not rely on AI output as the sole basis for an estimate.