Construction Cost Estimator

Management Solutions LLC•Knoxville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Management Solutions, LLC is seeking a Construction Cost Estimator with at least three years of construction estimating experience to support architectural and engineering (AE) firms. The role prepares opinions of probable construction cost submitted with design packages, supporting owner budgets, design decisions, and evaluation of alternatives from early design through construction documents. This position provides independent estimating services for design teams. Under the technical direction of senior estimators, the estimator takes ownership of assigned estimate components, documents the basis of estimates, and helps explain cost changes as designs develop. The position is based in the office at MSLLC’s Knoxville Headquarters, with project meetings and occasional visits to project and construction sites. Travel is expected to be less than 5%.

Requirements

At least 3 years of construction cost estimating experience.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents and perform accurate quantity takeoffs, including area, volume, and unit conversions.
Experience preparing quantity-based estimates from drawings and specifications in more than one construction discipline, with demonstrated proficiency in at least one, including development of labor, material, and equipment unit costs and documented assumptions.
Experience with RSMeans or comparable cost databases.
Familiarity with CSI MasterFormat.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas and calculation checks, and Microsoft Word.
Experience with digital takeoff tools such as Bluebeam.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document assumptions and pricing sources, flag incomplete or conflicting information, manage changing priorities, and incorporate feedback from senior estimators, architects, engineers, and project managers.
U.S. citizenship is required; lawful permanent residents and individuals with work visas or other employment authorization do not meet this requirement.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field.
Experience preparing design-phase estimates or opinions of probable construction cost for an AE firm or owner.
Experience with federal, institutional, industrial, laboratory, or other technically complex facilities, including renovation projects.
Exposure to prevailing wage or union labor pricing, construction phasing in operating facilities, or cost impacts of restricted site access.
Familiarity with AACE International estimate classifications and basis-of-estimate practices.
Interest in professional development through AACE International, the American Society of Professional Estimators, or related organizations.

Responsibilities

Review drawings, specifications, and design narratives to define estimate scope, identify information gaps, and perform documented quantity takeoffs across assigned construction disciplines.
Prepare conceptual, parametric, and detailed quantity-based estimates appropriate to design maturity; develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontracted work costs using cost databases, historical information, and project-specific research.
Obtain budget pricing from vendors and specialty contractors; compare scope, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing assumptions; monitor market conditions and maintain reusable pricing information.
Evaluate construction methods, labor productivity, phasing, site access, and safety requirements affecting cost; assist senior estimators with general conditions, indirect costs, markups, escalation, risk identification, and contingency.
Prepare clear, defensible estimate details, summaries, and basis-of-estimate narratives documenting quantities, methods, pricing sources, assumptions, allowances, exclusions, and unresolved scope for client and owner review.
Update estimates at design milestones; reconcile changes in quantities, scope, and pricing and explain significant cost differences.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, and project managers to resolve estimating questions; evaluate cost drivers, constructability considerations, and design alternatives; support value engineering and responses to review comments.
Validate quantities, unit costs, calculations, and scope coverage; identify omissions or duplication and incorporate senior review comments. Maintain document control for design revisions, takeoffs, correspondence, and pricing records.
Complete assigned estimating work within established schedules and labor budgets, communicate progress and concerns, and present assigned estimate findings in coordination and review meetings.