Construction Estimator (C)

TST Tactical Defense Solutions, Inc. • Virginia Beach, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The General Contractor Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, complete, and competitive cost estimates for federal, public, and commercial construction projects. Working under the direction of the Senior Pre-Construction Manager, this position supports the company’s preconstruction efforts through detailed quantity takeoffs, subcontractor coordination, scope reviews, and pricing development.
This role requires strong experience in federal construction estimating, the ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications, and the confidence to communicate directly with subcontractors and project stakeholders by phone and in person, not just by email. The Estimator will regularly attend site visits, participate in pre-bid meetings, and collaborate closely with the preconstruction and operations teams to ensure complete and accurate proposals.

Requirements

• B.S. in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in construction estimating for a General Contractor, with strong preference for federal government projects.
• Proven ability to juggle estimating multiple projects at one time.
• Proven working knowledge of Building systems and Civil (sitework) operations.
• Ability to evaluate subcontractor quotes for adequacy, price realism, complete scope, and viability.
• Ability to build relationships with existing and potential subcontractors and vendors.
• Proven ability to manage the estimating process from IFB to proposal submission.
• Strong ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Experience with federal contracting requirements is highly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Comfortable communicating by phone and in person with subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Willing and able to attend site visits and pre-bid meetings as required.
• Ability to obtain base access for military or secured installations, if required.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organized, methodical, and able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Confident verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable asking questions, clarifying scope, and following up with subcontractors.
• Proactive in identifying scope gaps, risks, and pricing concerns.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the preconstruction and operations teams.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to perform basic construction math, including quantities, areas, volumes, and percentages.

Nice To Haves

• Civil estimating experience preferred.
• Experience with estimating and takeoff software such as Bluebeam, RSMeans, Gordian, or similar is preferred.
• Experience in InSite and RokTech estimating/takeoff software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications for civil, architectural, and general trades.
• Develop complete cost estimates including labor, material, equipment, subcontractor pricing, and general conditions.
• Support federal, state, and public sector bids, including USACE, NAVFAC, VA, and other agencies.
• Review drawings, specifications, and addenda to identify scope requirements, risks, and clarifications.
• Assist the Senior Pre-Construction Manager with estimate reviews, scope development, and bid strategy.
• Maintain organized estimating files and documentation for each pursuit.
• Update estimates as addenda, RFIs, and clarifications are issued.
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier quotes, follow up by phone, and clarify scope and coverage.
• Conduct direct conversations with subcontractors to ensure complete apples-to-apples pricing.
• Evaluate subcontractor quotes for completeness, scope gaps, and compliance with project requirements.
• Assist in leveling bids and identifying risks, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and walkthroughs as required.
• Gather field information needed for accurate estimating, including access, logistics, phasing, and constraints.
• Coordinate questions and clarifications with the Senior Pre-Construction Manager and design teams as needed.
• Participation in networking events to promote company performance and extend subcontractor/GC network.
• Assist in developing scopes of work for subcontractors and self-perform work.
• Support proposal preparation, including pricing narratives, clarifications, and assumptions.
• Help ensure final estimates are complete, accurate, and compliant with solicitation requirements.
• Must reside within commuting distance of our main office in Virginia Beach, VA.
• This is an in-person, on-site position.
• NEED TO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN BASE ACCESS FOR ONGOING PROJECTS!

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance - Eligible after 30 Days, Enrolled on 1st of month - 50% of employee rate paid for employee for Health & Dental only.
• 401(k) – w/ employer match up to 3% of annual income after (1) year of employment.
• Paid Time Off (8 Days) – New Year, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas + 2 additional days, usually utilized at Christmas and Thanksgiving
• Earned Leave (Vacation/Sick) – 80 Total Hours Accrued Annually
• Vacation (24 hours annually, accrued at 0.47 hours a week) – never expires, but caps at 24 hours.
• Sick (up to 56 hours annually, accrued at 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked) – never expires, but caps at 56 hours.
• Aflac – Available for employees to take advantage of/supplement insurance at additional expense
• New York Life Insurance – Available for employees to take advantage of/supplement insurance at additional expense

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level