Estimator I

Zachry Group • San Antonio, TX

4d

About The Position

Zachry Group is seeking an entry-level CSA (Civil Structural Architectural) Estimator I. Under the close supervision of experienced estimators, this role supports the preparation of accurate estimates for civil, structural, and architectural projects. The estimator assists with reviewing drawings and specifications, performing quantity take-offs, gathering pricing, and organizing estimate documentation. Assignments are reviewed as the employee develops knowledge of construction methods, cost factors, and company estimating procedures.

The position works in a general office environment on a 40-hour-per-week schedule and may involve travel, normally for one to two days, to bid meetings and site visits. While traveling, the employee may work in offices, warehouses, or construction-site trailers and buildings, where conditions may include moderate-to-high noise, varying weather, equipment and vehicles, confined spaces, and different elevations. The employee must be able to access required areas of plants or job sites and pass a Physical Health Assessment based on the work's physical requirements.

Requirements

• Ability to learn material and labor take-off methods and assist with requesting and organizing vendor and supplier pricing under supervision.
• Ability to learn estimate and pricing types, including lump sum, time and materials (T&M), fixed fee, budgetary, unit rates, and unit price.
• Ability to interact professionally with customers, vendors, and inter-company personnel.
• Ability to follow instructions, complete assigned work under supervision, collaborate with others, and share knowledge while learning from the team.
• Ability to organize tasks, manage time, and meet established deadlines with guidance, including under tight timelines.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word, with willingness to learn estimating software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good attention to detail and ability to recognize discrepancies.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.
• Ability to travel for bid meetings and site visits, normally one to two days.
• High school diploma or equivalent; prior estimating or field experience is not required.
• Willingness to work in an office environment on a 40-hour-per-week schedule.
• Ability to communicate in person, by telephone, and by email; use arm/hand steadiness, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, and multi-limb coordination; and demonstrate oral expression and comprehension.
• May be required to lift, carry, and move objects safely; must be able to pass a Physical Health Assessment based on an Occupational Review of physical actions required for the work.
• Ability to access any part of a plant or job site, potentially including climbing at heights, working in confined spaces, and working in exposed weather conditions.
• Ability to sit, squat, stand, and kneel for long periods of time.
• Vision, corrected or uncorrected, that allows clear visibility from 20 inches or less.

Nice To Haves

• Current or former Zachry employee.
• Coursework, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Introductory coursework or training in blueprint reading, quantity take-offs, construction estimating, or cost engineering, including training through AACE, ASPE, or a similar organization.
• Internship, co-op, craft, or other field experience in civil, structural, and architectural construction, industrial construction, or maintenance.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or similar drawing and quantity take-off software.
• Some knowledge of concrete foundations and underground utilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with reading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications under the guidance of experienced estimators.
• Prepare assigned portions of preliminary or definitive civil, structural, and architectural estimates using company software and spreadsheets under close supervision.
• Collect and organize historical cost and productivity data to support cost comparisons and estimate development.
• Learn and use company estimating systems, including InEight Estimate and Microsoft products, to enter quantities, organize data, and prepare estimate documentation.
• Check assigned take-offs, calculations, and estimate inputs for accuracy and completeness, and submit work for review.
• Update assigned estimate quantities and documentation when project scope changes or new information becomes available.
• Support estimate reviews by preparing backup documentation and attending reviews with experienced estimators as requested.
• Attend bid meetings and site visits with project team members as required to learn scope requirements and document site conditions.
• Perform other assigned duties to support estimate preparation, new project development, and ongoing jobs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED