Estimator I

Zachry Group • San Antonio, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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

The position is based in a general office environment and follows a 40-hour-per-week work schedule. Travel for bid meetings and site visits is required as needed, normally for one to two days. During travel, work may take place in offices, warehouses, or construction-site trailers and buildings. The position supports estimates for new projects and ongoing jobs and may involve accessing plant or job-site areas, including elevated or confined spaces and exposed weather conditions.

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 assigned 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 for one to two days.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Willingness to work in an office environment on a 40-hour-per-week schedule.
• Must be able to pass a Physical Health Assessment based on an Occupational Review of the physical actions required for the work.
• Must be able to meet the physical standards needed to access required plant or job-site areas and perform the described work.

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 under close supervision, using company software and spreadsheets.
• 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