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Estimator

Mead Lumber•Ankeny, IA

About The Position

The Estimator analyzes construction plans, blueprints, specifications, and customer requirements to prepare accurate material take-offs, cost estimates, and competitive project quotes for residential and commercial construction projects. The role requires construction knowledge and close attention to detail to identify material needs, evaluate project costs, and ensure estimates meet company standards. Working with sales and yard operations, the Estimator supports project planning, timely estimates, and customer service. The Estimator reviews drawings and project requirements, identifies building materials and potential discrepancies, and may prepare preliminary truss and wall panel layouts. The role develops material quantities and project costs, prepares and revises quotes and proposals, maintains organized estimating records, and supports sales operations and customers. It also requires managing multiple estimates and deadlines, working at a computer for extended periods, and occasionally visiting job sites or customer locations. Mead Lumber is a 100% employee-owned building materials supplier with more than 50 operating locations across nine Midwestern states. Eligible employees participate in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The company describes its environment as authentic and team-oriented and offers flexible scheduling options, professional development, and advancement opportunities.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, construction plans, and specifications, including calculating material quantities and measurements.
  • Strong understanding of construction methods, framing techniques, and building materials.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, plan-review tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong mathematical, measurement, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a high level of accuracy.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain organized project documentation.
  • Strong time-management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate with customers, contractors, vendors, sales teams, and internal departments.
  • Strong customer service skills and a professional, solutions-oriented approach.
  • Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to work independently and contribute to a collaborative team.
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Willingness and ability to occasionally visit job sites or customer locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, Building Materials, or a related field.
  • Previous experience in construction estimating, lumber, building materials, manufacturing, or a related industry.
  • Experience with CAD software, particularly MiTek.
  • Familiarity with Bluebeam, BisTrack, or similar estimating and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

  • Review architectural drawings, blueprints, structural plans, specifications, and customer requirements to determine project scope and material needs.
  • Identify required building materials, including framing components, engineered wood products, sheathing, siding, millwork, and specialty products.
  • Recognize discrepancies, missing information, and construction details that could affect quantities, pricing, or project requirements.
  • Prepare preliminary truss and wall panel layouts when applicable.
  • Prepare detailed material take-offs for residential and commercial projects, including lumber, panels, trusses, doors, windows, hardware, decking, and related materials.
  • Calculate material quantities, waste factors, and project costs, including freight and special-order items.
  • Develop competitive estimates in line with company pricing guidelines, margin targets, and customer specifications.
  • Research materials, availability, pricing, and market trends to produce accurate, cost-effective estimates.
  • Recommend alternative materials or substitutions that meet project specifications while optimizing cost and performance.
  • Prepare and present quotes, bids, and pricing recommendations to customers, contractors, builders, and internal sales teams.
  • Collaborate with customers, contractors, vendors, and sales teams to gather information, clarify requirements, and develop proposals.
  • Document estimate assumptions, exclusions, and project specifications.
  • Coordinate and revise estimates as plans, material selections, or customer requirements change.
  • Complete quotes, bids, and estimate revisions within established deadlines.
  • Maintain organized estimating records, including blueprints, specifications, digital files, project notes, and revision histories.
  • Track estimate status, customer follow-ups, and project changes to support timely communication and completion.
  • Review estimates and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company standards.
  • Work with sales and yard operations to coordinate material requirements and support project planning.
  • Assist retail and contractor customers with product information, material selections, and estimating questions.
  • Support daily sales operations, including processing sales tickets and assisting customers.
  • Manage multiple estimates and prioritize daily, weekly, and project deadlines while maintaining accuracy and team productivity.

Benefits

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), once eligible.
  • Competitive pay.
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • 100% employer-paid group term life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance.
  • Additional voluntary life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
  • Paid time off and holiday pay.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • 401(k) plan.
  • Scholarship and tuition assistance programs.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Flexible scheduling options.
  • Professional development and advancement opportunities.

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