Estimator

Job Description

Purpose:

The Estimator prepares accurate, complete, and competitive estimates and proposals from initial budgeting through bid submission and project handoff. Working with owners, design teams, trade partners, and Rabren’s operations teams, this position evaluates scope, costs, and risks and provides clear pricing information in accordance with Rabren Best Practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Best Practices & Relationships

Follow and help improve Rabren Preconstruction Best Practices; maintain proficiency in approved tools and share lessons learned.

Build productive subcontractor and supplier relationships; maintain current contacts, trade capabilities, bid participation, and pricing records.

Project Review & Estimate Preparation

Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid requirements; identify scope gaps and conflicts, prepare RFIs, and track clarifications.

Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to assess existing conditions, access, logistics, and cost impacts.

Perform documented quantity takeoffs and prepare conceptual budgets, design-stage estimates, competitive bids, and negotiated proposals using current quotes and historical costs.

Estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontracted work, and applicable self-performed work; validate methods and productivity assumptions with Operations.

Subcontractor & Supplier Coordination

Prepare trade bid packages with clear scope boundaries; solicit qualified bidders, distribute current documents and addenda, and secure adequate bid coverage.

Compare proposals on a consistent scope basis; verify quantities, inclusions, exclusions, alternates, qualifications, and quote validity.

Conduct scope reviews, resolve discrepancies and trade overlaps, and support pricing discussions and negotiations within assigned authority.

Budget Development & Cost Analysis

Coordinate duration, staffing, logistics, temporary facilities, and general conditions pricing with Project Management and Field Operations.

Include applicable taxes, permits, insurance, bonds, allowances, contingency, escalation, overhead, and fees using project requirements and approved leadership direction.

Identify constructability, long-lead, market, and procurement risks; document assumptions and recommend pricing or mitigation measures.

Evaluate alternative materials, systems, and methods with project and design teams; document cost, schedule, quality, and owner impacts.

Schedule & Bid Submission

Manage assigned estimating milestones and required input to meet deadlines; serve as lead estimator on selected projects as assigned.

Assemble summaries, bid comparisons, alternates, allowances, exclusions, and clarifications; coordinate bid-day quotes and internal reviews, obtain approvals, and submit proposals on time.

Support owner and design-team reviews, answer pricing questions, and follow up on bids and budgets as directed

Reports, Documentation & Project Handoff

Maintain organized estimate files and revision records; reconcile design and scope changes against prior budgets and explain significant variances.

Transfer takeoffs, proposals, bid documents, scope clarifications, pricing assumptions, and risks to the project team during handoff.

Support buyout by reconciling proposed awards with estimates and identifying unawarded scopes or budget exposure; update historical costs using buyout and project results.

Other Duties

This description does not cover every activity, duty, or responsibility required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Building Science, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant construction experience will be considered.

2-5 years of combined construction operations or preconstruction/estimating experience with a commercial general contractor.

Strong communication, collaboration, analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.

Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize work, manage time, and meet deadlines.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with digital takeoff and estimating tools such as Togal AI, Bluebeam, Procore, or comparable systems.

Valid driver’s license.

Rabren Success Factors and Team Expectations

Drive for Results, Strive for Improvement, Create Trust with Character and Action, Team Up, Solve Complex Problems, and Build People.

Humble: Put the team first, welcome feedback, and share credit. Hungry: Take initiative, follow through, and pursue improvement. People Smart: Listen well, communicate respectfully, and consider how your actions affect others.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises Auburn office preconstruction interns. Provide direction and feedback, support their development, and follow Rabren policies in supervisory activities.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work primarily in an office environment, with travel to offices, jobsites, and pre-bid meetings.

Perform office activities requiring verbal communication, handling or operating objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with the hands.

Navigate areas under construction.

These duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Hours and Travel

Full-time position. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as duties demand. Travel to other Rabren offices, jobsites, and pre-bid meetings is required.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Rabren is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other reason prohibited by law.

Full-time