SUMMARYH.J. Russell & Company is seeking a driven Estimator (1-3 years' experience) to develop accurate, competitive estimates and support hard-bid and CM-at-Risk pursuits. You'll interpret drawings/specs, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, solicit and level trade partner proposals, and collaborate with operations to deliver complete, on-time bids.
Key Responsibilities- Estimate Development: Prepare conceptual, schematic, DD, and GMP/hard-bid estimates; build clear scope narratives and assumptions.
- Quantity Takeoffs: Perform detailed takeoffs across divisions; organize by WBS/CSI with documented productivity and waste factors.
- Trade Partner Engagement: Build bid lists, issue invitations through BuildingConnected, field RFI/clarifications, and obtain coverage.
- Bid Leveling & Scope Review: Compare quotes, identify gaps/overlaps, and conduct scope reviews to ensure apples-to-apples pricing.
- VE/Alternates: Propose cost-saving options, alternates, and constructability suggestions without compromising intent or quality.
- Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Support: Attend pre-bid meetings/site walks; track addenda; ensure full compliance with submission requirements.
- Data & Reporting: Maintain cost histories and assemblies; produce estimate summaries, variances, and risk registers for leadership review.
- Handoff & Collaboration: Support buyout and turnover to project teams; coordinate with scheduling and operations on means/methods.
Required Qualifications- Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (Construction Management, Civil/Construction Engineering, Architecture, or similar).
- Experience: 1-3 years in estimating or closely related preconstruction role (internships/co-ops count).
- Software Proficiency: DESTINI Estimator, BuildingConnected, On-Screen Takeoff, and Bluebeam; strong Excel skills (lookups, pivots).
- Technical Skills: Ability to read/interpret drawings and specs; produce accurate takeoffs; understand unit pricing, labor/equipment, and general conditions.
- Soft Skills: Clear communicator (written/oral), organized, collaborative, and deadline-driven with strong follow-through.
Nice to Have- Exposure to public hard-bid requirements, alternates/unit pricing, and form compliance.
- Knowledge of local trade market pricing and subcontractor network.
- Basic scheduling literacy (Milestone/MS Project/P6) and constructability awareness.
What You Bring- Passion, ambition, and a strong work ethic-ownership mindset, curiosity about cost drivers, and a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
- Team-first attitude and professionalism with clients, designers, and trade partners.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, wall, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and review things as they are built.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
At H. J. Russell & Company, we are committed to maintaining equitable and competitive compensation practices that support our mission to attract and retain top talent. The pay range for this position is $80,300 to $98,300 per year. The final offer will reflect the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, along with location-specific factors, in accordance with applicable state pay transparency laws.
In addition to our exceptional culture, we offer the following suite of benefits:
- Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-Sponsored Life & AD&D
- Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
- 401(k) with Employer Matching Contribution
- Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance & Other Voluntary Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program
