Job Title: Estimator
Job Description
The Estimator supports preconstruction and estimating efforts for commercial construction projects by preparing detailed cost estimates, performing quantity takeoffs, and collaborating closely with project teams and design partners. This role contributes to both negotiated and hard-bid pursuits, ensures accurate and competitive pricing, and helps identify value engineering opportunities that enhance project value and constructability. Over time, the Estimator will also have the opportunity to support projects in the field, providing variety in day-to-day responsibilities and exposure to both office and project environments.
Responsibilities
Prepare conceptual, schematic, design-development, and construction document estimates for commercial construction projects.
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis to develop accurate and competitive cost estimates.
Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure complete and competitive coverage of all scopes of work.
Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives that maintain or improve project quality and performance.
Develop comprehensive bid packages and scope sheets that clearly define responsibilities and expectations for trade partners.
Review plans, specifications, and contract documents for completeness, accuracy, and constructability, and identify any gaps or conflicts.
Maintain and update historical cost databases to support future estimating and budgeting efforts.
Partner with project managers and operations teams during project handoff to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to execution.
Participate in owner meetings, design reviews, and preconstruction presentations to communicate estimate assumptions and project strategies.
Work closely with architects, engineers, and trade partners throughout the estimating process to clarify scope, resolve issues, and align expectations.
Support both negotiated and hard-bid project pursuits by preparing estimates, pricing strategies, and supporting documentation.
Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and templates to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Over time, participate in project assignments in the field to gain hands-on experience and maintain a strong connection to construction operations.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 3+ years of experience in estimating, project engineering, or preconstruction within commercial construction.
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and building systems.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications accurately.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and related tools used for estimating and reporting.
Demonstrated experience in construction estimation, bidding, pricing, and construction management processes.
Ability to use estimating software and digital tools to develop cost estimates and perform quantity takeoffs.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in cost analysis and documentation.
Effective collaboration skills to work with project managers, operations teams, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
Ability to support both negotiated and hard-bid projects with clear, well-documented estimates.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Sage Estimating, Procore, BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, or similar construction and estimating platforms.
Experience with design-build construction delivery methods.
Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate estimates, assumptions, and value engineering ideas to owners and internal teams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to support meetings, presentations, and coordination with stakeholders.
Familiarity with maintaining and leveraging historical cost databases.
Interest in gaining field experience on active projects to complement office-based estimating responsibilities.
Work Environment
The Estimator works primarily in an office environment. The role uses modern construction and estimating technologies, including estimating software, Microsoft Office Suite, and platforms such as Sage Estimating, Procore, BuildingConnected, and Bluebeam or similar tools. The position offers a mix of preconstruction office work and, over time, opportunities to support projects in the field, providing a balance between desk-based analysis and on-site exposure. The work environment emphasizes collaboration with project managers, operations teams, architects, engineers, and trade partners, and supports professional development through involvement in a variety of commercial construction projects
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holland, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $43.27/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Holland,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
