Construction Estimator

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator plays a key role in preparing accurate and competitive bids for commercial and institutional construction projects. This position is responsible for performing detailed quantity takeoffs, analyzing blueprints, calculating time and material requirements, and collaborating closely with the project management team to develop a clear and comprehensive scope of work. The Estimator also leads pre-construction meetings to ensure alignment on project expectations and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for commercial and institutional construction projects to support accurate cost estimates.
• Prepare complete and competitive bid proposals, ensuring all required documentation and pricing are included.
• Read, interpret, and analyze blueprints and construction drawings to identify project requirements and potential risks.
• Calculate time, labor, and material requirements for each project in alignment with project specifications and standards.
• Collaborate with the project management team to develop and refine the scope of work for each bid.
• Participate in and lead pre-construction meetings to review project plans, clarify scope, and align expectations with internal stakeholders.
• Review requests for proposals (RFPs) and ensure estimates and bids comply with client and project requirements.
• Utilize estimating software and tools to prepare, update, and maintain project estimates and bid documentation.
• Support the expansion into the institutional construction market by providing accurate and timely estimates for new opportunities.
• Maintain organized records of bids, takeoffs, and related project information for future reference and analysis.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience performing construction estimation for commercial and institutional projects.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze blueprints and construction documents with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong proficiency with estimating software and tools used for takeoffs and bid preparation.
• Hands-on experience preparing bids and responding to RFPs in a construction environment.
• Knowledge of time, labor, and material calculation methods for construction projects.
• Ability to develop and define a clear scope of work based on project plans and client requirements.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with project management and other internal teams.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in all estimating and documentation activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in commercial construction estimation, including projects for large corporate or enterprise clients.
• Background in institutional construction projects and familiarity with local institutional markets.
• Comfort using a variety of estimating software platforms and adapting to new tools as needed.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills for participating in pre-construction meetings and discussing scope and estimates with stakeholders.
• Motivation to contribute to a growing firm that is expanding its presence and revenue in the construction market.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position, with work performed five days per week at the office or project-related locations. The Estimator works closely with the project management team and other construction professionals in a collaborative environment focused on growth and expansion, including work on projects for large corporate clients and new institutional market opportunities. The role relies heavily on the use of estimating software, digital blueprints, and standard office technology in a professional setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 Parsippany-Troy Hills,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.