Commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related experience is required.
Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, materials, building systems, and costs is required.
Experience with conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, hard bids, negotiated work, design-build, and/or guaranteed maximum price estimating is required.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents is required.
Experience soliciting, reviewing, leveling, and analyzing subcontractor proposals is required.
Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills are required.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines is required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams are required.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, takeoff and estimating software, building information modeling tools, and construction management platforms is required.
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Responsibilities
Review and interpret project plans, specifications, addenda, and other contract documents to understand project scope and requirements.
Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, general conditions, and other project costs.
Develop conceptual, schematic, guaranteed maximum price, negotiated, design-build, and hard-bid estimates.
Evaluate project documents for scope gaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities.
Develop and maintain estimates throughout the design process, including cost comparisons, variance analyses, and value-engineering options.
Evaluate site logistics, sequencing, schedule requirements, productivity, and other factors that may impact project costs.
Participate in estimate reviews and bid-day activities to ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and competitive.
Develop bid packages, scopes of work, requests for quotations, requests for proposals, and subcontractor solicitation documents.
Solicit, review, level, and analyze trade partner and supplier proposals for completeness and competitiveness.
Build and maintain relationships with trade partners, suppliers, clients, and project teams.
Communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, opportunities, and risks to project teams and leadership.
Collaborate with Operations and Project Management to support the transition of awarded projects from Preconstruction to Operations.
Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and project pursuits as needed.
Depending on experience, lead preconstruction efforts on complex projects and provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimating team members.
Desired Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred; equivalent construction experience will be considered.
HCAI, formerly OSHPD, healthcare estimating experience is highly preferred.
DSA K-12 estimating experience is highly preferred.
Company Overview
Founded in 1956, S+B James Construction is a full-service design-build contractor delivering projects from concept through completion. Our integrated teams work collaboratively to deliver exceptional results while strengthening the communities we serve, across a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, education, life sciences, commercial, retail, industrial, and public works throughout California and Oregon.
Our Mission
To be the most trusted building partner in the communities we serve. This mission guides everything we do. We measure success through the strength of our relationships—with our clients, our colleagues, and our communities.
Our Core Values
• Be there for each other
• Support our communities
• Be transparent
• Make things right
What we are looking for
We are seeking an Estimator to join our Preconstruction team. This role is responsible for developing accurate and comprehensive construction estimates from early conceptual design through final bid and project award. The Estimator works closely with clients, design teams, trade partners, suppliers, and internal project teams to evaluate scope, identify opportunities and risks, and develop competitive project pricing. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of commercial construction, with HCAI (formerly OSHPD) healthcare and/or DSA K-12 education experience highly preferred.
Location
• Sacramento, CA
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Preconstruction
Review and interpret project plans, specifications, addenda, and other contract documents to understand project scope and requirements
Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, general conditions, and other project costs
Develop conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, design-build, and hard-bid estimates
Evaluate project documents for scope gaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities
Develop and maintain estimates throughout the design process, including cost comparisons, variance analyses, and value engineering options
Evaluate site logistics, sequencing, schedule requirements, productivity, and other factors that may impact project costs
Participate in estimate reviews and bid-day activities to ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and competitive
Trade Partner & Project Collaboration
Develop bid packages, scopes of work, RFQs/RFPs, and subcontractor solicitation documents
Solicit, review, level, and analyze trade partner and supplier proposals for completeness and competitiveness
Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, suppliers, clients, and project teams
Clearly communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, opportunities, and risks to project teams and leadership
Collaborate with Operations and Project Management to support the transition of awarded projects from Preconstruction to Operations
Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and project pursuits as needed
Depending on experience, lead preconstruction efforts on complex projects and provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimating team members
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent construction experience will be considered
Commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related experience
Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, materials, building systems, and costs
Experience with conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, hard bids, negotiated work, design-build, and/or GMP estimating
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents
Experience soliciting, reviewing, leveling, and analyzing subcontractor proposals
Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams
Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, takeoff/estimating software, BIM tools, and construction management platforms
Compensation
Full-Time
Salary Range: $100,000/year - $195,000/year (based on experience)
Benefits
100% employer-paid health insurance
100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off, sick days, and wellness days
Paid holidays
Discretionary bonus program
Company-sponsored community events
Recruiting referral bonuses
Company credit card
Phone allowance
Annual holiday party with hotel accommodation
S+B James Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Notice to Staffing & Recruiting Agencies
S+B James Construction does not accept unsolicited candidate submissions. Agencies must have prior authorization from our People Department and a current, fully executed agreement before submitting candidates for requested positions.
Any submission made without prior approval will be considered unsolicited, and S+B James will have no obligation to pay a placement fee or other compensation. Recruiting or placement agreements may only be established through an authorized member of our People Department.