Construction Estimator

Ironwood Commercial Builders, Inc. • Full-time • Concord, California, United States • $140,000 - $165,000 / year • 1m ago

Company Overview

Since founded in 2006, Ironwood Commercial Builder, Inc. has been a highly respected general contractor and specialty contractor in the industry. We are committed to continuing education and ensuring our teams are not only passionate about what they do but are also highly trained to get the job done.

Ironwood Commercial Builders, Inc. is proud to be a Woman-Owned Small Business. We are committed to employing a diverse workforce that brings a unique perspective to the job site to deliver quality projects across federal, public, and private markets.

Unlike most general contractors, Ironwood Commercial Builders, Inc. self-performs several facets of construction, including but not limited to light gauge metal framing and drywall, weather barrier, fireproofing, lath and plaster, as well as custom interior Venetian and historical plaster.

Commercial Construction Estimator - Private, Public, & Federal Works

Position Summary

The Commercial Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for construction projects pursued by the company across private, public, and federal sectors. This role requires a strong understanding of construction means and methods, cost data, bid procedures, and contract types unique to each market segment — including negotiated private work, publicly bid municipal/state projects, and federally regulated contracts (e.g., FAR-based procurements, SF1442 bids, and Davis-Bacon wage requirements). The Estimator works closely with preconstruction, operations, business development, and subcontractor/vendor partners to develop winning proposals and set projects up for successful execution.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Quantity Takeoff

Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and models (2D/3D/BIM) for all trades and scopes of work.
Develop complete cost estimates at all project stages, from conceptual/budget pricing through final guaranteed maximum price (GMP) or lump-sum bid.
Analyze plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and site conditions to identify scope, risks, and constructability issues.
Prepare self-perform cost estimates for labor, equipment, and materials as applicable.

Bid & Proposal Management

Manage the full estimating process for private negotiated work, publicly advertised bids, and federal solicitations (RFPs, IFBs, RFQs).
Interpret and comply with public bidding requirements (prevailing wage, bid bonds, DBE/MBE/WBE participation goals, bid forms).
Interpret and comply with federal contracting requirements, including FAR/DFARS clauses, Davis-Bacon wage determinations, Buy American/Build America Buy America (BABA) provisions, and small business subcontracting plans.
Solicit, qualify, and level subcontractor and vendor bids/proposals; identify scope gaps and qualification discrepancies.
Coordinate and complete bid-day logistics, including final numbers, bid bonds, and submission to owners or agencies (electronic and hard-copy submittals).

Documentation & Compliance

Prepare bid packages, scope sheets, exclusions/clarifications, and qualification documents.
Ensure compliance with solicitation instructions, addenda, and pre-bid/pre-proposal meeting requirements across all sectors.
Maintain organized records of takeoffs, pricing, subcontractor quotes, and historical cost data for future reference.
Track and respond to RFIs during the bid/proposal phase.

Cost & Market Analysis

Maintain and update unit cost databases, labor productivity rates, and historical project cost data.
Monitor material, labor, and market pricing trends affecting estimates across regions and sectors.
Benchmark estimates against historical data and industry cost references.

Collaboration & Handoff

Participate in project handoff meetings with operations teams, providing clear scope, budget, and risk documentation.
Support value engineering and constructability reviews during preconstruction.
Collaborate with business development on go/no-go decisions, capture strategy, and client relationship development, particularly for public and federal pursuits.
Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and industry days as required.

Qualifications

Required

In-Person: Must be able to commute to Concord, CA on a daily basis.
High School Diploma or GED required (minimum educational level).
Minimum of 5 years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor (required; candidates with less experience will not be considered for this role).
Demonstrated experience estimating across private, public, and federal project types, or at a minimum the willingness and ability to learn estimating in additional sectors.
Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff/Bluebeam, Sage/Timberline, ProEst, HeavyBid, or similar).
Working knowledge of construction contract types (lump sum, GMP, cost-plus, design-build, IDIQ, JOC).
Familiarity with public bidding statutes and federal acquisition regulations relevant to construction.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to read and interpret complex construction drawings and specifications across all disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, civil).
Must pass E-Verify
Must Pass Background & Drug Testing

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with SAM.gov, eBidding platforms, and government procurement portals.
Familiarity with security clearance requirements for federal facility work.
Working knowledge of BIM software (Revit, Navisworks) for quantity extraction.
Professional certification (e.g., ASPE CPE, AACE CCP, or DBIA) a plus.
Experience with prevailing wage and certified payroll compliance.

Work Environment

Primarily office-based (Concord, CA) with occasional travel to job sites, pre-bid meetings, and client offices.
Some evening or extended hours required near bid deadlines.

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
Financial Future: Robust 401(k) plan featuring a 4% company match and a profit-sharing program.
Time Off: Generous paid holidays and a flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.
Work-Life Balance: Commitment to flexibility and a healthy integration of work and personal life.
Professional Growth: Clear pathways for career advancement and professional development.
Meaningful Work: The opportunity to make a meaningful impact through a shared dedication to excellence.

Ironwood Commercial Builders Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, age, disability, national origin, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

Ironwood Commercial Builders Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in the employment process, including the job application and interview process. Applicants can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Ironwood Human Resources Department.

Pay: $140,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) 4% Match
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Do you have 5+ years of Commercial Construction Estimating for a General Contractor?
What is the largest project you have successfully estimated?
What types of projects have you estimated?

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