Job Title: Estimator
Job Description
The Estimator plays a key role in preparing accurate and competitive commercial construction bids by analyzing blueprints, quantities, and costs. This position works closely with customers and vendors to gather information, negotiate pricing, and support successful project delivery. The role requires strong commercial estimation experience, proficiency with estimating software, and the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including materials, labor, and subcontractor costs.
Review and interpret blueprints, specifications, and project documents to determine the full scope of work.
Develop competitive bids and proposals in line with project requirements and company standards.
Use estimating software to create, update, and maintain estimates and bid documentation.
Collaborate with customers to clarify project requirements, answer questions, and provide pricing information.
Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors to obtain timely and competitive pricing.
Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors and subcontractors to support profitable and successful bids.
Coordinate with internal project management and construction teams to ensure estimates align with execution plans.
Participate in bidding schedules and ensure all estimates and proposals meet deadlines.
Update and maintain records of bids, estimates, and vendor quotations for future reference and analysis.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 3 years of commercial estimating experience.
Proven experience with commercial construction estimation and bidding processes.
Proficiency with estimating software and related digital tools.
Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, and terminology.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction documents.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with customers and vendors.
Strong negotiation skills when working with vendors and subcontractors.
Solid project management abilities to handle multiple estimates and deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in cost calculations and documentation.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for client and vendor relations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in commercial construction environments.
Experience in client relations and vendor relations within the construction industry.
Ability to collaborate with project management teams to support project planning and execution.
Comfort working with bidding platforms and digital document management tools.
Flexibility to work from locations in Fargo or Wahpeton, depending on business needs.
Work Environment
The Estimator works in a professional office setting located in either Fargo or Wahpeton, collaborating closely with project managers, customers, and vendors. The role relies heavily on estimating software and computer-based tools to review blueprints, prepare bids, and manage documentation. Work typically follows standard business hours, with occasional extended hours during peak bidding periods or tight deadlines. The environment emphasizes accuracy, collaboration, and clear communication to support successful commercial construction projects, with a focus on maintaining strong relationships with both customers and vendors.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Wahpeton, ND.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 Wahpeton,ND.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
