Job Title: Estimator - Commercial Construction
Job Description
This Estimator role focuses on preparing accurate and competitive bids for commercial construction projects. You will work closely with subcontractors, project teams, owners, and architects to review drawings and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, and assemble complete project estimates. The position requires strong knowledge of all trades, hands-on estimating experience with a general contractor or construction manager, and the ability to contribute to value engineering and bid presentations.
Responsibilities
Review architectural and engineering drawings and project specifications to calculate pricing for entire commercial construction projects.
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for all trades to develop accurate and comprehensive project estimates.
Solicit, receive, and evaluate bids from subcontractors, ensuring coverage of all scopes of work.
Communicate regularly with subcontractors to review and clarify scope of work, resolve questions, and align expectations.
Coordinate and communicate with the internal bid team, contributing as an active team player throughout the estimating process.
Compile, organize, and finalize project estimates, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
Perform value engineering as required, identifying cost-effective alternatives while maintaining design intent and project quality.
Attend and actively participate in presentations and meetings with project teams, owners, and architects to present and explain bids.
Support the competitive bid process by helping to develop strategies to win work against other general contractors.
Maintain accurate records of estimates, subcontractor proposals, and project documentation for future reference and benchmarking.
Essential Skills
Proven experience as an estimator in commercial construction.
3 to 5 years of estimating experience with a general contractor or construction manager.
Hands-on experience competing for work against other general contractors.
Strong knowledge of all trades involved in commercial construction projects.
Ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications.
Proficiency in commercial construction estimating practices and processes.
Strong communication skills for coordinating with subcontractors and internal bid teams.
Ability to clearly explain and defend estimates in meetings and presentations.
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively in a bid team environment.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in pricing and quantity calculations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working as an estimator or chief estimator in commercial construction.
Experience in construction management or a related construction discipline.
Experience participating in client-facing presentations for bids and proposals.
Ability to support value engineering efforts by identifying cost-saving alternatives.
Comfort working in a competitive bid environment with multiple general contractors.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
Work Environment
The Estimator will work primarily in an office environment alongside a team of four other estimators, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. The role involves regular in-office work using standard office and construction documentation tools to review drawings, perform quantity takeoffs, and prepare bids. There will be times when you travel to visit potential clients to present bids and participate in project meetings with owners and architects. The culture emphasizes teamwork, professional collaboration, and a long-standing history of building numerous commercial projects over many years.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of CHAMBERSBURG, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $26.44 - $33.65/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 CHAMBERSBURG,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 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.
