Commercial Construction Estimator

Ethan Conrad Properties, Inc. is one of the largest and the fastest growing Commercial Real Estate Companies in Sacramento, CA. With over 12MM square feet, over 170 properties, and over 250 buildings, valued at $1.7 billion dollars. ECP has had an Annual Growth of over 20% for the past 10 years and anticipates continued growth of 20% annually, creating more job opportunities internally and externally. ECP is a World Class Company.

Ethan Conrad Construction, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Commercial Construction Estimator to join the Pre-Construction team of an established property management and construction organization. The Company performs tenant improvement, office, healthcare, retail, restaurant, industrial, retrofit, and other commercial construction projects, including work in Class A and Class B properties. The Estimator will prepare conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates; perform digital quantity takeoffs; solicit and evaluate subcontractor pricing; and support project feasibility, value engineering, and budget development. The successful candidate will use current estimating technology, including AI-assisted tools, while applying sound construction judgment and independently validating quantities, pricing, scope, and assumptions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare ROM, conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates for commercial construction and tenant improvement projects of varying size and complexity.
• Review drawings, specifications, site information, existing-condition reports, lease work letters, and other project documents to define scope, identify exclusions, and document assumptions.
• Perform accurate digital quantity takeoffs for architectural, demolition, structural, civil/site, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and finish scopes as applicable.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, general conditions, escalation, and other project cost components; maintain clear estimate summaries and supporting detail.
• Prepare and update budgets, cost-per-square-foot analyses, feasibility studies, bid comparisons, and estimate reconciliations as design information develops.
• Prepare trade bid packages, solicit and follow up with subcontractors and suppliers, review quotations for scope coverage, and identify gaps, qualifications, exclusions, and cost risks.
• Research historical estimates, purchase orders, subcontracts, actual project costs, and productivity information to improve estimating accuracy and maintain useful cost data.
• Identify and evaluate value engineering options, alternate materials and systems, constructability considerations, and opportunities to improve cost or schedule without compromising project requirements.
• Coordinate with the Chief Estimator, project management, brokers, property management, development teams, architects, engineers, and tenants, and subcontractors to clarify project requirements and budget expectations.
• Coordinate with brokers and potential tenants various value engineering opportunities prior to and during the design phase to reduce overall project costs to lessen the burden and/or impact on final lease terms.
• Participate in site walks, design meetings, pre-bid meetings, and project handoffs; communicate estimate basis, key assumptions, risks, and scope boundaries clearly.
• Maintain current knowledge of construction methods, local market pricing, labor rates, material availability, building codes, permitting requirements, and industry trends.
• Use AI-assisted tools to support document review, scope comparisons, estimate narratives, bid leveling, historical cost analysis, and workflow efficiency, while verifying outputs against source documents and project requirements.
• Manage the bid solicitation process, evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals, and provide final award recommendations to Project Managers for assigned projects.
• Maintain organized estimate files, takeoff records, bid tabs, scope sheets, clarifications, and version control in accordance with department procedures.
• Support Project team regarding feasibility of an overall project, budgets, and financial risk.
• Support a professional, cooperative, self-directed team environment and represent the Company respectfully in all project and vendor interactions.
• Independently evaluate procurement options, negotiate terms within delegated authority, and collaborate with the project team to recommend contract awards.

Estimating Technology, AI & Software

• Digital takeoff and estimating: demonstrated experience with one or more platforms such as Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, STACK, Autodesk Takeoff, CostX, or comparable tools.
• Project and cost management: Procore and/or comparable construction management systems; advanced Microsoft Excel skills for estimate workbooks, cost comparisons, formulas, and reporting.
• Design and document tools: ability to review PDF drawings, CAD files, specifications, addenda, and other electronic construction documents; AutoCAD/Revit familiarity is beneficial.
• AI-assisted workflows: practical ability or willingness to use tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and AI-enabled construction or estimating platforms to summarize documents, compare scopes, organize data, draft narratives, and identify potential omissions.
• Quality control and data security: independently verify AI-generated or software-generated quantities, pricing, code references, and recommendations; protect confidential company, tenant, and project information; do not rely on AI output as the sole basis for an estimate.