Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety
At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.
Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.
The Construction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable cost estimates for construction projects from initial bid review through final proposal submission. This role reviews project plans and specifications, performs detailed quantity takeoffs, develops labor and material costs, obtains vendor and subcontractor pricing, and identifies potential scope gaps and project risks.
The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of how construction work is actually performed in the field, combined with solid estimating, analytical, and basic construction accounting skills. Success in this role requires attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to balance competitive pricing with protecting project margins.
- Review architectural drawings, engineering plans, specifications, bid documents, contracts, and project requirements to fully understand project scope.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and other project costs using estimating and digital takeoff software.
- Develop labor estimates using appropriate crew sizes, productivity rates, wage rates, and anticipated project conditions.
- Research and maintain current material, equipment, subcontractor, and labor pricing to support accurate estimates.
- Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes during the estimating process, ensuring pricing aligns with the required scope and identifying potential gaps or exclusions.
- Level vendor and subcontractor proposals to ensure comparable scope and accurate inclusion within the estimate.
- Identify constructability concerns, logistical challenges, schedule constraints, long-lead materials, site conditions, and other factors that could impact project cost or execution.
- Incorporate appropriate contingencies and allowances based on identified project risks.
- Review historical project costs, production rates, and completed-job performance to continuously improve estimating accuracy.
- Develop clear assumptions, clarifications, qualifications, and exclusions for inclusion in bid proposals.
- Prepare complete bid packages and proposals for internal review and final submission.
- Participate in bid reviews with leadership and operations to evaluate pricing strategy, project risk, manpower requirements, schedule, and overall project fit.
- Support post-bid clarifications, scope reviews, and customer or general contractor questions as needed.
- Upon project award, provide a thorough estimating handoff to Project Management and Purchasing, including estimate details, vendor/subcontractor quotes, assumptions, exclusions, and identified project risks.
- Partner with Project Managers and field leadership to compare estimated versus actual project performance and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
- Prior experience in construction estimating, project management, field supervision, or a related construction role.
- Field experience as a Superintendent, Foreman, Project Manager, or skilled construction professional is highly valued.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, labor requirements, materials, equipment, and field productivity.
- Working knowledge of basic construction accounting principles, including labor burden, material costs, overhead, job costing, margins, and project profitability.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and other project documentation.
- Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor estimates.
- Proficiency with estimating and digital takeoff software such as Bluebeam, Procore, Sage Estimating, ConEst, or similar platforms preferred.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify missing scope, duplicate costs, inconsistencies, and potential project risks.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills when working with vendors, subcontractors, Project Managers, field leadership, and customers.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and organization.
- Bachelor's degree is not required. Relevant construction experience, technical knowledge, and demonstrated estimating ability may substitute for formal education.
- Experience estimating commercial and/or industrial construction projects.
- Strong understanding of self-perform labor, including crew composition, production rates, labor burden, overtime, and equipment utilization.
- Familiarity with subcontracted trades, vendor pricing, and material markets.
- Understanding of general conditions, project schedules, change management, and common construction contract structures.
- Experience working closely with field operations and Project Management to evaluate estimate performance after project award.
Why Join Kelso Industries?
Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Here you will experience:
Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.
Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business
