Estimator
Sky Staff, LLC
Houston, TX | Full-Time
BUILD MORE THAN ESTIMATES. BUILD WINNING PROJECTS.
Sky Staff, LLC (“Sky Staff”) is seeking an exceptional Estimator who wants to do more than prepare takeoffs and bid projects. We are looking for a driven construction professional who understands that successful preconstruction is the foundation of every successful project.
This position is designed for individuals who aspire to become Senior Estimators, Lead Estimators, Preconstruction Managers, and future operational leaders. At Sky Staff, estimators are strategic contributors who help shape project delivery, influence business development efforts, and position the company for long-term success.
Sky Staff operates within the FGC2 platform of 30 operating and affiliated companies spanning construction, healthcare, industrial, emergency response, restoration, equipment rental, manufacturing, supply and distribution, technology, real estate development, and insurance recovery services.
This role offers the opportunity to collaborate directly with executive leadership, business development, project management, field operations, owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers while supporting complex projects across healthcare, government, commercial, higher education, industrial, aviation, and other mission-critical markets throughout the United States.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Estimator serves as a key member of Sky Staff's Preconstruction team, responsible for preparing accurate and competitive conceptual, negotiated, design-build, CMAR, GMP, and hard-bid estimates for a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects. This individual must possess strong technical estimating expertise while also demonstrating leadership, business acumen, adaptability, and the ability contribute to strategic project decisions.
This position partners closely with business development, project management, field operations, and executive leadership throughout every phase of the preconstruction process. Responsibilities include quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, cost modeling, budgeting, value engineering, constructability reviews, procurement planning, schedule development, and risk analysis to ensure projects are delivered safely, competitively, and profitably.
The ideal candidate understands that estimating extends well beyond producing numbers. They provide the insight, planning, collaboration, and technical expertise necessary to help Sky Staff win projects, manage risk, strengthen client relationships, and deliver exceptional project outcomes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Preconstruction & Estimating
- Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, negotiated, and competitive hard-bid estimates.
- Review construction drawings, specifications, addenda, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to develop complete project pricing.
- Perform accurate quantity takeoffs utilizing Bluebeam and other estimating software.
- Develop complete cost estimates including labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, general conditions, contingency, escalation, and overhead considerations.
- Prepare detailed bid tabulations, estimate summaries, clarifications, assumptions, exclusions, and proposal documents.
- Assist with conceptual budgeting, preliminary scheduling, and the maintenance of historical cost databases while monitoring labor, material, equipment, and market pricing trends.
- Utilize historical cost databases, market intelligence, and current pricing trends to develop accurate and competitive estimates.
- Support pricing of owner-requested scope changes, design revisions, and change order requests during preconstruction.
Subcontractor & Vendor Management
- Solicit competitive pricing from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with trade partners across multiple markets.
- Evaluate subcontractor qualifications, pricing, scope completeness, schedule capability, and project experience.
- Conduct comprehensive bid leveling and scope comparisons to ensure complete and competitive pricing.
- Coordinate value engineering alternatives and product substitutions with subcontractors and design teams.
Cost Engineering & Project Planning
- Participate in constructability reviews throughout the design process.
- Identify project risks, scope gaps, schedule constraints, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Prepare value engineering recommendations that improve project value while maintaining quality and performance.
- Analyze alternative materials, systems, construction methods, and sequencing options.
- Support project teams through procurement planning, pricing revisions, and budget development throughout the preconstruction process.
Project Transition & Operational Support
- Participate in estimate review meetings with executive leadership.
- Lead estimate turnover meetings with project management and field operations following project award.
- Transfer estimate assumptions, procurement strategies, budgets, and project risks to the operations team.
- Support project managers during buyout and procurement activities as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3+ years of estimating experience with a commercial general contractor.
- Experience preparing conceptual, negotiated, design-build, GMP, and hard-bid estimates.
- Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, systems, sequencing, and scheduling.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings, specifications, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and contract documents.
- Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
- Strong proficiency with Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Manage multiple concurrent project pursuits across varying stages of design and preconstruction while meeting critical proposal deadlines.
- Ability to travel as projects require.
Preferred
- Healthcare construction estimating experience.
- Government and federal construction experience.
- Mission-critical construction experience.
- Industrial or manufacturing project experience.
- Design-Build and CMAR delivery experience.
- Experience with Sage Estimating, BuildingConnected, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, or similar construction software.
- Experience developing GMPs and conceptual budgets.
- Knowledge of BIM and VDC coordination.
- Knowledge of Lean Construction principles.
- Familiarity with ICRA, ILSM, and construction within occupied healthcare environments.
- Experience supporting business development pursuits and client presentations.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The compensation package includes a competitive base salary ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 per year, performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) benefits, paid time off and holidays, professional development, industry training, and exposure to executive leadership and strategic initiatives.
WHY SKY STAFF
At Sky Staff, estimating is more than producing accurate numbers. Our preconstruction professionals are strategic partners who help shape projects before construction begins. We believe in accountability, adaptability, continuous improvement, and collaboration. If you're looking for an environment where your expertise is valued, your ideas are heard, and your career can continue to grow, we'd like to meet you.
If you're ready to contribute to complex project pursuits, collaborate with industry-leading professionals, and build a long-term career with one of the nation's fastest-growing construction organizations, we'd love to hear from you.
Please email your resume and cover letter to Howard Katzeff at [email protected].
SKY STAFF, LLC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
