About Us
Seals Construction, Inc. is a trusted general contractor specializing in the construction of commercial, educational, healthcare, religious, industrial, public work, parking facilities, and construction throughout the Central Valley. For over twenty years, Seals Construction has been a progressive-thinking construction management and general contracting firm committed to serving owners and clients based on their unique needs..
Position Overview
The Estimator plays a critical role in the preconstruction process by preparing accurate and detailed cost estimates to support project planning, bidding, budgeting, and execution. This role is responsible for developing conceptual estimates, preparing detailed estimate updates as design progresses, reviewing plans and specifications, building subcontractor scope packages, and supporting value engineering efforts.
The Estimator works closely with project managers, ownership, design teams, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure cost information is reliable, complete, and aligned with project goals. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and able to communicate cost impacts clearly throughout all phases of preconstruction.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed conceptual cost estimates and conceptual cost studies to support early project planning and feasibility reviews.
- Prepare detailed estimate updates as the design evolves through schematic design, design development, and construction document phases.
- Prepare variance summaries between estimate updates to identify cost changes, scope shifts, and budget impacts.
- Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and other bid documents to understand project scope, requirements, and potential risks.
- Prepare detailed instructions to bidders, trade-specific clarifications, and comprehensive bid packages.
- Develop subcontractor scope packages and solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing for assigned scopes of work.
- Review subcontractor bids for accuracy, completeness, exclusions, qualifications, and alignment with project requirements.
- Write, clarify, and negotiate subcontract scopes to support accurate buyout and minimize scope gaps.
- Participate in and often lead preparation and presentation of cost and budget information to clients, owners, and internal project teams.
- Attend preconstruction meetings, pre-bid meetings, site walks, and project review meetings to gather information and clarify scope.
- Engage in value engineering sessions with the project and design teams to identify cost-saving alternatives without compromising project intent or quality.
- Provide estimating information and support for Requests for Proposals (RFPs), bid submissions, and project pursuit efforts.
- Maintain accurate estimating records, historical cost data, subcontractor pricing, bid documents, and project-related correspondence.
- Coordinate with Project Managers during estimating handoff to support budget development, subcontractor scope review, assumptions, qualifications, and project startup planning.
- Support a collaborative, organized, and professional preconstruction process that promotes accuracy, accountability, and client confidence.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in construction estimating, preconstruction, project coordination, or a related construction role.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field preferred, or equivalent construction experience.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of unit costs, construction cost factors, means and methods, materials, and trade sequencing.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and scope documents.
- Experience preparing estimates for both self-performed and subcontracted work preferred.
- Ability to identify, evaluate, and resolve complex scope, budget, and bid-related issues.
- Experience developing bid packages, subcontractor scopes, assumptions, qualifications, and value engineering options preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) required; experience with construction takeoff software such as Bluebeam and Procore highly preferred.
- Prior experience with commercial, educational, healthcare, public works, OSHPD, or DSA projects preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Advanced organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with clients, design teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal project teams.
- Strong problem-solving ability with the judgment to identify scope gaps, cost risks, and constructability concerns.
- Collaborative and team-oriented approach with the ability to support project managers, field teams, and preconstruction efforts.
- Professional, dependable, and accountable work style with the ability to maintain accuracy under deadline pressure.
- Commitment to quality, client service, continuous improvement, and responsible cost management.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- Supportive and team-oriented workplace culture.
- Opportunity to gain experience across diverse and impactful construction projects.
Disclaimer
The duties and responsibilities described above are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support project and company objectives. Seals Construction reserves the right to modify this job description at any time to reflect changes in business needs, priorities, or organizational structure.
Job Type: Full-time
Base Pay: From $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
