Harvest Solar, an equal opportunity employer, is a Michigan-based company that provides cost-effective renewable energy for agriculture, commercial, and utility customers yielding more energy independence by utilizing solar energy. With in-house design, engineering, installation, and manufacturing, Harvest Solar is a pivotal turnkey operation that believes in expanding energy independence today to achieve a sustainable future for tomorrow. We believe in energy independence and a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Our purpose is to empower people to create and use renewable energy by providing them with the best‐in‐class service, products, and experience.
Position Title and Purpose of Position
Harvest Solar is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Construction Estimator to join our team. This position is critical to the success of our commercial and utility-scale solar projects and will play a key role in developing accurate cost estimates for large projects.
The Estimator will be responsible for analyzing project specifications, reviewing historical data and current market pricing, and collaborating across departments to generate comprehensive cost proposals. In addition, this role will monitor and track budgets throughout the construction lifecycle and provide valuable feedback to management to inform project strategy and business planning. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in math and data analysis, be proficient in spreadsheets and estimating software, and have the ability to interpret technical specifications related to solar PV systems.
Salary
The salary range for this role is $70,000.00 to 90,000.00 USD, salary commensurate with experience. An Annual Bonus Target representing 5% of your annual base salary/annual wages is paid based on meeting both organizational and individual targets.
Major Responsibilities of Position
- Analyze project plans, specifications, and technical documents to develop accurate cost estimates.
- Develop detailed cost breakdowns for materials, labor, subcontractor services, equipment, overhead, and margins.
- Create and maintain up-to-date unit cost databases and price benchmarks for solar-specific scopes (e.g., racking, modules, inverters, foundations, trenching, etc.).
- Evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes for accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
- Research and source market pricing for equipment, commodities, and services relevant to solar projects.
- Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and construction departments to ensure estimates reflect the most current design and execution approach.
- Prepare proposal documentation, including bid forms and pricing sheets for RFP submissions.
- Work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement specialists, and executives to ensure estimates align with project expectations and business goals.
- Participate in project kickoff meetings to explain the cost structure and estimation rationale to project teams.
- Solicit input and feedback from field teams on previous project cost performance to inform future estimates.
- Serve as a key liaison between the estimating department and other internal stakeholders.
- Support the handoff of awarded projects from estimating to construction teams with clearly documented budgets and assumptions.
- Track project costs during construction and compare actuals to estimated values, flagging variances and providing timely reporting.
- Analyze completed project financials to evaluate estimate accuracy and refine future cost modeling.
- Recommend process improvements and cost-saving measures based on project learnings and financial performance.
- Provide regular reporting to leadership on bid pipeline, estimating accuracy, market trends, and margin performance.
- Develop forecasting models and cost trend analysis to assist with strategic planning.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software (e.g., Procore, RSMeans, Bluebeam, ProEst, or similar).
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple bids and timelines simultaneously.
- Other duties as assigned.
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIED REQUIREMENTS.
The successful candidate will have: (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes)
- High expectation of confidentiality.
- Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily completing tasks both effectively and efficiently.
- Ability to document processes and continuous improvement activities.
- Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with other team members and disciplines both verbally and in written form.
- Working knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
- Strong organizational, planning and prioritization skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Attention to detail, follow-up for results and basic problem-solving skills.
- Ability multi-task ensuring the work is completed effectively and efficiently.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.), email etiquette and ability to learn software.
- Ability to work well individually and as part of a team.
Educational and Certification Background
- Valid State Driver’s License
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field is preferred.
- 3+ years of experience in construction estimating, preferably in solar or electrical construction
Work Environment
- Occasional overnight travel to support procurement efforts, satellite offices, or attend industry-related events. Transportations costs are covered for travel.
- Office Environment 100% of the time: Busy office with frequent interruptions and multi-tasking required; standard office equipment is available including Microsoft Office. This is an in-person role, Harvest does not have a work from home policy. Paid Time Off (PTO) is available to assist you with managing your time out of the office.
- Occasional commercial construction setting with construction terrain and exposure to weather fluctuations in addition to construction site hazards.
