Estimator
Coastal Maine General Contracting – Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island, Maine
Full-Time | $70,000–$90,000/year (based on experience)
About Us & The Role
At Coastal Maine GC, we're a design build construction company focused on quality craftsmanship, thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a strong team culture.
We're looking for an experienced Estimator who can bridge the gap between design and drafting and a clean handoff to Operations. This role is responsible for preparing conceptual and detailed estimates, performing quantity takeoffs, coordinating subcontractor pricing, and helping shape project budgets and schedules from concept through completion, then carrying that scope, budget, and schedule clarity through to the field.
Unlike a traditional estimating position, this role continues beyond bid day. As part of the Preconstruction Department, the Estimator works closely with Project Managers throughout construction to support change orders, Requests for Information (RFIs), scope clarifications, and budget updates as projects evolve.
This is an opportunity to help build and shape our estimating function as our Preconstruction Department continues to grow. We're looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership, improving processes, and helping establish best practices while working closely with Preconstruction and Operations teams.
We value:
- Communication in everything we do
- Accountability and ownership
- Strong effort and attitude
- Practical problem-solving and creativity
- Continuous personal growth
- Respect for people and the work
- Supporting your team and community
What You’ll Be Doing
Preconstruction & Estimating
- Develop conceptual and detailed estimates for residential design build projects.
- Support commercial bidding opportunities as needed.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
- Review drawings, specifications, and project scope for completeness and constructability.
- Translate drawings, specifications, and design intent into a clear, buildable scope, budget, and schedule the Operations team can execute against.
- Solicit, review, and compare subcontractor and supplier pricing.
- Develop accurate project budgets that align with design intent and construction methods.
- Develop preliminary project schedules to support budgeting, planning, and sequencing decisions.
- Identify scope gaps, cost risks, and value engineering opportunities early in project development.
- Maintain current knowledge of labor rates, material pricing, and market conditions.
Construction Support
- Partner with the Operations team throughout construction to maintain budget accuracy.
- Prepare pricing for change orders.
- Assist with Requests for Information (RFIs) affecting project cost or scope.
- Update budgets and estimates as project conditions change.
- Review project costs and recommend solutions when budget impacts arise.
- Support subcontractor buyout and procurement activities as needed.
- Support a clean, well-documented handoff of scope, budget, and schedule from Preconstruction to Operations as projects move to the field.
Department Development & Collaboration
- Work closely with the Preconstruction team to develop accurate budgets and project plans.
- Partner with the Operations team throughout construction to support change orders, RFIs, and project budget updates.
- Help develop and improve estimating standards, templates, workflows, and best practices as the department continues to grow.
- Take ownership of estimating processes and identify opportunities to improve consistency, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Communicate budget concerns, scope gaps, and pricing impacts proactively with both Preconstruction and Operations.
- Maintain organized estimate files, documentation, and project records.
- Contribute to a collaborative environment by working closely with teammates across departments to support successful project outcomes.
What We Offer
- $70,000–$90,000/year (based on experience)
- Year-round, steady work
- Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance contribution
- Simple IRA with company match
- Discretionary Performance based end-of-year bonus
- Growth opportunities within the company
- Supportive team environment with strong communication and leadership
What We’re Looking For
- 3-5+ years of residential construction estimating, preferably in a design build environment, including custom homes, additions, renovations, and remodels; commercial estimating experience is a plus.
- Strong understanding of residential construction methods, building systems, sequencing, construction documents, and quantity takeoffs.
- Ability to prepare conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, subcontractor pricing, and change order pricing.
- Strong communication, scheduling, planning, and budgeting skills, comfortable bridging design/drafting and Operations so scope, budget, and schedule carry through cleanly to the field.
- Proficiency with Autodesk Forma, Microsoft Office, and estimating software.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and organized, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative, fast paced environment.
- Project Management experience is a plus, but not required.
Ready to help us build something better?
Apply now to join a team where leadership, integrity, and results go hand in hand.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- If offered the position, are you comfortable completing a pre-employment physical, background check, and drug screening?
- Do you currently live within commuting distance of our Ellsworth or Bar Harbor locations, and are you able to reliably travel to those areas for work each day?
Experience:
- construction estimating: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
