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Construction Estimator

Actalent, Minneapolis, MN, United States


Job Title: Construction Estimator This Construction Estimator role focuses on supporting the development of accurate and competitive estimates for large commercial and multi‑family construction projects, including complex renovations and adaptive reuse work. You will assist senior estimating leadership in pricing labor, materials, and equipment, collaborate closely with trade partners and internal teams, and contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes and cost databases in a growing and well‑diversified office.

Responsibilities

Assist in pricing labor, materials, and equipment using historical cost data, past project experience, and current market input from trade partners, suppliers, and rental vendors.

Support the development of comprehensive project estimates, including materials, labor, equipment, general conditions, and allowances under the guidance of senior estimating leadership.

Solicit, track, and confirm trade partner participation throughout the bidding and preconstruction process to ensure complete and competitive coverage.

Participate in trade partner scope reviews, bid leveling, and comparison analysis to validate scopes and identify gaps or overlaps.

Collaborate closely with operations teams and senior estimators during buyout and contract award phases, particularly on negotiated or design‑assist projects.

Maintain organized estimating documentation, including estimate back‑up, clarifications, and assumptions, to support transparent decision‑making.

Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating standards, templates, and historical cost databases to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to understand project scope and quantify work accurately.

Support project budgeting and cost estimate updates throughout preconstruction as design evolves.

Use estimating software and digital takeoff tools to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost breakdowns.

Coordinate with internal stakeholders in preconstruction and operations to align estimates with project schedules, means and methods, and construction sequencing.

Essential Skills

Experience estimating large commercial or multi‑family construction projects, including complex renovations or adaptive reuse.

Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing across multiple building systems.

Proficiency with estimating software and digital takeoff tools for quantity takeoffs and cost modeling.

Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and specifications.

Experience in construction estimating and construction management within commercial construction environments.

Ability to support project management and bidding processes, including budgeting and cost estimating.

Collaborative communication style with the ability to work effectively with both preconstruction and operations teams.

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to maintain accurate and thorough estimating documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Background in construction management, engineering, or a related field.

Experience working with trade partners, suppliers, and rental vendors to obtain and evaluate pricing.

Familiarity with commercial construction project lifecycles, from preconstruction through buyout and contract award.

Ability to perform cost comparison analysis and bid leveling to evaluate trade partner proposals.

Comfort working with budgeting tools and cost estimate formats used in commercial construction.

Interest in contributing to process improvement and the development of historical cost databases and estimating standards.

Work Environment This role is based in a growing office in Minneapolis with a strong and diversified pipeline of commercial and multi‑family projects. You will work in a professional construction and preconstruction environment that relies on estimating software, digital takeoff tools, and historical cost databases. The position involves close collaboration with preconstruction, operations, and trade partners, with a focus on organized documentation and clear communication throughout bidding and buyout phases. Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with standard business hours and occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines and key bid dates.

Job Type & Location Permanent position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay & Benefits

Pay range: $100,000 – $160,000 per year.

Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

401(k) with employer contribution.

Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.

Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage.

Professional development and long‑term growth opportunities.

Workplace Type Hybrid position in Minneapolis, MN.

Application Deadline Position anticipated to close on Apr 17, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Hiring diverse talent.

Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self‑reflection.

Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes.

Ensuring growth opportunities for our people.

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

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