Project Estimator - Cleveland
Higley Construction, Cleveland, OH, United States
Position Overview
Higley Construction is seeking a Project Estimator to support our preconstruction team by developing accurate and thorough estimates across a diverse range of commercial construction projects. The Project Estimator will work alongside senior estimators and preconstruction managers to quantify scope, analyze documents, and interact with subcontractors and vendors throughout the preconstruction process. This role involves exposure to both conceptual estimating and competitive bid environments, offering significant growth opportunities for those seeking to become subject matter experts.
Responsibilities
Support the development of design‑phase estimates, including concept, schematic, design development, and construction document‑level pricing.
Assist in preparing detailed quantity takeoffs across a variety of CSI divisions.
Help prepare bid packages and participate in competitive lump‑sum bid efforts, including document management, invitations to bid, completion of front‑end requirements, setting up bid forms, tracking RFIs, and analyzing subcontractor bids.
Work closely with the project team to ensure scopes are comprehensive and aligned with drawings, specs, and project goals.
Identify scope gaps or design omissions and flag potential cost, scope, or schedule risks for review.
Collaborate with project teams to create and validate preliminary General Conditions based on project type and scale.
Assist with the preparation of estimate clarifications, assumptions narratives, and deviation reports.
Participate in the review of progress drawings and specifications for constructability and completeness.
Work directly with vendors and subcontractors to obtain and validate pricing, product and labor availability, and unit costs.
Attend internal and external meetings to present estimate data and discuss budget alignment and value opportunities.
Conduct conceptual estimating, contributing to scope definition by developing line‑item breakdowns that reflect full project coverage, including anticipated items not shown on drawings.
Maintain clean and consistent estimate formatting and documentation, including clear folder structures, backup, and audit trails.
Communicate effectively with internal teams, owners, architects, and engineers regarding cost updates and estimate deliverables.
Attend community, professional and company events.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Skills and Abilities
Strong working knowledge of at least 4 CSI Divisions, with the ability and willingness to continue expanding expertise.
Knowledge of construction assemblies and building systems including:
Civil and sitework improvements
Foundations, including deep foundations
Structural Systems (Steel, Concrete, Masonry)
Exterior Enclosure Systems (Masonry, Metal Panels, Curtainwall/Storefront)
Roofing Systems
Interior Construction and Finishes (walls, ceilings, flooring, doors, millwork)
Division 10–14 Specialties
Basic understanding of MEP systems is preferred (deeper knowledge is a plus)
Ability to clearly interpret and review plans and specifications.
Familiarity with estimating software and tools such as OST (On‑Screen Takeoff), Bluebeam, Excel, and Office Suite.
Time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
Self‑motivated and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Good communication skills and comfort participating in project team meetings and discussions.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).
5+ years of estimating experience in a general contracting or construction management environment preferred.
Experience with commercial project types such as interior fit‑outs, ground‑up buildings, healthcare, education, corporate, or multi‑family is a plus.
Benefits
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – 100% Employee‑Owned
25 days of Paid Time Off
9 Paid Holidays
Pet Insurance
Health/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
401(k) Contributions/Match
Life Insurance/AD&D
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Family Leave
Paid Military Leave
Short & Long Term Disability
Years of Service Awards
$1,500 Referral Bonus
Capability for up to 16 hours/week of remote work.
Casual Friday Policy
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Enterprise/National Rental Benefits
Salary
Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team.
For Cleveland, OH this ranges from $80,080 – $120,120 plus benefits and retirement program.
Drug and Alcohol Screening Requirement
As part of your employment with Higley Construction, an initial pre‑employment drug and alcohol test is required. This is followed by company‑wide annual and random drug and alcohol testing for all employees for the duration of your employment. Higley Construction prohibits employees from being under the influence of substances such as drugs or alcohol during work hours. Higley Construction is dedicated to the safety of all individuals in our offices and our job sites.
Job Requirements
Physical Activities: This role requires driving to and from office, jobsites, meetings, client locations, events, and other work‑related locations as necessary. It primarily involves working at a desk with prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Frequent use of hands and fingers is required for typing, writing, and handling documents or office tools. Repetitive hand and wrist motions are common during computer and data entry tasks. Effective communication is essential, including in‑person, phone, and digital interactions. This role may occasionally require lifting or moving office materials or small equipment up to 20 pounds.
Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily performed in an office or remote/home‑based setting, with quiet to moderate noise levels. There may also be occasional visits to construction sites, where exposure to outdoor environmental factors may occur.
This list of job requirements is subject to change at any time due to the needs of the business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Higley Construction is strongly committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination for all employees and candidates. It is the policy and practice that Higley Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy‑related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, socio‑economic status, age, disability, physical and mental ability, genetic information, service in the military, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.
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Higley Construction is seeking a Project Estimator to support our preconstruction team by developing accurate and thorough estimates across a diverse range of commercial construction projects. The Project Estimator will work alongside senior estimators and preconstruction managers to quantify scope, analyze documents, and interact with subcontractors and vendors throughout the preconstruction process. This role involves exposure to both conceptual estimating and competitive bid environments, offering significant growth opportunities for those seeking to become subject matter experts.
Responsibilities
Support the development of design‑phase estimates, including concept, schematic, design development, and construction document‑level pricing.
Assist in preparing detailed quantity takeoffs across a variety of CSI divisions.
Help prepare bid packages and participate in competitive lump‑sum bid efforts, including document management, invitations to bid, completion of front‑end requirements, setting up bid forms, tracking RFIs, and analyzing subcontractor bids.
Work closely with the project team to ensure scopes are comprehensive and aligned with drawings, specs, and project goals.
Identify scope gaps or design omissions and flag potential cost, scope, or schedule risks for review.
Collaborate with project teams to create and validate preliminary General Conditions based on project type and scale.
Assist with the preparation of estimate clarifications, assumptions narratives, and deviation reports.
Participate in the review of progress drawings and specifications for constructability and completeness.
Work directly with vendors and subcontractors to obtain and validate pricing, product and labor availability, and unit costs.
Attend internal and external meetings to present estimate data and discuss budget alignment and value opportunities.
Conduct conceptual estimating, contributing to scope definition by developing line‑item breakdowns that reflect full project coverage, including anticipated items not shown on drawings.
Maintain clean and consistent estimate formatting and documentation, including clear folder structures, backup, and audit trails.
Communicate effectively with internal teams, owners, architects, and engineers regarding cost updates and estimate deliverables.
Attend community, professional and company events.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Skills and Abilities
Strong working knowledge of at least 4 CSI Divisions, with the ability and willingness to continue expanding expertise.
Knowledge of construction assemblies and building systems including:
Civil and sitework improvements
Foundations, including deep foundations
Structural Systems (Steel, Concrete, Masonry)
Exterior Enclosure Systems (Masonry, Metal Panels, Curtainwall/Storefront)
Roofing Systems
Interior Construction and Finishes (walls, ceilings, flooring, doors, millwork)
Division 10–14 Specialties
Basic understanding of MEP systems is preferred (deeper knowledge is a plus)
Ability to clearly interpret and review plans and specifications.
Familiarity with estimating software and tools such as OST (On‑Screen Takeoff), Bluebeam, Excel, and Office Suite.
Time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
Self‑motivated and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Good communication skills and comfort participating in project team meetings and discussions.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).
5+ years of estimating experience in a general contracting or construction management environment preferred.
Experience with commercial project types such as interior fit‑outs, ground‑up buildings, healthcare, education, corporate, or multi‑family is a plus.
Benefits
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – 100% Employee‑Owned
25 days of Paid Time Off
9 Paid Holidays
Pet Insurance
Health/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
401(k) Contributions/Match
Life Insurance/AD&D
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Family Leave
Paid Military Leave
Short & Long Term Disability
Years of Service Awards
$1,500 Referral Bonus
Capability for up to 16 hours/week of remote work.
Casual Friday Policy
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Enterprise/National Rental Benefits
Salary
Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team.
For Cleveland, OH this ranges from $80,080 – $120,120 plus benefits and retirement program.
Drug and Alcohol Screening Requirement
As part of your employment with Higley Construction, an initial pre‑employment drug and alcohol test is required. This is followed by company‑wide annual and random drug and alcohol testing for all employees for the duration of your employment. Higley Construction prohibits employees from being under the influence of substances such as drugs or alcohol during work hours. Higley Construction is dedicated to the safety of all individuals in our offices and our job sites.
Job Requirements
Physical Activities: This role requires driving to and from office, jobsites, meetings, client locations, events, and other work‑related locations as necessary. It primarily involves working at a desk with prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Frequent use of hands and fingers is required for typing, writing, and handling documents or office tools. Repetitive hand and wrist motions are common during computer and data entry tasks. Effective communication is essential, including in‑person, phone, and digital interactions. This role may occasionally require lifting or moving office materials or small equipment up to 20 pounds.
Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily performed in an office or remote/home‑based setting, with quiet to moderate noise levels. There may also be occasional visits to construction sites, where exposure to outdoor environmental factors may occur.
This list of job requirements is subject to change at any time due to the needs of the business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Higley Construction is strongly committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination for all employees and candidates. It is the policy and practice that Higley Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy‑related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, socio‑economic status, age, disability, physical and mental ability, genetic information, service in the military, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.
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