About the role
POSITION SUMMARY
The Junior Estimator prepares accurate, complete, and competitive bids and budgets for commercial construction projects. The Junior Estimator serves as lead estimator on small bids and owns individual trade packages within larger bids, exercising independent judgment on scope, pricing, and subcontractor selection within established guidelines, with final bid approval by the Estimator. The position also performs quantity takeoffs, analyzes bid documents, evaluates subcontractor coverage, and coordinates scope with trade contractors in collaboration with Estimators and Estimating Team. This position works from the corporate office in Frederick, MD, with occasional travel to jobsites and other Keller offices.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (“Incidental” job duties may be included but must be indicated. Other essential and incidental job duties may be assigned.)
Small Bids & Trade Packages • Serve as lead estimator on small projects and on assigned trade packages within larger bids, from document review through bid-day pricing. • Determine scope boundaries and inclusions/exclusions for owned packages; prepare the scope sheets distributed to bidders. • Level subcontractor and supplier proposals, resolve scope gaps, and select the pricing carried in the bid. • Develop self-performed or plug numbers where coverage is thin, using takeoffs, historical cost data, and unit pricing. • Present owned estimates and recommendations to the Estimating Director for final bid approval. • Manage bid compliance requirements (MBE goals, wage scales, alternates, unit prices) on owned projects.
Bid Preparation & Takeoffs • Perform quantity takeoffs for assigned trades and divisions using Bluebeam Revu and other estimating tools, determining measurement methods, waste factors, and allowances; takeoffs on larger bids are reviewed by the lead Estimator. • Analyze plans, specifications, and addenda to identify scope, conflicts, and risk items, ensuring all bid documents are accounted for and current. • Build bid summary spreadsheets and scope leveling sheets that compare subcontractor proposals line by line, and recommend which proposals to carry. • Identify scope gaps and conflicts requiring clarification and draft RFIs; track RFIs and addenda through the bid period. • Attend site visits and pre-bid meetings; assess and document existing conditions that affect scope and pricing.
Bid Compliance & Coordination • Work cohesively with the Estimating Coordinator to assemble bid forms and fulfill submission requirements. • Evaluate minority business (MBE/SBE) goals, prevailing wage requirements, bid alternates, and unit price requirements; determine their impact on scope and pricing and prepare compliance checklists. • On bid day, evaluate incoming subcontractor and supplier pricing against scope, confirm inclusions/exclusions, and recommend adjustments to carried numbers.
Subcontractor Outreach • Develop bidders lists, selecting which trade contractors to invite, and solicit trade contractor participation through the online Bid Manager program. • Evaluate bid participation and coverage by trade and determine when additional outreach or plug numbers are needed; report status to the lead Estimator. • Make outreach calls to confirm subcontractor intent to bid and clarify scope questions, escalating complex issues as appropriate. • Maintain the subcontractor and supplier database, including contact information, trade categories, and certifications. (Incidental) • Develop working relationships with new and existing trade contractors.
Post-Bid & Preconstruction Support • Prepare trade scopes of work for distribution and organize buyout documentation. Prepare turnover materials (scope summaries, bid files, subcontractor proposals) for transition to Project Management. Contribute to preconstruction budgeting and value engineering by analyzing cost data and historical pricing and recommending cost-saving alternatives.
Education and/or Experience Required • 0–2 years of estimating, project engineering, or related experience with a commercial general contractor or subcontractor. Construction internships or co-ops count toward this experience. • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, primarily Outlook, Excel, and Word. • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage deadlines across multiple bids at once. • Clear written and verbal communication skills, including comfort making outreach calls to subcontractors.
Preferred • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant construction industry experience. • Bluebeam Revu experience (takeoff and markup tools). • Exposure to online bid management platforms (e.g., BuildingConnected or similar). • Familiarity with public-sector bidding, including school and municipal projects (fire stations, libraries, police stations, community centers, etc.). • Basic understanding of CMaR and hard-bid delivery methods. • OSHA 10-Hour certification.
Key Competencies Accuracy: Produces takeoffs and spreadsheets that hold up to review with minimal correction. Judgment: Makes sound scope, pricing, and subcontractor decisions on owned packages and applies feedback to sharpen them. Ownership: Carries owned bids and trade packages through to completion and flags issues early. Teamwork: Supports multiple Estimators and the Estimating Coordinator during peak bid periods.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. Standing and walking are required occasionally in the office and frequently during site visits, including on uneven ground at active jobsites. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Jobsite visits may involve loud noise, outdoor weather conditions, and required personal protective equipment (PPE). Employee must be able to climb stairs and ladders for site access and occasionally tolerate exposure to heights during jobsite visits.
Compensation: $65,000-$85000