Estimator – Graduate/Entry Level

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Bowa Construction is a General Contractor and Construction Management firm built on the core principles of family, honesty, discipline, and quality. With a team of industry experts experienced in general contracting, design-build, and construction management, we deliver every project with passion and purpose. We are driven by the long-term impact our work has on the communities we serve.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

Support the Senior Estimator and estimating team in preparing accurate and competitive estimates for a variety of construction projects. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to develop their skills in construction estimating, preconstruction, subcontractor coordination, and project delivery.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Senior Estimator in managing multiple estimates and projects in a fast-paced estimating department.
• Assist with developing detailed estimates for all trades at various stages of design.
• Assist with preparing detailed and accurate scopes of work for subcontractors and suppliers.
• Assist with reviewing drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and other contract documents to identify estimating requirements.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and distributing drawings, specifications, addenda, and other project documents.
• Assist with coordinating subcontractor bids and maintaining bidder lists.
• Follow up with subcontractors to confirm bidding status and obtain complete and competitive proposals.
• Assist with reviewing subcontractor bids for completeness and identifying scope gaps, overlaps, and exclusions.
• Assist with bid leveling and comparison of subcontractor proposals.
• Assist with developing general conditions and general requirements.
• Support the estimating team with quantity takeoffs, pricing, and cost analysis.
• Assist with value engineering, alternates, options, and pricing studies as required.
• Assist with reviewing design documents for completeness and identifying missing information or items requiring clarification.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, subcontractor site visits, and project walk-throughs.
• Assist with preparing estimates and presentations for review by the Senior/Chief Estimator and Operations team.
• Assist with internal estimating and project review meetings.
• Support the estimating team in developing project schedules, site logistics, and other preconstruction requirements.
• Assist with risk identification and documentation during the estimating process.
• Support the preparation and handover of projects from estimating to the operations team.
• Develop familiarity with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, and other industry partners.
• Build strong working relationships with subcontractors and internal project teams.
• Review completed work with Senior Estimators and incorporate feedback to improve estimating accuracy.
• Learn and apply company estimating procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Maintain organized and accurate estimating files and documentation.
• Participate in training and professional development to progress toward an Estimator role.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• BS or MS degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or similar or equivalent experience.
• 0–2 years of construction, estimating, engineering, or related industry experience.
• Recent graduates with relevant education, internships, co-op experience, or construction experience are encouraged to apply.
• Basic to intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with Building Connected, OST, Assemble, Bluebeam, or similar software is preferred.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and contract documents.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in developing a career in construction estimating and preconstruction.
• Ability to learn how to develop cost estimates for multiple trades and levels of design.
• Ability to learn subcontractor bid solicitation, scope review, and bid leveling.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines while working on multiple projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and take direction from Senior Estimators and project leadership.
• Willingness and ability to learn new technology, estimating tools, and processes.
• Knowledge of the Chicago construction market is preferred but not required.
• CPE, MRICS, or other relevant professional certification is a plus but not required.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - 70% Employer contribution & Employee HSA contribution*
• Performance Based Bonuses - % of base salary
• Parental Leave
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, & Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (advocates to help manage and control stress levels and everyday life for you and/or your family)