Estimator

Company Overview

Founded in 1956, S+B James Construction is a full-service design-build contractor delivering projects from concept through completion. Our integrated teams work collaboratively to deliver exceptional results while strengthening the communities we serve, across a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, education, life sciences, commercial, retail, industrial, and public works throughout California and Oregon.

Our Mission

To be the most trusted building partner in the communities we serve. This mission guides everything we do. We measure success through the strength of our relationships—with our clients, our colleagues, and our communities.

Our Core Values

Be there for each other

Support our communities

Be transparent

Make things right

What we are looking for

We are seeking an Estimator to join our Preconstruction team. This role is responsible for developing accurate and comprehensive construction estimates from early conceptual design through final bid and project award. The Estimator works closely with clients, design teams, trade partners, suppliers, and internal project teams to evaluate scope, identify opportunities and risks, and develop competitive project pricing. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of commercial construction, with HCAI (formerly OSHPD) healthcare and/or DSA K-12 education experience highly preferred.

Location

Sacramento, CA

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

Review and interpret project plans, specifications, addenda, and other contract documents to understand project scope and requirements

Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, general conditions, and other project costs

Develop conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, design-build, and hard-bid estimates

Evaluate project documents for scope gaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities

Develop and maintain estimates throughout the design process, including cost comparisons, variance analyses, and value engineering options

Evaluate site logistics, sequencing, schedule requirements, productivity, and other factors that may impact project costs

Participate in estimate reviews and bid-day activities to ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and competitive

Trade Partner & Project Collaboration

Develop bid packages, scopes of work, RFQs/RFPs, and subcontractor solicitation documents

Solicit, review, level, and analyze trade partner and supplier proposals for completeness and competitiveness

Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, suppliers, clients, and project teams

Clearly communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, opportunities, and risks to project teams and leadership

Collaborate with Operations and Project Management to support the transition of awarded projects from Preconstruction to Operations

Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and project pursuits as needed

Depending on experience, lead preconstruction efforts on complex projects and provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimating team members

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent construction experience will be considered

Commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related experience

HCAI/OSHPD healthcare and/or DSA K-12 estimating experience highly preferred

Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, materials, building systems, and costs

Experience with conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, hard bids, negotiated work, design-build, and/or GMP estimating

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents

Experience soliciting, reviewing, leveling, and analyzing subcontractor proposals

Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams

Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, takeoff/estimating software, BIM tools, and construction management platforms

Compensation

Full-Time

Salary Range: $100,000/year - $195,000/year (based on experience)

Benefits

100% employer-paid health insurance

100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off, sick days, and wellness days

Paid holidays

Discretionary bonus program

Company-sponsored community events

Recruiting referral bonuses

Company credit card

Phone allowance

Annual holiday party with hotel accommodation

S+B James Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Notice to Staffing & Recruiting Agencies

S+B James Construction does not accept unsolicited candidate submissions. Agencies must have prior authorization from our People Department and a current, fully executed agreement before submitting candidates for requested positions.

Any submission made without prior approval will be considered unsolicited, and S+B James will have no obligation to pay a placement fee or other compensation. Recruiting or placement agreements may only be established through an authorized member of our People Department.