TMG’s Assistant Estimator is a developmental position that supports the preparation of cost estimates and pre-construction deliverables for civil and building projects. Working under the direction of the Senior Estimator or assigned estimator, the Assistant Estimator assists TMG’s project teams with solicitation review, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor outreach, scope development, and bid documentation for design-bid-build and design-build opportunities.
Scope of Assistant Estimator Position
Supports the estimating process for civil and building projects of varying sizes and complexity under supervision. Assists with developing accurate, complete, competitive estimates and related pre-construction services; does not independently own annual contract capture targets, final selling prices, or bid approvals.
Essential Functions of Assistant Estimator Position
Basic understanding of civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines and the ability to read construction drawings and specifications. Developing analytical, quantity takeoff, and estimating skills; ability to use spreadsheets and learn estimating, construction sequencing, best practices, and reporting software. Communicates effectively with management, subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams. Ability to visit job sites within a designated geographical area.
Estimator Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing and organizing detailed cost estimates by CSI division and in the pricing and format required by the solicitation;
- Assist with project scoping, estimate summaries, and subcontractor outsourcing plans;
- Draft Statements of Work / Scope Summary Sheets for bid packages for review by the assigned estimator and operations personnel;
- Support subcontractor and supplier outreach, distribute bid invitations, track responses, and help obtain competitive proposals for each bid package;
- Attend project site visits and pre-proposal meetings as assigned; document scope questions and draft pre-bid RFIs for review;
- Assist in the evaluation of projects for constructability and value-engineer cost savings;
- Coordinate with estimating and operations personnel to understand project requirements, bid strategy, and competitive considerations;
- Maintain the pre-proposal RFI log and track clarifications, addenda, and exceptions for review by the assigned estimator;
- Assist with collecting subcontractor information and coordinating prequalification with TMG’s Contract Administrator;
- Participate in subcontractor outreach activities to understand and nurture TMG’s relationship with our supply chain;
- Research and identify specialty subcontractors and suppliers appropriate to the project scope;
- Review Division 01 requirements and assist with identifying General Conditions costs and requirements;
- Assist in developing self-performed work estimates, including quantity takeoffs, material costs, labor assumptions, and production rates;
- Compare subcontractor and supplier proposals against drawings, specifications, and scope sheets; identify exclusions, gaps, and qualifications for review;
- Compile and level subcontractor and supplier pricing to support development of the final estimate and selling price;
- Identify potential estimating and solicitation risks and elevate them to the assigned estimator;
- Support scope and pricing clarification discussions; final negotiations remain with authorized personnel;
- Assist with organizing estimate backup, preparing accounting budget information, and supporting the estimating-to-operations turnover;
- Review solicitation documents to identify bid due dates, deliverables, alternates, addenda, and required forms; maintain bid calendars and tracking tools;
- Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications using paper-based and digital takeoff tools; document assumptions and backup;
- Maintain organized electronic estimate files, bid tabs, subcontractor correspondence, and pricing support consistent with TMG procedures;
- Use TMG’s standard estimating templates and assist with updating estimating information in TMG Project Center (TMGPC) and other applicable systems;
- Participate in estimating training, mentoring, and professional development consistent with TMG’s Estimating Body of Knowledge.
- Assist with subcontractor risk management, by soliciting and gathering the data through subcontractor prequalification form and other research means.
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Engineering or Construction Management with 1-2 years of experience with a commercial and/or industrial general contractor or 5 years of construction or estimating experience preferred.
- Exposure to construction estimating, quantity takeoffs, subcontracted work or self-performed work through education, internship, or experience preferred;
- Basic familiarity with construction means and methods for commercial and institutional buildings and related sitework, with willingness to develop proficiency;
- Must be able to lift and handle 50-pound objects;
- Must be fully mobile and capable of walking job sites, climbing ladders and stairs multiple times daily to inspect work, direct subcontractors and TMG’s own field forces, and assure safety and quality control;
- Must have a clean driving record to facilitate getting materials from suppliers when necessary;
- Detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability to organize and manage detailed analysis;
- Basic proficiency with spreadsheets, email, and common office software; ability to learn construction estimating and digital takeoff applications;
- Government contracting experience is a plus but is not required;
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications at a foundational level; strong math, organization, communication, and follow-up skills;
- Ability to work under supervision, seek guidance when appropriate, and meet bid deadlines;
1 A grace period of up to six months may be allowed to obtain stated credentials.
TMG provides a mix of voluntary and company-paid health and welfare benefits, vacation, sick, and holiday paid time off, a 401k match, and we fully support training and professional growth.
TMG Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.