Job Title: Estimating Intern
Employment Type: Intern
Division: Estimating
Department: Estimating
Work Schedule: Full-time/40-hours - In Person
Salary Range: $24 - $29/hour
The Estimating Intern supports the estimating team by assisting with quantity take-offs, subcontractor coordination, product research, and document management. This role offers hands-on experience in cost comparisons, record maintenance, and aligning estimating activities with project goals within a dynamic construction environment.
Responsibilities / Essential Functions
- Assist with quantity take-offs, unit pricing, and cost comparisons; compile detailed estimates for materials, labor, and project systems, documenting assumptions and qualifications.
- Manage subcontractor lists and contacts, conduct research on products and suppliers, and maintain accurate estimating databases and records.
- Conduct site visits to collect project-specific data—such as access, topography, and utilities—and analyze historical cost data to support bids.
- Prepare and reconcile cost estimates against previous projects and assist in monitoring actual vs. estimated expenditures to assess cost effectiveness.
- Facilitate collaboration by coordinating with engineers, architects, subcontractors, and internal teams throughout the estimating process.
- Support bid development by preparing expenditure statements, maintaining tender documentation, and participate in estimate review and value-engineering sessions.
- Utilize cost-monitoring systems to identify potential risks or variances, contributing to negotiations and decision-making.
- Maintain precise and timely updates in estimating databases and project files to ensure smooth estimating workflows and compliance with company procedures.
Key Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly convey information to subcontractors, internal teams, and stakeholders.
- Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in cost calculations, takeoffs, and documentation.
- Effective organizational skills to manage project files and maintain clear records across multiple active estimates.
- Time management skills to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced preconstruction environment.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on data accuracy and clarity.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented environment.
- Demonstrated interest in the construction industry, especially in estimating or project planning roles.
- Adaptability and curiosity to learn new systems, methods, and technologies relevant to estimating.
Required Experience
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field (strong preference for construction-focused programs).
- Foundational understanding of construction processes, materials, systems, and terminology.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel for cost tracking and analysis.
- Familiarity with estimating tools or software (e.g., Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar platforms) is a plus.
- Capable of conducting vendor, material, and cost research to support pricing accuracy.
- Experience organizing or contributing to bid documentation, cost databases, and takeoff files (preferred).
- Basic knowledge of unit pricing, quantity takeoffs, and cost estimating principles.