Project Estimator
Job Title: Project Estimator
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Classification: Full Time, Salary- Exempt
Beginning Salary Range: $75,000- $85,000
Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
STATEMENT:
Guided by partnership, we are determined to build the best experience.
COMPANY VALUES:
Choosing what’s right, every time
A can-do attitude
A personal sense of responsibility
People who value other people
Why work for Owen-Ames-Kimball:
Join Owen-Ames-Kimball’s (O-A-K) Colorado team if you want the best of both worlds: the stability and reputation of an established builder, with the energy and opportunity of a growing regional office. Our Colorado team offers the chance to work on meaningful projects across K-12, higher education, civic, healthcare, aviation, and commercial markets while building strong relationships with clients, trade partners, and teammates in a people-first culture. For professionals who value collaboration, leadership, and the ability to make a real impact, O-A-K Colorado is a place to grow your career while helping shape the future of our work in this region.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Estimator leads project estimating efforts across a range of project types and sizes. Work collaboratively with preconstruction team members, operations, design partners, and subcontractors. The Estimator prepares accurate, comprehensive cost estimates and supports the full lifecycle of preconstruction activities. This role works in both general contracting and construction management capacities to ensure predictable, high-quality project outcomes.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Operational Excellence
Prepare accurate cost estimates, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor services across multiple disciplines.
Analyze project drawings, specifications, and documentation to identify scope, constructability considerations, cost drivers, and risks.
Organize and perform detailed quantity takeoffs using industry-standard software.
Prepare conceptual and detailed cost models with limited information as required.
Develop preliminary construction schedules and coordinate preconstruction deliverables.
Oversee subcontractor outreach: issue invitations to bid, manage RFI responses, track participation, and evaluate proposals.
Review subcontractor and vendor bids for completeness, alignment with scope, and compliance with project requirements.
Collaborate with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain accurate pricing and clarify technical requirements.
Assist in the development of bid packages and procurement strategies.
Support the preparation of final bids, proposals, and presentations.
Maintain accurate estimating records, historical cost data, and documentation for future reference.
Provide cost-related technical insights to support project managers during planning, buyout, and early construction phases.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, design reviews, scope reviews, and other required project meetings.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with preconstruction, operations, and project management teams to ensure consistent interpretation of scope and assumptions.
Partner with design professionals to clarify details, resolve discrepancies, and support value engineering and cost-effective alternatives.
Support a transparent handoff process to project teams, ensuring they receive clear assumptions, clarifications, and cost documentation.
Risk Management
Identify cost risks, scope gaps, and design inconsistencies that may impact project value or schedule.
Support the development of mitigation strategies and contingency recommendations.
Ensure estimating practices, assumptions, and documentation reflect disciplined and thorough judgment.
Analysis & Reporting
Prepare detailed estimating reports, cost summaries, alternates, and value options.
Track market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing to inform estimate accuracy and competitiveness.
Contribute data and insights to ongoing preconstruction performance improvements.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Specific Supervision. Follows established work procedures. Receives periodic checks for performance. Refers unique questions or conditions to the immediate supervisor.
SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES
None. This position has no supervisory responsibilities and does not provide oversight or direction to other employees.
EDUCATIONAL & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of commercial construction experience, including conceptual and detailed estimating.
Strong understanding of commercial construction processes, building systems, materials, and market conditions.
Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, On Center On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam/Adobe Acrobat, and general estimating software.
Experience with building modeling software is preferred.
OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Mathematics & Analysis: Applies strong numerical reasoning and analytical skills to model costs, verify quantities, and evaluate pricing.
Reading & Interpretation: Interprets drawings, specifications, and design details accurately to ensure alignment of scope and pricing.
Critical Thinking: Uses logic and sound judgment to identify risks, evaluate alternatives, and recommend cost-effective solutions.
Technology: Proficient in estimating software, digital takeoff tools, and Microsoft Office applications; leverages technology to enhance accuracy.
Decision-Making & Judgment: Balances data, experience, and practical insight to make timely estimating decisions.
Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures, such as highways and roads.
Professional Communication: Communicates clearly and concisely with internal teams, subcontractors, clients, and design partners.
Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds strong working relationships across preconstruction, field operations, and external partners.
Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and consistency across estimates, assumptions, documentation, and bid submissions.
Accountability: Takes ownership of deadlines, deliverables, and estimate quality.
Adaptability: Maintains effectiveness during changing project information, tight deadlines, or evolving design documents.Financial & Market Awareness: Maintains understanding of market pricing, economic trends, and cost drivers influencing construction budgets.
Financial & Market Awareness: Maintains understanding of market pricing, economic trends, and cost drivers influencing construction budgets.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
Activity. Frequency.
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged period
☐Occasionally ☐Frequently ☒Regularly
Moving about work area to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
☐Occasionally ☐Frequently ☒Regularly
Adjusting, moving or lifting objects up to 25 pounds
☒Occasionally ☐Frequently ☐Regularly
Observe with close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, and depth perception
☐Occasionally ☐Frequently ☒Regularly
Drive or Travel for work assignments
☐Occasionally ☐Frequently ☒Regularly
Use hands and fingers to use, handle or feel objects, tools, computers and office equipment
☐Occasionally ☐Frequently ☒Regularly
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Condition. Frequency.
Office environment with no exposure to extreme heat, cold, noise, chemicals/hazardous equipment
☐Occasionally ☐Frequently ☒Regularly
Exposure to constant or intermittent extreme sounds
☒Occasionally ☐Frequently ☐Regularly
Exposure to extreme heat or cold, either indoors or outside
☒Occasionally ☐Frequently ☐Regularly
Exposure to dust, oil, various chemicals, solvents, or fumes
☒Occasionally ☐Frequently ☐Regularly
O-A-K is an equal opportunity, at-will employer, and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment. O-A-K does not discriminate based on race, including but not limited to hair texture; culture, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, socio-economic status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics as required by law.
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. This job description does not list all duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties as needed. O-A-K reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and does not infringe upon the O-A-K’s at-will employment status.