Description

Position Summary:

As an Estimator in RECON, you'll translate architectural drawings, scopes of work, and as-built conditions into detailed, competitive bids-whether for a quick unit turnaround, a multi-million-dollar retail rollout, or a high-end residential remodel. You'll work closely with vendors (glass, millwork, drywall, MEP trade partners), produce accurate take-offs (Blueprint Reading, PlanSwift, or similar), and present proposals that reflect ESS's commitment to quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely completion. This is an on-site opportunity and includes an additional built-in bonus structure. There is no option for remote work.

About the RECON Division:

ESS Reconstruction (RECON) rebuilds homes and commercial spaces after insurance-driven events. We handle everything from unit turns (multifamily) and retail rollouts (Circle K, Xfinity, Toys"R" Us) to ground-up residential construction, tenant improvements (fast-track remodels), ADA upgrades, and corporate interiors. Our RECON team of project managers, superintendents, and field crews partners with our CNC division (contents packing), MIT/EMS (mitigation hand-off), and CHD (interior design) to deliver turnkey solutions that minimize downtime for businesses and families.

Responsibilities

• Plan Review & Take-Offs: Review architectural and MEP drawings (AutoCAD, Revit, PDF) to extract quantities-concrete, framing, drywall, paint, millwork, flooring-using digital take-off software. • Scope Development: Collaborate with Jon Ladja (Director of Recon) and Project Managers to finalize scopes: full interior remodel, multi-unit rollouts, ADA upgrades, or ground-up builds. Identify potential eco-friendly/material salvage opportunities (e.g., reusing cabinetry when possible). • Vendor & Subcontractor Management: Solicit three competitive bids from ESS-approved trade partners (drywall, concrete, MEP subs, painting, finishes). Compare unit costs, lead times, and local availability. Ensure subs are licensed and insured per ESS standards. • Cost Estimating & Bid Assembly: Prepare line-item estimates, including direct costs (materials, labor, equipment), indirect costs (bonding, insurance, project management), and overhead/profit margins. Include eco-friendly options (LEED-inspired materials) and veteran-owned subcontractor participation when feasible. • Value Engineering: Propose alternative materials or methods that maintain design intent while reducing costs-e.g., engineered studs vs. traditional lumber, pre-finished hardwood vs. site-finished. Highlight those options to clients and explain tradeoffs in schedule or aesthetics. • Bid Presentation & Client Interaction: Present quotes professionally (via ESS's branded proposal templates), walk clients through line items, answer questions, and negotiate terms. Convey ESS's differentiators: 24/7 service, veteran support, insurance advocacy, and family-owned touch. • Budget & Cost Control: Once awarded, integrate the estimate into Procore for cost-tracking, issue subcontracts, update budget forecasts, and collaborate with Project Managers to monitor change orders and maintain target margins. • Preconstruction & Design Collaboration: Partner with CHD's designers (Gina Cito, Ashlie Partridge) to ensure design solutions align with budget constraints and project timelines. Provide early-stage cost feedback during design development for high-end residential or commercial tenant improvements.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience: • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field. • 3-5 years of commercial or residential construction estimating experience, ideally in a full-service general contractor environment. • Proficiency with take-off software (e.g., PlanSwift, Bluebeam), estimating platforms (e.g., Sage Estimating, ProEst), and Microsoft Office. • Strong understanding of CSI MasterFormat, building systems, and local building codes. • Excellent communication skills; ability to interact with architects, engineers, vendors, and clients. • Preference for candidates with LEED Green Associate or similar sustainability credentials.

What Makes You a Fit for ESS Recon: • You're detail-obsessed when it comes to measurements, unit costs, and understanding plans. • You can translate complex blueprints into a concise, competitive, and transparent bid package. • You appreciate a family-owned, high-touch culture where reputation and client relationships come first. • You're excited to support large retail rollouts (Circle K, Xfinity) as well as luxury home remodels for Denver's Front Range clientele.