Commercial Estimator

About the Role

Trueline's client, an established commercial general contractor known for delivering high-quality projects with a hands-on, relationship-driven approach, is seeking an Estimator to join their team onsite in Fargo, ND. This is an opportunity to take ownership of estimating and preconstruction across a diverse portfolio of commercial, multifamily, public, and private projects while working in a small, nimble environment where your experience and ideas can make a visible impact.

Responsibilities

• Manage estimates and bids from initial opportunity review through final proposal and project handoff
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs across civil, structural, architectural, and related construction scopes
• Develop accurate project estimates using drawings, specifications, historical costs, current market data, and subcontractor pricing
• Build conceptual and preliminary budgets for projects during early design and preconstruction phases
• Review drawings and specifications to identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities
• Develop detailed trade scopes and bid packages to ensure complete subcontractor coverage
• Solicit, qualify, compare, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals
• Coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal project teams throughout preconstruction
• Manage multiple active bids while maintaining accuracy, organization, and submission deadlines
• Prepare compliant proposals for commercial, multifamily, federal, state, municipal, and private-sector opportunities
• Account for bonding, wage requirements, and other applicable public or federal contracting considerations
• Support subcontractor negotiations, purchasing, and project buyout
• Provide Project Managers with a thorough handoff of awarded projects, including budgets, scopes, assumptions, and subcontractor information
• Assist with pricing change orders and evolving project scopes as needed
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and project strategy meetings

Requirements

• 3-5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience or comparable relevant experience
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, sequencing, and costs
• Demonstrated experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing complete estimates
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents
• Experience soliciting and leveling subcontractor and vendor bids
• Ability to identify scope gaps and potential cost or constructability issues before they impact a project
• Strong Excel and general computer skills
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Ability to independently manage multiple bids and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally to project sites and pre-bid meetings as needed
• Ability to work onsite in Fargo, ND as part of a collaborative team

Qualifications

• Nice-to-Have: Experience estimating multifamily construction
• Nice-to-Have: Experience with federal, state, or municipal construction projects
• Nice-to-Have: Knowledge of bonding, prevailing wage requirements, and public-sector contracting
• Nice-to-Have: Experience with ConstructConnect, Sage Construction, Bluebeam, or similar estimating and construction platforms
• Nice-to-Have: Previous Project Management experience with the ability to provide additional support across the project lifecycle
• Nice-to-Have: Experience supporting buyout, change-order pricing, or projects after award
• Nice-to-Have: Established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers in Fargo or the surrounding regional construction market

Pay

Base salary starting around $90,000, with flexibility above the range for an outstanding candidate with stronger experience.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid individual health insurance premium through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
• 401(k) with a 100% company match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the next 2%, eligible after one year
• Two weeks of paid vacation
• Paid company holidays
• Employer contribution toward individual basic accident coverage

Stable, full-time opportunity with an established commercial contractor, offering broad project exposure across commercial, multifamily, public, and private construction. Opportunity to work beyond traditional estimating for someone who brings Project Management experience. Small, nimble, family-oriented company culture with direct access to leadership. Onsite Fargo work environment built around teamwork, accountability, quality, and getting projects done right.