Project Estimator - Pittsburgh

About the Company - Celebrating 100 Years of Building Community & 100% Employee-Owned

Higley Construction has been one of the most experienced and respected construction firms in the region. The company surpassed 100 years in business-a century shaped by an unwavering commitment to its core values of people, ethics, respect, commitment, and excellence. Since its founding in 1925, Higley Construction has partnered with clients to bring their goals and visions to life, consistently guided by honesty, integrity, and mutual respect.

At Higley Construction, we build more than buildings - we build trust, relationships, and communities. From the offices where you work, to the schools where you learn, and the hospitals where you heal, we create environments where people can live, work, and thrive. With every project, we go beyond bricks and mortar to connect people and place, delivering spaces that stand the test of time.

As a 100% Employee-Owned Company, we foster a culture of shared success, job stability, and long-term financial growth for all employees. Within the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), you're building more than a career - you're building ownership.

Position Overview:

Higley Construction is seeking a Project Estimator to support our preconstruction team by developing accurate and thorough estimates across a diverse range of commercial construction projects. The Project Estimator will work alongside senior estimators and preconstruction managers to quantify scope, analyze documents, and interact with subcontractors and vendors throughout the preconstruction process. This role involves exposure to both conceptual estimating and competitive bid environments, offering significant growth opportunities for those seeking to become subject matter experts.

Responsibilities:

• Support the development of design-phase estimates, including concept, schematic, design development, and construction document-level pricing.
• Assist in preparing detailed quantity takeoffs across a variety of CSI divisions.
• Help prepare bid packages and participate in competitive lump sum bid efforts, including, document management, invitations to bid, completion of front-end requirements, setting up bid forms, tracking RFIs, and analyzing subcontractor bids.
• Work closely with the project team to ensure scopes are comprehensive and aligned with drawings, specs, and project goals.
• Identify scope gaps or design omissions and flag potential cost, scope, or schedule risks for review.
• Collaborate with project teams to create and validate preliminary General Conditions based on project type and scale.
• Assist with the preparation of estimate clarifications, assumptions narratives, and deviation reports.
• Participate in the review of progress drawings and specifications for constructability and completeness.
• Work directly with vendors and subcontractors to obtain and validate pricing, product and labor availability, and unit costs.
• Attend internal and external meetings to present estimate data and discuss budget alignment and value opportunities.
• Conceptual estimating including contributing to scope definition by developing line-item breakdowns that reflect full project coverage, including anticipated items not shown on drawings.
• Maintain clean and consistent estimate formatting and documentation, including clear folder structures, backup, and audit trails.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, owners, architects, and engineers regarding cost updates and estimate deliverables.
• Attend community, professional and company events
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of at least 4 CSI Divisions, with the ability and willingness to continue expanding expertise.
• Knowledge of construction assemblies and building systems including:
  • Civil and sitework improvements
  • Foundations, including deep foundations
  • Structural Systems (Steel, Concrete, Masonry)
  • Exterior Enclosure Systems (Masonry, Metal Panels, Curtain wall/Storefront)
  • Roofing Systems
  • Interior Construction and Finishes (walls, ceilings, flooring, doors, millwork)
  • Division 10-14 Specialties
  • Basic understanding of MEP systems is preferred (deeper knowledge is a plus)
• Ability to clearly interpret and review plans and specifications.
• Familiarity with estimating software and tools such as OST (On-Screen Takeoff), Bluebeam, Excel, and Office Suite.
• Time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Good communication skills and comfort participating in project team meetings and discussions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).
• 5+ years of estimating experience in a general contracting or construction management environment preferred.
• Experience with commercial project types such as interior fit-outs, ground-up buildings, healthcare, education, corporate,…