Estimator – Construction

Division

Construction Management

Location:

Watertown, SD

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Sentry is seeking an Estimator to support our Construction Management team. This role assists with the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for general contracting and construction management projects across a variety of markets.
This Estimator works closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and trade partners to develop clear, well‑documented estimates that support successful project execution. This position is suited for an estimator with foundational estimating experience who understands general construction fundamentals and is looking to continue growing within a general contractor environment.

• Estimate Preparation & Coordination
  • Review bid documents, plans, and specifications to understand project scope, schedule, and requirements.
  • Perform and support quantity takeoffs to quantify labor, material, equipment, and subcontracted scopes.
  • Assemble cost estimates for competitive bid, negotiated, and construction management projects.
  • Support preparation of competitive bid estimates, including bid‑day organization and scope review.
  • Distribute plans and specifications to subcontractors and suppliers.
  • Solicit, track, and organize subcontractor and supplier pricing.
  • Follow up with trade partners to confirm scope coverage and clarify bids.
• Pricing & Documentation
  • Review subcontractor and supplier quotes for completeness and scope alignment.
  • Document estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing clarifications.
  • Enter and maintain estimate data within company estimating systems and templates.
• Quality Control & Collaboration
  • Participate in estimate review and quality control processes.
  • Coordinate with Project Managers and Superintendents to align estimates with field execution plans.
  • Support pre‑bid meetings, site walks, and scope clarification efforts as needed.
• Bid & Project Support
  • Assist with preparation of bid packages and required submission documentation.
  • Support estimate handoff to Project Management teams for awarded projects.
  • Participate in post‑bid and post‑project reviews comparing estimated and actual costs.

• Experience or education related to general construction estimating, construction management, or a related construction field such as subcontractor estimating, project coordination, or field operations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and basic cost build‑up.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project teams and trade partners.

• Experience supporting competitive or lump‑sum bid projects for a general contractor.
• Exposure to negotiated or construction management work.
• Experience with estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• Field, subcontractor, or GC estimating experience.

Sentry is a self‑performing general contractor and design‑build construction firm serving commercial, industrial, agricultural, and infrastructure markets across South Dakota and the Midwest.
With strong in‑house trade capabilities, our teams stay closely connected to how work is planned, priced, and executed in the field. We value accuracy, ownership, and follow‑through, and we are building a team of people who take pride in doing the work right.
Sentry. Flexible. Innovative. Results.