Estimator

Job Title: Estimator Job Description
The Estimator plays a key role in developing accurate and competitive bids for landscape construction, sitework, hardscape, and related site improvement projects. This position focuses on reviewing project documents, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, preparing comprehensive cost estimates, and collaborating closely with project management and operations teams throughout the bidding and project turnover process.
Responsibilities
- Review project drawings, specifications, site plans, and bid documents to fully understand project scope and requirements.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for landscape, irrigation, planting, hardscape, and related site improvement scopes.
- Prepare comprehensive cost estimates that include labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
- Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor proposals to ensure accurate coverage of all project components.
- Identify scope gaps, project risks, and value engineering opportunities to support competitive and well-structured bids.
- Coordinate closely with project management and operations teams throughout the bidding process to align estimates with field execution.
- Maintain and update estimating databases, historical cost records, and pricing information for ongoing use and future bids.
- Track multiple bids simultaneously, monitor due dates, and ensure all deadlines are met.
- Support project turnover and handoff following project award, providing clear and organized estimating documentation to operations teams.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to refine estimating processes and improve accuracy and efficiency over time.
Essential Skills
- At least 3 years of estimating experience within landscape construction, sitework, hardscape, or related construction fields.
- Proven ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and site plans.
- Hands-on experience performing quantity takeoffs and preparing detailed cost estimates for landscape and sitework projects.
- Proficiency with Excel for estimating, data analysis, and cost tracking.
- Experience using Bluebeam for plan review, markups, and takeoffs.
- Proficiency with estimating software tools to develop and manage bids.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess project risks, identify scope gaps, and develop value engineering options.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and bids in a fast-paced environment.
- Clear and effective communication skills for collaborating with vendors, subcontractors, and internal project teams.
- Ability to work independently and maintain accuracy and attention to detail across multiple concurrent estimates.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Strong understanding of landscape design concepts is strongly preferred.
- Background in construction or construction management is beneficial.
- Experience with bidding processes and competitive proposal preparation.
- Familiarity with project management principles and coordination with operations teams.
- Ability to complete full takeoffs for landscape, irrigation, planting, hardscape, and related site improvements.
- Comfort working with blueprints, specifications, and technical construction documentation.
Work Environment
This role offers flexibility with the option to work fully remote or in a local, hybrid arrangement. The organization welcomes candidates who are close to the office as well as experienced remote professionals who can collaborate effectively with project management and operations teams. Work is primarily performed using digital tools such as Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software, with regular interaction across departments during the bidding and project turnover process. The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with multiple concurrent bids and projects, and emphasizes accuracy, communication, and teamwork. Dress code expectations align with a professional office setting for any on-site or in-office work.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ramsey, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.