Company Overview
Founded in 1956, S+B James Construction is a full-service design-build contractor delivering projects from concept through completion. Our integrated teams work collaboratively to deliver exceptional results while strengthening the communities we serve, across a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, education, life sciences, commercial, retail, industrial, and public works throughout California and Oregon.
Our Mission
To be the most trusted building partner in the communities we serve. This mission guides everything we do. We measure success through the strength of our relationships—with our clients, our colleagues, and our communities.
Our Core Values
- Be there for each other
- Support our communities
- Be transparent
- Make things right
What we are looking for
We are seeking an Estimator to join our Preconstruction team. This role is responsible for developing accurate and comprehensive construction estimates from early conceptual design through final bid and project award. The Estimator works closely with clients, design teams, trade partners, suppliers, and internal project teams to evaluate scope, identify opportunities and risks, and develop competitive project pricing. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of commercial construction, with HCAI (formerly OSHPD) healthcare and/or DSA K-12 education experience highly preferred.
Location
- Southern California (including Moreno Valley, Inland Empire, Irvine areas)
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Preconstruction
- Review and interpret project plans, specifications, addenda, and other contract documents to understand project scope and requirements
- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, general conditions, and other project costs
- Develop conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, design-build, and hard-bid estimates
- Evaluate project documents for scope gaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, and opportunities
- Develop and maintain estimates throughout the design process, including cost comparisons, variance analyses, and value engineering options
- Evaluate site logistics, sequencing, schedule requirements, productivity, and other factors that may impact project costs
- Participate in estimate reviews and bid-day activities to ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and competitive
Trade Partner & Project Collaboration
- Develop bid packages, scopes of work, RFQs/RFPs, and subcontractor solicitation documents
- Solicit, review, level, and analyze trade partner and supplier proposals for completeness and competitiveness
- Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, suppliers, clients, and project teams
- Clearly communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, opportunities, and risks to project teams and leadership
- Collaborate with Operations and Project Management to support the transition of awarded projects from Preconstruction to Operations
- Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and project pursuits as needed
- Depending on experience, lead preconstruction efforts on complex projects and provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimating team members
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent construction experience will be considered
- Commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project engineering, or related experience
- HCAI/OSHPD healthcare and/or DSA K-12 estimating experience highly preferred
- Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, materials, building systems, and costs
- Experience with conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, hard bids, negotiated work, design-build, and/or GMP estimating
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents
- Experience soliciting, reviewing, leveling, and analyzing subcontractor proposals
- Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, takeoff/estimating software, BIM tools, and construction management platforms
Compensation
- Full-Time
- Salary Range: $100,000/year - $195,000/year (based on experience)
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid health insurance
- 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off, sick days, and wellness days
- Paid holidays
- Discretionary bonus program
- Company-sponsored community events
- Recruiting referral bonuses
- Company credit card
- Phone allowance
- Annual holiday party with hotel accommodation
S+B James Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Notice to Staffing & Recruiting Agencies
S+B James Construction does not accept unsolicited candidate submissions. Agencies must have prior authorization from our People Department and a current, fully executed agreement before submitting candidates for requested positions.
Any submission made without prior approval will be considered unsolicited, and S+B James will have no obligation to pay a placement fee or other compensation. Recruiting or placement agreements may only be established through an authorized member of our People Department.
