Estimator

Position Summary: 
The Estimator supports the Business Development and Sales teams by preparing accurate, detailed cost estimates for landscape construction, enhancement, and maintenance projects. This role collaborates with designers, project managers, and operations leaders to ensure bids are timely, competitive, and profitable. The ideal candidate has a strong eye for detail, understands field operations, and can balance precision with speed in a deadline-driven environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed takeoffs, labor/material cost breakdowns, and bid packages for commercial and residential projects. 

• Interpret landscape plans, construction drawings, and site assessments to build estimates. 

• Work closely with the Sales team to align proposals with client goals, site conditions, and budgets. 

• Develop estimates for: 

• Design-build projects 

• Enhancements and renovations 

• Seasonal services (e.g., snow removal, fall/spring cleanups) 

• Commercial maintenance agreements

• Request and manage vendor and subcontractor quotes, comparing pricing and availability. 
• Maintain up-to-date pricing databases for materials, plants, equipment rentals, and labor rates. 

• Identify cost-saving opportunities through material substitutions or schedule adjustments. 

• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client consultations as needed. 
• Partner with operations and project managers to confirm production rates and feasibility. 

• Communicate project scope and estimating assumptions clearly to field operations during handoff. 

• Support Sales with change order pricing, budget revisions, and post-bid clarifications. 

• Maintain organized and auditable records of all estimates, bids, proposals, and pricing decisions. 

• Track estimate win/loss rates and collaborate with Sales to improve competitiveness. 

• Assist in compiling bid books, proposal packages, and supporting visuals for client presentations. 

Qualifications: 

• 2–5 years of estimating experience, ideally in landscaping, construction, or a trade-based field. 

• Strong understanding of materials, labor, equipment, and production rates in landscaping services. 

• Proficient in Excel, Aspire (or similar ERP/estimating systems), and reading construction documents. 

• Strong attention to detail, math skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments and roles. 

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent field experience.