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JH Kelly
Sr. Estimator
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Based on Washington data
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What they do
An Estimator provides cost estimates for a project, based on an evaluation of the materials, labor, time and equipment needed to complete the project. May specialize in many aspects of construction or in manufacturing and design industries.
$79,733 / year median in Washington
+5% projected growth
Job Description
Sr. Estimator JH Kelly - 3.9 Vancouver, WA Job Details Full-time $135,000 - $165,000 a year 9 hours ago Benefits Profit sharing AD&D insurance Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Bluebeam Revu Microsoft Excel Employee relationship building Bidding project phase Mentoring Estimating construction project budgets Cost estimate preparation Productivity software Project leadership Technical Proficiency Plumbing cost calculation Cross-functional communication Full Job Description Position Description At JH Kelly , we're hiring a Senior Estimator to lead the preparation of estimates for major commercial mechanical projects and guide junior team members to success. This isn't just about crunching numbers—it's for a sharp, collaborative leader who thrives on delivering accurate bids, building strong relationships, and driving business growth. If you're a detail-driven problem-solver with a knack for plumbing, piping, and/or sheet metal systems estimates and a passion for mentoring, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Here's a deeper dive into what you'll take on: Estimate Leadership & Bid Preparation Lead the team in organizing bid breakdowns and developing takeoff strategies for accurate, efficient estimates. Review project scope, specifications, and addenda, updating estimates and communicating changes to the bid team. Perform takeoffs using tools like AutoBid and/or ESTmep, ensuring all items shown and specified are accounted for. Prepare RFI logs, write RFIs, and develop technical clarifications and exclusions to strengthen bids. Project Turnover & Cost Analysis Collaborate with Project Managers to provide detailed cost breakdowns, including unit/hour, material, and subcontractor analysis for project turnover. Review "issued for construction" drawings for revisions, ensuring alignment with the estimate. Provide quick, accurate estimate responses for smaller projects to support rapid decision-making. Participate in project turnover meetings to ensure smooth handoffs to execution teams. Procurement & Vendor Coordination Work closely with the Supply Chain team to secure pricing for materials and equipment. Provide specifications and takeoff quantities to support procurement efforts. Build and maintain proactive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing and reliable partnerships. Team Leadership & Mentorship Mentor junior estimators, sharing best practices and fostering their growth in estimation techniques and project understanding. Collaborate with supervisors and the Estimating team to provide detailed insights from estimates and job cost records. Maintain positive relationships with shop and field craft personnel, supervision, and cross-functional teams (safety, CAD/BIM, accounting, IT). Stakeholder Engagement Cultivate satisfied customer relationships to foster recurring business opportunities. Consistently meet or exceed the expectations of key stakeholders, including clients and internal teams.
Position Requirements What You Bring Experience:
7+ years in estimating, with a focus on plumbing, piping, and/or sheet metal systems in conceptual design; experience with mechanical projects from $500K to $20M+ preferred. Field and/or shop experience in mechanical construction.Education:
Trade School, Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or equivalent experience preferred.Skills:
Above-average proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software like AutoBid and/or ESTmep; strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple bids under tight deadlines. Strong communicator with excellent collaboration skills, able to build trust across crafts, customers, and teams.Mindset:
Independent, detail-driven, and integrity-focused, with a passion for mentoring and driving business growth. Physical Requirements This role requires transitioning between office and construction field settings. You'll sit for extended periods in the office and perform repetitive tasks like typing and using a mouse. In the field, you'll stand and walk on uneven terrain, climb stairs, kneel, crouch, crawl to inspect tight spaces, and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for reading plans and on-site communication. You'll work outdoors in various weather conditions, adhere to site-specific dress codes, and wear PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots). Flexibility to travel and work outside regular hours is required. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Application Instructions Thank you for your interest in joining the JH Kelly team! For more than 100 years, we've built our reputation on the strength of our people, our commitment to safety, and the relationships we build with our employees, customers, and communities. We're always looking for talented individuals who share our values and take pride in their work. Learn more about our story at www.jhkelly.com Benefits Package Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx -Dental/Ortho Coverage:
JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.Paid Vacation and Holidays:
Generous PTO model to support work-life balance. 401K:
50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD:
Paid 100% by JH Kelly.Annual Performance Bonuses:
Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.Profit Sharing:
Participate in JH Kelly's profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation over the past 10 years. To be considered for this position, please complete the online application and submit a current resume. We encourage you to provide detailed information regarding your work experience, skills, certifications, and qualifications. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and qualified candidates will be contacted regarding next steps in the hiring process. As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening. Certain positions may also require a background check and/or motor vehicle record (MVR) review based on job responsibilities. We appreciate your interest in becoming part of the JH Kelly family and look forward to learning more about you. Equal Opportunity Information JH Kelly is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require assistance or accommodation, please contact our Human Resources department.Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Plans
- Employee Stock Options (ESOs)
- Bonuses/Stipends