Estimator

Description

The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for landscape construction projects. This role works closely with designers, sales team members, account managers, project managers, suppliers, and subcontractors to translate project concepts, plans, and client needs into clear scopes of work, cost estimates, and proposals. The Estimator plays a key role in supporting the sales and design process while helping ensure projects are properly priced, clearly scoped, and aligned with company margin expectations.  

Core Function

The core function of this role is to support and collaborate with designers, sales specialists, project managers and account managers by preparing accurate estimates, validating project scopes, identifying cost considerations, and helping develop proposals that support both client expectations and company profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with designers, sales specialists, project managers and account managers to understand client goals, project intent, design details, and scope requirements.
• Review design concepts, plans, specifications, and site conditions to identify pricing needs, constructability considerations, and potential scope gaps.
• Perform and track plan takeoffs for accurate estimating.
• Procure subcontractor and speciality material quotes as needed.
• Support proposal development by providing detailed cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, alternates, and clarifications.
• Participate in internal handoff meetings to ensure project managers and production teams understand the estimate, scope, budget, and key project assumptions.
• Maintain estimating data, pricing history, production rates, vendor pricing, and subcontractor information to support accurate and consistent estimates.
• Recommend value-engineering options or alternative solutions when needed to align the project scope with the client's budget expectations.

Requirements

 Skills and Qualifications

• 5+ years of landscape construction estimating experience required.
• Strong knowledge of landscape construction estimating principles, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor pricing, production rates, and cost controls.
• Experience reviewing landscape construction plans, specifications, scopes of work, and related technical documents.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with designers, sales representatives, account managers, project managers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional estimates, cost breakdowns, and proposal information.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to obtain and evaluate competitive pricing from vendors and subcontractors.
• Proficiency with estimating software and related tools required.
• Experience with Aspire is preferred; experience with similar systems such as LMN, Bluebeam, Procore, or PlanSwift is also valuable.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple estimates and deadlines, and contribute effectively in a team environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• This role will require occasional site visits to assess existing conditions, verify measurements, review project details, and identify potential challenges or opportunities that may impact estimating accuracy. A valid driver’s license is required.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs or more, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks.

Our Values

As a team member, you play a vital role in upholding our company values. Your commitment to continuous growth and resilience ensures we tackle challenges with grit and determination. By acting with integrity, you help us consistently choose the right path, even when it’s the hardest. Your collaboration strengthens our team, lifting others up, and driving us to achieve more together. Attention to detail in your work builds the foundation for excellence, one step at a time. Above all, you contribute to fostering relationships, building trust, respect, and lasting connections that define who we are.