Estimator Assistant (Vertical)

Description

Since starting in 1983, Tapani has evolved from a single-person operation to a family-led legacy, maintaining a fun and friendly environment from the beginning. With a large team across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, we now cover five diverse market sectors: Civil Site Development, Buildings, Environmental, Transportation, and Utility Infrastructure. The consistent dedication to our core values has helped us grow, creating more opportunities for our current team and the need for new teammates.

Take a look what our current employees say about working for Tapani: Tapani Careers

Job Purpose and Responsibilities

The Assistant Vertical Estimator supports the Vertical Estimating team in preparing accurate, complete, and competitive bids throughout all stages of preconstruction. This position assists with project research, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor and supplier solicitation, scope review, bid documentation, and final bid preparation. The role works closely with the Vertical Estimator to understand project requirements, construction methods, costs, risks, and bid strategy while developing the knowledge and skills necessary to independently manage estimates in the future.

Responsibilities

• Project Understanding and Preconstruction Support: Develop a thorough understanding of each project and the factors that influence the estimate.
• Bid Documentation Management: Maintain complete and organized information throughout the estimating process.
• Accurate and Detailed Takeoffs: Generate reliable quantity information to support competitive bids.
• Subcontractor and Supplier Engagement: Support competitive pricing and complete scope coverage through professional communication.
• Estimating and Bid Development: Support the Vertical Estimator in developing cost-efficient construction plans and high-quality bids.
• Bid Strategy and Team Coordination: Contribute to effective planning and execution of the estimating process.
• Bid Quality and Submission Support: Help ensure professional, accurate, and timely bid submissions.
• Professional Relations and Development: Build productive relationships while continuously developing estimating knowledge.
• Uphold Tapani’s Purpose document: Demonstrate actions and behaviors that align with Tapani’s Purpose and Values (Purpose and Values), supporting Strong Teams and Successful Projects.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read construction documents, perform quantity takeoffs, and identify scope gaps, risks, and discrepancies.
• Strong math, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency or willingness to learn Excel, Word, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, HeavyBid, bid solicitation software, and other estimating technologies.
• Commitment to learning construction methods, estimating processes, and new technologies.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Building Science, or related field preferred.
• Construction, estimating, project engineering, preconstruction, quantity takeoff, or related experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work additional hours as needed to meet bid deadlines and changing priorities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to visit project sites and other locations as needed.
• Commitment to company policies, safety expectations, and Tapani’s Purpose and Values.

Note: Physical ability to perform assigned tasks, lift, push and pull 20 pounds at a time, and ability to sit, stand and work on computer for prolonged periods of time.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: $23.94–$35.92 per hour (based on qualifications and experience)
• Monthly $75 phone allowance or company phone
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance plans with low to $0 monthly premiums
• Additional voluntary insurance options including Dental, Vision, and a wide variety of Supplemental insurances
• Flexible Paid Time Off and Sick Time
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) options with up to 4% employer match