Construction Estimator – Residential, Commercial & Public Works

Company: Cen-Con, Inc.

Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience

About Cen-Con, Inc.

Cen-Con, Inc. is an established general contracting company based in Santa Cruz, California, serving the surrounding Central Coast communities. Our projects range from residential renovations and construction to commercial improvements and public works projects, including schools, universities, and government facilities.

As a locally owned contractor, we take pride in quality craftsmanship, strong customer relationships, and delivering projects that meet our clients' expectations. Our team works across a variety of construction projects, creating opportunities for employees to expand their experience and take on meaningful responsibilities.

Position Overview

We're looking for a Construction Estimator to join our team in Santa Cruz. We're open to candidates at different experience levels, from developing estimators with residential construction experience to seasoned professionals capable of independently managing complex commercial and public works bids.

For a senior-level candidate, the primary focus will be preparing competitive estimates for larger commercial and public-sector projects, including schools, universities, and municipal facilities.

For a junior-level candidate, the focus will be preparing estimates for residential renovations, smaller construction projects, and other straightforward bids, with training and support from our experienced team.

This is an opportunity to work across multiple areas of general construction, develop your estimating expertise, and become an important part of an established local contractor.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive estimates for residential, commercial, and public works construction projects.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements.
• Perform material quantity takeoffs and develop labor, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Request and evaluate pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Develop detailed bid proposals and project budgets.
• Identify potential scope gaps, cost concerns, and project risks.
• Collaborate with ownership, project managers, and field personnel to ensure estimates reflect actual construction requirements.
• Manage multiple estimates and meet bid submission deadlines.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and pricing information.

Additional Responsibilities for Senior Candidates

• Independently manage larger commercial and public works bids from initial review through submission.
• Interpret public-sector bidding requirements, including prevailing wage rates and subcontractor coordination.
• Evaluate complex construction drawings and specifications.
• Coordinate pricing and scopes across multiple subcontractor trades.
• Support bid strategy, value engineering, and project handoffs.

Qualifications

Senior-Level Candidates

• Demonstrated construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Experience preparing bids for commercial, institutional, or public works construction.
• Strong ability to interpret architectural and structural drawings.
• Understanding of California public works bidding, prevailing wage requirements, and subcontractor pricing.
• Ability to independently manage complex estimates and multiple bid deadlines.

Junior-Level Candidates

• Some experience in construction estimating, project coordination, construction management, or a related field.
• Familiarity with residential construction, remodeling, or general contracting.
• Basic understanding of construction drawings, materials, and labor costs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and develop estimating skills under experienced construction professionals.

Ideal Candidates

• Have experience with a general contractor handling multiple construction trades.
• Are comfortable working in a smaller, hands-on construction environment.
• Can manage competing priorities and communicate effectively with subcontractors and field teams.
• Want a long-term opportunity with a locally established contractor.

Compensation & Benefits

Cen-Con offers competitive compensation based on experience, along with:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid sick leave
• 401k
• Performance Bonus
• Opportunities for professional growth and expanded responsibilities

Why Join Cen-Con?

You'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse mix of residential, commercial, and public works projects while working directly with experienced construction professionals and company leadership. Whether you're an experienced estimator looking for greater responsibility or a developing estimator ready to grow your career, Cen-Con offers an opportunity to contribute to an established local construction company.