Sr. Estimator, Commercial Landscape and Hardscape Projects

Job Title: Senior Estimator for Landscape Installation and Hardscape Projects

Location: Tampa/ Zephyrhills, FL

Job Summary:

Our Client is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented senior level Estimator to join their team, focusing on landscape installation and hardscape projects.

The Estimator will play a critical role in analyzing project requirements, preparing accurate cost estimates, and collaborating with clients, project managers, and vendors to ensure competitive bids and successful project execution. This position requires a strong understanding of landscape design, hardscape construction (e.g., patios, retaining walls, walkways), and industry-standard pricing, as well as the ability to balance quality, efficiency, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Assessment: Review blueprints, specifications, site plans, and client requirements for landscape installation (e.g., planting, irrigation, sodding) and hardscape projects (e.g., pavers, stonework, outdoor structures) to determine scope, materials, and labor needs.

• Cost Estimation: Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates, including materials (e.g., plants, mulch, stone, concrete), labor, equipment (e.g., excavators, skid steers), subcontractor fees, and overhead, while accounting for site-specific factors like soil conditions or accessibility.

• Bid Preparation: Develop comprehensive bid proposals for commercial, and municipal projects, ensuring competitiveness and alignment with company profit goals; submit bids within client deadlines.

• Vendor and Supplier Coordination: Leverage an estimating assistant to gain updated unit pricing from nurseries, stone yards, and equipment suppliers; negotiate rates to optimize costs while maintaining quality standards.

• Collaboration: Work closely with landscape architects, designers, project managers, and construction crews to clarify scope, resolve discrepancies, and refine estimates during planning and execution phases.

• Quantity Takeoffs: Utilize third party to perform precise takeoffs from plans and specs to calculate material volumes (e.g., cubic yards of gravel, square footage of turf, linear feet of edging) and labor hours.

• Risk Analysis: Identify potential project risks (e.g., weather delays, permitting issues, underestimated site prep) and incorporate contingencies into estimates.

• Documentation: Maintain organized records of estimates, bids, and supporting data (e.g., quotes, site photos) for reference and post-project analysis.

• Client Interaction: Be involved with the presentation of estimates to clients, explain cost breakdowns, and address questions or adjustments to secure contracts.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in landscape construction, hardscaping, or a related field, with at least multiple years of direct estimating experience preferred.

• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, Horticulture, or a related discipline; or equivalent field experience.

• Technical Skills:

  • Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., PlanSwift, Bluebeam, or similar) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).

  • Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, grading plans, and irrigation designs.

• Knowledge:

  • Strong grasp of landscape installation techniques (e.g., tree planting, sod installation, irrigation systems) and hardscape construction (e.g., retaining walls, paver installation, concrete work).

  • Familiarity with local plant species, soil types, and climate considerations

  • Understanding of construction costs, including labor rates, equipment rental, and material pricing in the regional market.

Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in calculations.

• Analytical mindset to balance cost, quality, and project timelines.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills for client and vendor interactions.

Working Conditions:

• Mix of office-based work and field visits, with occasional exposure to outdoor elements (e.g., heat, rain, dust).

• May require travel to project sites within the Tampa area and flexibility for evening or weekend meetings during peak bidding seasons.

Compensation:

• Salary range: $100,000-$125,000 commensurate with experience.

• Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan contributions, and performance-based bonuses.