Estimator and Assistant Project Manager

Chapman Construction/Design is seeking an Estimator and Assistant Project Manager in Newton, MA. The role involves supporting project management and estimating for commercial construction projects, including building client relationships, reviewing project documentation, preparing budgets, and coordinating with staff. The company values diversity and offers competitive salaries, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
ESTIMATOR AND ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER


ABOUT CHAPMAN


Founded in 1984, Chapman provides sustainable construction management and consulting services to forward-looking corporate, education, healthcare, life sciences, and manufacturing clients. Every individual at Chapman contributes unique perspectives and experiences that collectively enrich our company. We work hard to foster a diverse and inclusive culture and take pride in providing equitable opportunities for employees to develop their skills and demonstrate their abilities.


It’s easier to give your best to a job when you’re healthy, physically and financially. We offer 100% company-paid health insurance, competitive salaries, a profit-sharing program, and learning stipends so you can continue to learn and grow in your career.


At Chapman, we know representation matters. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC industry and within our own teams. We actively encourage applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.





JOB SUMMARY:


The Estimator and Assistant Project Manager (APM) provides comprehensive support to the company’s project management and field staff on designated commercial construction projects from inception to closeout.


On the estimating side, you will estimate complex jobs. This includes conceptual estimates, negotiated work, bid work, budgets, general conditions, value engineering, managing subcontractor relations, and staying abreast of industry developments applicable to estimating.


On the project management side, you will assist with a broad range of project activities to help ensure projects are completed within the prescribed time frame and funding parameters. This includes effectively coordinating with additional project management staff, field staff, and accounting staff to stay abreast of project progress and to ensure completion of responsibilities.





ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Estimating



Build and maintain relationships with clients, design teams, and subcontractors to understand project requirements and expectations
Review drawings, specifications, proposals, and related documentation to develop a comprehensive understanding of project scope
Perform quantity take-offs and apply unit pricing for material and labor to establish a value for the work
Identify scope gaps, clarifications, and opportunities through document review and coordination with owners and design teams
Prepare value engineering recommendations and cost-saving alternatives
Assist with generating project budgets and proposals
Assist with generating construction schedules, including pre-construction and long lead activities
Create and thoroughly review pre-construction RFIs prior to submission to the owner/design team
Prepare qualifications and assumptions for the estimate
Prepare cost comparisons/reconcile with previous estimates
Coordinate subcontractor solicitation, bidding and selection process
Review and qualify subcontractor proposals to ensure complete scope coverage
Conduct subcontractor site walk-throughs
Ensure quality control of bids and estimates
Prepare in-house budgets and GMPs

Assistant Project Management



Generate and track project activities, subcontractors, progress, and changes across multiple platforms
Perform project document control: manage/organize/distribute electronic documents for field & office staff. Includes drawings, addenda, bulletins, sketches, RFIs, submittals, safety meetings, etc.
Track and organize subcontractor documentation, including subcontracts, RFIs, purchase orders, submittals, and change orders
Apply for building permits
Attend weekly meetings, prepare meeting minutes, and distribute to project teams
Generate, maintain, and update project directories
Escalate concerns, issues, or delays related to project work, subcontractor performance, or other activities that may impact project completion
Review and compile subcontractor change order pricing and supporting documentation for PM review
Generate subcontracts for final approval by PM staff
Assist with updating construction schedules
Generate project pay applications for final approval by PM staff
Coordinate and collect affidavits, test reports, and required documentation for final inspections/project close out; assemble as-built packages
Attend business development events, client interviews, and project presentations as a company representative
Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring team members
Perform other functions as required




MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:



Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management with a minimum of 3 years experience in construction industry, preferred
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Experience with estimating software, including on screen take off
Experience working with project management software
Understanding of market conditions and their impact on pricing
Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Ability to communicate professionally with tact and diplomacy
Ability to identify process improvements and create efficiencies
High attention to detail with a positive attitude and strong work ethic
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development through company-sponsored training, continuing education, coursework, seminars, and industry certifications
Complete OSHA 30-Hour training within one year of employment
Maintain necessary training certifications, including First Aid/CPR







PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:



Experience with Procore Contruction Management software
Experience with CAD and/or BIM
Experience managing the financial components of projects




WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:



Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
Vision requirements include close and distance vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
Driving or riding in vehicles for extended periods of time is occasionally required




COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:



Estimated Base Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000. Actual compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience, skills, responsibilities and market conditions. This range reflects base salary only, not the total compensation package.
Profit-sharing program
100% company-paid health insurance
50% company-paid dental insurance
Vision insurance
Company paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) with company match
Student loan paydown program
Employee Assistance program
529 college savings plan
Identity protection plan
On-site training and development
Tuition reimbursement for higher education, certifications, and licenses.
Paid Time Off and paid holidays
Paid parental leave


Work Location: In person