Job Description
Division: Construction Management
Location: Watertown, SD
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
Sentry is seeking an Estimator to support our Construction Management team. This role assists with the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for general contracting and construction management projects across a variety of markets.
The Estimator works closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and trade partners to develop clear, well-documented estimates that support successful project execution. This position is suited for an estimator with foundational estimating experience who understands general construction fundamentals and is looking to continue growing within a general contractor environment.
Key Responsibilities
Estimate Preparation & Coordination
Review bid documents, plans, and specifications to understand project scope, schedule, and requirements
Perform and support quantity takeoffs to quantify labor, material, equipment, and subcontracted scopes
Assemble cost estimates for competitive bid, negotiated, and construction management projects
Support preparation of competitive bid estimates, including bid-day organization and scope review
Distribute plans and specifications to subcontractors and suppliers
Solicit, track, and organize subcontractor and supplier pricing
Follow up with trade partners to confirm scope coverage and clarify bids
Pricing & Documentation
Review subcontractor and supplier quotes for completeness and scope alignment
Document estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing clarifications
Enter and maintain estimate data within company estimating systems and templates
Quality Control & Collaboration
Participate in estimate review and quality control processes
Coordinate with Project Managers and Superintendents to align estimates with field execution plans
Support pre-bid meetings, site walks, and scope clarification efforts as needed
Bid & Project Support
Assist with preparation of bid packages and required submission documentation
Support estimate handoff to Project Management teams for awarded projects
Participate in post-bid and post-project reviews comparing estimated and actual costs
Requirements
Required
Experience or education related to general construction estimating, construction management, or a related construction field such as subcontractor estimating, project coordination, or field operations
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
Experience performing quantity takeoffs and basic cost build-up
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively with project teams and trade partners
Preferred
Experience supporting competitive or lump-sum bid projects for a general contractor
Exposure to negotiated or construction management work
Experience with estimating software and Microsoft Excel
Field, subcontractor, or GC estimating experience
Join Our Team
Sentry is a self-performing general contractor and design-build construction firm serving commercial, industrial, agricultural, and infrastructure markets across South Dakota and the Midwest.
With strong in-house trade capabilities, our teams stay closely connected to how work is planned, priced, and executed in the field. We value accuracy, ownership, and follow-through, and we are building a team of people who take pride in doing the work right.
Sentry. Flexible. Innovative. Results.
Location: Watertown, SD
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
Sentry is seeking an Estimator to support our Construction Management team. This role assists with the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for general contracting and construction management projects across a variety of markets.
The Estimator works closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and trade partners to develop clear, well-documented estimates that support successful project execution. This position is suited for an estimator with foundational estimating experience who understands general construction fundamentals and is looking to continue growing within a general contractor environment.
Key Responsibilities
Estimate Preparation & Coordination
Review bid documents, plans, and specifications to understand project scope, schedule, and requirements
Perform and support quantity takeoffs to quantify labor, material, equipment, and subcontracted scopes
Assemble cost estimates for competitive bid, negotiated, and construction management projects
Support preparation of competitive bid estimates, including bid-day organization and scope review
Distribute plans and specifications to subcontractors and suppliers
Solicit, track, and organize subcontractor and supplier pricing
Follow up with trade partners to confirm scope coverage and clarify bids
Pricing & Documentation
Review subcontractor and supplier quotes for completeness and scope alignment
Document estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing clarifications
Enter and maintain estimate data within company estimating systems and templates
Quality Control & Collaboration
Participate in estimate review and quality control processes
Coordinate with Project Managers and Superintendents to align estimates with field execution plans
Support pre-bid meetings, site walks, and scope clarification efforts as needed
Bid & Project Support
Assist with preparation of bid packages and required submission documentation
Support estimate handoff to Project Management teams for awarded projects
Participate in post-bid and post-project reviews comparing estimated and actual costs
Requirements
Required
Experience or education related to general construction estimating, construction management, or a related construction field such as subcontractor estimating, project coordination, or field operations
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
Experience performing quantity takeoffs and basic cost build-up
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively with project teams and trade partners
Preferred
Experience supporting competitive or lump-sum bid projects for a general contractor
Exposure to negotiated or construction management work
Experience with estimating software and Microsoft Excel
Field, subcontractor, or GC estimating experience
Join Our Team
Sentry is a self-performing general contractor and design-build construction firm serving commercial, industrial, agricultural, and infrastructure markets across South Dakota and the Midwest.
With strong in-house trade capabilities, our teams stay closely connected to how work is planned, priced, and executed in the field. We value accuracy, ownership, and follow-through, and we are building a team of people who take pride in doing the work right.
Sentry. Flexible. Innovative. Results.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Estimator – Construction position is now open for candidates interested in the Operations Executive Jobs sector. This role in Watertown offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Operations Executive Jobs is a plus.
