Description: Block 5 Construction Group of New York is hiring a Construction Estimator to join its Tirana office and work virtually with the New York team on real New York City commercial and residential projects (renovations, fit-outs, and interior construction). This is an on-site role in Tirana, Albania, working New York business hours so you are live with clients, architects, subcontractors, and the field team throughout the day. The company is looking for a sharp, organized estimator who can read the drawings, own the takeoff, and break every bid down line item by line item, with nothing missed.
Responsibilities:
- Perform accurate quantity takeoffs in Bluebeam Revu from architectural and engineering drawings
- De-scope every bid into trade packages (demolition, framing, drywall, ceilings, doors & hardware, millwork, flooring, painting, MEP, general conditions, etc.)
- Build complete line-item estimates covering materials, labor, equipment, overhead, and markup
- Maintain the bid log (invitations, due dates, site walks, addenda, RFI deadlines, and status through award)
- Solicit and level subcontractor bids — compare proposals scope-for-scope and close any gaps or exclusions
- Write RFIs during bidding and carry every addendum into the estimate
- Prepare proposals with clear inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, alternates, and value-engineering options
- Take client calls to clarify scope, walk through pricing, and follow up on submitted bids
- Once a job is awarded, de-scope it for the Project Manager (scope by trade, quantities, budgets, subcontractor numbers, inclusions and exclusions)
- Lead or contribute to weekly internal bid reviews and keep management updated on bid status
- Price change orders and produce budget estimates for early-stage projects
- Keep cost data current (unit costs, labor rates, and historical pricing)
Additional Information:
- Working hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday–Friday (approximately 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM in Tirana)
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Bluebeam Revu for takeoffs and estimate sheets
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD
- Strong plan and specification reading skills — ability to interpret drawings, specs, and contract terms and spot conflicts and gaps
- Confident communication in fluent English (spoken and written) with clients, architects, and subcontractors
- Highly organized approach to tracking multiple bids, deadlines, and follow-ups
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or Quantity Surveying; also welcome: associate degree, certificate program, or relevant field experience (trades, project coordination, or site supervision) with proven math and plan-reading skills
- Nice to have: experience estimating New York City projects; familiarity with CSI MasterFormat divisions and US imperial units (ft, in, SF, LF); knowledge of union vs. non-union pricing and building work rules; experience with subcontractor bid leveling and value engineering; PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, Procore, ProEst, or Sage
- Competitive monthly salary based on experience and estimating skill level
- Full-time, long-term position
- Real New York City projects with direct client exposure
- Career path to Senior Estimator / Pre-Construction
- Professional office in Tirana working with a US-based team
- How to apply: send your CV and, if available, a sample estimate or takeoff
