Intern - Estimator

Description

 Join a Top 1% Contractor. Horizon Construction Group is ranked among the Top 250 ABC contractors nationwide and in the Top 2% of general contractors nationwide. With STEP Diamond safety performance, AQC accreditation, and a proven 40-year history of excellence, Horizon is where high performers grow, thrive, and make an impact.  Our unwavering commitment to our team has earned us the honor of being a Top Workplace for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting our dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment. 

Horizon Construction Group’s Preconstruction Team is seeking a Summer Estimating Intern to support the estimating process. This role assists with quantity takeoffs, plan/specification review, subcontractor outreach, and bid organization to help ensure complete, accurate, and timely estimates. 

Schedule / Work Hours 

• Summer internship (2026) 
• Work days: Monday–Thursday 
• Daily hours: 7–9 hours per day (scheduled with supervisor) 
• Location:  2810 Walton Commons Lane, Madison WI 
• Hourly Rate Range:  $20 - $25 based on experience  

Key Responsibilities 

• Quantity Takeoffs: Review plan sets and perform quantity takeoffs to help evaluate and qualify subcontractor and supplier bids. 
• Plan & Specification Review: Read drawings and specifications and help identify scope requirements, alternates, and clarifications. 
• Bid Comparison: Compare subcontractor bids to plans/specifications and note gaps, exclusions, and assumptions. 
• Subcontractor Qualification & Interest Calls: Conduct outreach calls/emails to confirm interest, capacity, and coverage; document responses. 
• Follow-ups: Track and follow up with subcontractors and suppliers on pending bids, questions, and clarifications. 
• Bid Filing & Organization: Maintain organized bid tabs/records, contact logs, and supporting documentation for each pursuit. 
• Team Support: Assist estimators with administrative tasks, meeting preparation, and other preconstruction needs as assigned. 

Requirements

• Strong verbal communication skills and professional phone etiquette 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) 
• Comfort working with plan sets and PDFs; Bluebeam familiarity/experience preferred 
• High attention to detail and commitment to accurate work 
• Assertiveness and willingness to ask questions and follow up to get answers 
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Positive attitude and team-first mindset (sense of humor appreciated) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Finance, Business Management or a related field is required 
• Prior experience in construction, estimating, or project administration (internship or part-time) is helpful 
• Basic understanding of construction documents (drawings, specifications, addenda) is preferred 
• High level skills working in Excel (sorting, filtering, basic formulas) 

What You’ll Learn
This internship provides hands-on exposure to the preconstruction process, including scope review, subcontractor procurement, quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, and how estimating decisions impact project execution. 

Notes
Intern will work under the guidance of an estimator or preconstruction manager. Duties may vary based on project pursuits and team workload.