Body shop estimator Jobs in Lexington, KY

DoD SkillBridge Internship: Estimator

SkillBridge Host Company: Semper Tek, Inc. SkillBridge Provider: Vets2PM LLC Location: Lexington, KY

Applicants must be active-duty U.S. Military Members who qualify for the DoD SkillBridge Program. To Apply: Go to and complete the SkillBridge interest form. Return to this posting and click 'Apply'.

Overview: The Estimator Intern contributes to the effective execution of cost estimating and the development of project direct costs for both single-discipline and multidiscipline construction projects. Guided by a team, the intern assists in reviewing subcontractor and vendor proposals and performing quantity take-offs across various trades to develop foundational estimating competencies.

Objective/Purpose: The Estimator Intern supports the preconstruction team by assisting in the development of direct cost estimates and the evaluation of change orders for moderate to complex projects. Key responsibilities include contributing to quantity take-offs, analyzing project scope, and supporting estimate development across diverse project types. The intern gains exposure to subcontractor and vendor coordination, qualification processes, and the preparation of budget costs for self-performed work. Furthermore, the intern assists in evaluating teaming partners and preparing documentation for internal review and approval.

Roles/Responsibilities:

• During Bid Phase: Assist in receiving, organizing, and distributing project design documents to internal teams and subcontractors. Review project documents to develop an understanding of scope of work. Support the preparation and submission of Requests for Information (RFIs). Assist in soliciting subcontractor and vendor bids. Attend pre-bid meetings and site walk-throughs when available. Support site visits to understand existing conditions and identify scope gaps. Assist with quantity take-offs and basic cost analysis for assigned scopes. Help prepare subcontractor bid comparison sheets and evaluate scope coverage. Support review of subcontractor proposals for completeness and accuracy. Assist in identifying potential scope gaps or overlaps. Help ensure estimate pricing reflects current market data and subcontractor input. Support value engineering efforts, alternates, and pricing options. Assist in assembling estimate packages for internal review and submission.
• After Award Phase: Support review of preconstruction schedules and activity durations. Assist in vendor evaluations and documentation. Participate in project closeout and post-project reviews. Support updates to vendor lists based on project outcomes.

Skills Required: Strong willingness to learn construction estimating and preconstruction processes. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Basic understanding of Microsoft Office (especially Excel) or willingness to learn. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to analyze information and support data-driven decisions. Proactive problem-solving mindset.

Skills Preferred (not required): Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field. Prior construction experience highly desired. Familiarity with building construction, materials, and trade practices. Exposure to estimating processes and construction documents. Basic understanding of estimating software such as Sage (Timberline). Familiarity with construction management software such as Procore. Exposure to scheduling tools such as Schedule Logic or Primavera P6. Basic knowledge of cost data tools such as RSMeans. Experience or interest in federal or government contracting.

Mental Qualifications: Able to learn new tasks. Able to maintain focus. Able to complete assigned tasks without direct supervision. Able to communicate effectively, both orally and written. Able to interact with a variety of individuals. Able to understand, remember, and follow verbal and written instructions. Able to perform in situations requiring speed, deadlines, or productivity quotas. Able to maintain regular attendance and be punctual. Have a strong reading comprehension. Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Physical Qualifications: Able to ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, etc. Able to utilize construction personnel hoists. Able to navigate work areas that are under construction. Specific vision abilities required for this job include vision, peripheral, depth perception, and focus. Repeating motions that may include wrist, hands, and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, and controls. Operate motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Communicate with others to exchange information. Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing for long periods of time. Ability to climb, maintain balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Light to medium work that includes moving objects between 20-50 pounds. Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works on-site at the construction site where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. The noise in these work environments is usually moderate to very loud. The proper use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) will be required when exposed to the above conditions in accordance with OSHA and other applicable safety provisions.

Semper Tek, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability, or status as a protected Veteran. *Applicants must pass a federal background check and drug screen. Vets2PM Provides: Mentorship and guidance via monthly SkillBridge Intern Zoom Meetings. PM Fundamentals course, Resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview skills course. Other free resources, including an electronic copy of 'How to Speak Civilian Fluently'. Other: Not all internships include certification training by Vets2PM, as many host companies include their own internship-focused training instead. If selected for an internship with Vets2PM please read your approval email, letter, and training plan to be sure you understand what is included in your internship.