Independent Contractor Landscaping Jobs in Minnesota

Job Title: Construction Estimator – Commercial Landscape

Job Description

This role focuses on estimating large-scale commercial landscape construction projects, including those exceeding $1M in value. You will work independently to develop accurate, competitive bids and provide reliable pricing, quantity takeoffs, and scope reviews that directly support profitable project execution. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams throughout the preconstruction process.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive estimates and complete bid packages for commercial landscape construction projects, including large-scale and high-value work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, and pricing reviews to ensure comprehensive and precise proposals.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes to secure competitive and reliable pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and cost considerations early in the bidding process and communicate them clearly to internal stakeholders.
• Support project handoffs by thoroughly documenting assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing details for the operations team.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, operations, and procurement teams throughout preconstruction to align estimates with project goals and execution plans.
• Use bid management platforms and estimation software to manage bids, track opportunities, and maintain organized records.
• Interpret commercial construction and land development plans and specifications to inform accurate landscape estimates.
• Maintain organized documentation and files for all estimates, proposals, and vendor communications.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and external partners to resolve questions and clarify scope.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience estimating commercial landscape construction projects, including large-scale projects and those exceeding $1M in value.
• Strong proficiency in preparing detailed estimates and competitive bid packages for commercial construction and land development work.
• Hands-on experience performing quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, and pricing reviews for landscape construction projects.
• Ability to solicit, evaluate, and negotiate vendor and subcontractor quotes to achieve competitive pricing.
• Demonstrated skill in identifying scope gaps, risks, and cost considerations early in the bidding process.
• Experience supporting project handoffs by clearly documenting assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing details.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, operations, and procurement teams during preconstruction.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to present estimates and clarify scope and pricing.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and documentation simultaneously.
• Solid computer skills and comfort working with digital plans, documents, and bid management platforms.
• Proficiency with estimation tools such as PlanSwift or similar software.
• Experience with vendor management in a commercial construction or land development context.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in commercial land development and commercial construction environments.
• Familiarity with bid management platforms and digital bidding processes.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape, civil, and construction plans and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in measurements, calculations, and pricing.
• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting tight bid deadlines.
• Professional interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that invests in its people through comprehensive benefits and clear opportunities for advancement. The organization offers 100% medical coverage, reflecting a strong commitment to employee well-being and financial security. As a union field contractor, it provides a structured environment with established practices and support, while encouraging professional growth and long-term career development.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combined office and field environment, allowing you to engage with both project documentation and on-site conditions. The standard schedule runs Monday through Friday with a 7:00 am start, supporting consistent daytime hours. A company vehicle is provided for field-related travel, enabling efficient visits to project sites and vendor locations while maintaining a professional presence in both office and field settings.

This is a Permanent position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

- 100% medical coverage - Advancement - Union field contractor

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Paul,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.