Project Estimator / Project Coordinator

Location: Bakersfield, CA
Pay: $70,000–$110,000+ annually DOE (Salary includes Performance Bonus Potential & Commission Potential)
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday (Additional hours as needed)

Position Overview

Key Staffing is currently recruiting for an experienced Project Estimator / Project Coordinator to join a growing construction company specializing in custom quartz installations, artificial turf, playgrounds, shade structures, and outdoor living projects.

This is much more than a traditional estimating position. The individual selected will become a trusted extension of the owner, overseeing estimating, purchasing, project coordination, scheduling, customer communication, and day-to-day project management. The long-term goal is for this individual to become the owner's right-hand person and help ensure projects continue running smoothly with minimal oversight.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, resourceful, and proactive, with experience managing multiple construction projects simultaneously while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and clients.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Receive, qualify, and respond to incoming project inquiries.
• Meet with customers to discuss project scope, budgets, timelines, and expectations.
• Prepare detailed estimates, bid packages, proposals, and project documentation.
• Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and drawings.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and material calculations.
• Purchase project materials while negotiating pricing and managing supplier relationships.
• Coordinate project schedules with field supervisors, installers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Schedule equipment, deliveries, subcontractors, inspections, and project milestones.
• Monitor project progress to ensure budgets, schedules, and customer expectations are met.
• Communicate regularly with customers, providing updates throughout each phase of the project.
• Track project costs, material lead times, and change orders.
• Assist with invoicing, documentation, and project closeout activities.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Identify project risks early and develop solutions before issues impact schedules or customers.
• Build long-term relationships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Support continuous process improvements and develop systems that improve overall company efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in estimating, project coordination, project management, purchasing, or construction operations.
• Construction industry experience required; experience with landscaping, hardscape, artificial turf, outdoor construction, or similar industries is highly preferred.
• Experience preparing construction estimates and reading blueprints.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs.
• Purchasing and vendor management experience.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors, vendors, and material deliveries.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook.
• Experience using Microsoft Project or other project management software is preferred.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy.
• Professional, confident, and customer-focused demeanor.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong negotiation and purchasing skills.
• High level of accountability, integrity, and ownership.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is someone who naturally takes ownership of their work and doesn't wait to be told what to do. They are humble, dependable, highly organized, and capable of thinking several steps ahead. They communicate professionally with customers, vendors, and coworkers, develop their own organizational systems, and consistently ensure that projects stay on schedule and nothing falls through the cracks.

This individual is looking for a long-term career—not just another job—and is excited about growing into a key leadership role within the organization.

Commitment to Diversity: As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multi-generational and multicultural workforce, Key Staffing recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.