Senior Estimator – Mitigation & Reconstruction

Location: Marlborough, MA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $70,000–$90,000 annually, depending on experience

Position Overview

Our Client is seeking an experienced Mitigation & Reconstruction Estimator to join its growing restoration team in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

The ideal candidate must have hands-on experience writing, scoping, and estimating BOTH mitigation and reconstruction projects using Xactimate. This position requires a strong understanding of the entire restoration process, from emergency mitigation services through full property reconstruction.

The Estimator will be responsible for inspecting damaged properties, developing detailed scopes of work, and independently writing accurate, comprehensive estimates for residential, commercial, and large-loss restoration projects.

This is not a mitigation-only or reconstruction-only estimating position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in writing Xactimate estimates for both phases of restoration.

The successful candidate will work closely with insurance adjusters, property owners, project managers, subcontractors, and internal restoration teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements, insurance guidelines, and industry standards.

The position may require regional travel and occasional catastrophe (CAT) response.

Key Responsibilities

Mitigation Estimating & Scope Writing

• Independently inspect, scope, write, and estimate water, fire, smoke, mold, and other property damage mitigation projects.

• Prepare detailed Xactimate estimates specifically for mitigation services, including emergency response, water extraction, structural drying, demolition, cleaning, deodorization, and contents restoration.

• Develop accurate mitigation scopes of work based on site inspections, moisture readings, damage assessments, and industry-standard restoration procedures.

• Estimate labor, equipment, materials, drying equipment usage, containment, and specialty restoration services.

• Understand and apply IICRC restoration standards and appropriate mitigation methodologies.

• Identify and document necessary demolition, environmental remediation, and additional mitigation services.

• Review mitigation documentation, photographs, moisture logs, and supporting reports to substantiate insurance estimates.

• Prepare estimate revisions, supplements, and change orders when additional damage or services are identified.

Reconstruction Estimating & Scope Writing

• Independently write and estimate complete reconstruction and repair projects using Xactimate, following water, fire, smoke, mold, and other property losses.

• Develop detailed reconstruction scopes covering all necessary trades, materials, labor, and project requirements.

• Prepare accurate estimates for drywall, framing, insulation, flooring, cabinetry, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, finish carpentry, and other construction trades.

• Create detailed floor plans, roof sketches, and multi-level property sketches using Xactimate Sketch.

• Identify structural damage, code upgrades, material requirements, and potential hidden damage affecting reconstruction costs.

• Estimate residential and commercial reconstruction projects, including large-loss and complex insurance claims.

• Review subcontractor bids, material costs, and labor pricing to ensure accurate project estimates and profitability.

• Prepare supplemental estimates and negotiate scope differences with insurance adjusters.

• Ensure reconstruction estimates comply with applicable building codes, construction standards, and insurance requirements.

Insurance Claims & Estimate Management

• Manage the estimating process from initial property inspection through approved scope and project handoff.

• Prepare, write, review, and submit complete mitigation and reconstruction estimates to insurance carriers and property owners.

• Communicate directly with insurance adjusters, consultants, and clients regarding estimate pricing, scope discrepancies, supplements, and approvals.

• Negotiate appropriate scope and pricing to ensure all necessary restoration and reconstruction work is accounted for.

• Maintain accurate supporting documentation, photographs, sketches, measurements, and estimate revisions.

• Follow company estimating standards, file naming conventions, and documentation procedures.

• Track estimate approvals and follow up with insurance carriers to minimize delays.

• Ensure estimates are accurate, defensible, and aligned with industry standards.

Project Coordination & Budget Management

• Work closely with mitigation teams, reconstruction project managers, subcontractors, and operations personnel.

• Assist in developing project budgets and monitoring estimated versus actual costs.

• Identify scope gaps, cost variances, and potential change orders before they affect project profitability.

• Coordinate with project managers to ensure a smooth transition from mitigation to reconstruction.

• Support scheduling, material planning, subcontractor coordination, and project execution as needed.

• Maintain communication with property owners, insurance representatives, and internal teams throughout the restoration process.

• Manage multiple estimates and active projects while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in restoration estimating, with demonstrated experience in BOTH mitigation and reconstruction.

• Proven ability to independently write complete Xactimate estimates for mitigation and reconstruction projects.

• Strong proficiency in Xactimate, including Sketch, line-item estimating, scope development, supplements, and revisions.

• Experience estimating water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, demolition, structural drying, and reconstruction.

• Strong knowledge of residential and commercial construction methods, materials, labor costs, and restoration procedures.

• Ability to perform property inspections, identify damage, and create comprehensive scopes of work.

• Experience communicating and negotiating estimates with insurance adjusters and carriers.

• Understanding of insurance restoration claims, documentation requirements, and estimating best practices.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and estimating deadlines independently.

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and restoration estimating software.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to job sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing residential restoration estimates exceeding $50,000.

• Experience estimating commercial or large-loss projects exceeding $100,000.

• IICRC certifications, including WRT, ASD, or FSRT.

• Advanced Xactimate training or certification.

• Experience with insurance supplements, carrier negotiations, and complex claims.

• Experience estimating large-loss mitigation and reconstruction projects.

• Knowledge of local building codes, construction regulations, and safety requirements.

• Experience with national pricing, subcontractor bids, and material invoicing.

• Experience with catastrophe response and commercial restoration projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct property inspections in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

• Ability to climb ladders, navigate damaged structures, and access construction areas safely.

• Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, stand, and walk during site inspections.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.

• Ability to sit for extended periods while preparing estimates and documentation.

• Ability to perform repetitive computer and keyboard work.

Compensation & Benefits

Our Client offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Base Salary: $70,000–$90,000 annually, depending on experience

• 401(k) with company match

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Disability and life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Vehicle allowance

• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a well-rounded restoration estimator who understands that mitigation and reconstruction are two critical phases of the same restoration project.

The ideal candidate can walk into a damaged property, assess the loss, develop the mitigation scope, and then write a complete reconstruction estimate to restore the property to its pre-loss condition.

Success in this role requires the ability to independently scope, write, and estimate BOTH mitigation and reconstruction projects in Xactimate—not simply review estimates or manage projects prepared by others.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.