Natnael Dessie
Estimator
Silver Spring,MD
Summary
Construction Estimator with 5+ years of experience delivering full-cycle estimating for commercial concrete and site construction projects. Proven track record of winning work through accurate cost modeling, production-based estimating, and superior scope clarification. Contributed to securing 8 projects totaling $5M+ in the U.S. market. Strong expertise in RS Means, Heavy Bid, Bluebeam, and advanced Excel-based estimating systems.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Estimator
C&N Construction
Lorton, Virginia
09.2025 - Current
- Lead and execute the full estimating lifecycle from ITB through proposal submission and project handoff
- Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to define scope, identify cost drivers, and detect gaps
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs (SF, LF, CY) for foundations, slabs, sidewalks, curb & gutter, and site concrete
- Develop comprehensive cost estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs
- Build and maintain cost database and unit pricing using vendor quotes, market data, and historical projects
- Develop and refine production rates using field tracking, foreman input, and actual job performance
- Conduct site visits to validate estimating assumptions and align pricing with real construction conditions
- Identify risks including site access, geotechnical conditions, schedule constraints, scope gaps, and price fluctuations
- Manage RFIs and pre-bid clarifications to ensure complete and accurate scope coverage
- Communicate directly with general contractors to clarify scope and strengthen bid positioning
- Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to solicit, level, and negotiate pricing
- Conduct post-bid follow-ups to track proposal outcomes and improve win rate
- Contributed to winning 8 projects totaling $5M+
- Lead handoff to project management, clearly communicating scope, assumptions, and risks
Estimator & Project Manager (Co-Founder)
NM&F General Construction Enterprise – Ethiopia
Gondar, Ethiopia
11.2018 - 07.2023
- Co-founded and managed a construction enterprise delivering 25+ residential, commercial, and public projects
- Delivered multi-million-dollar reinforced concrete projects, including multi-story buildings
- Managed full estimating lifecycle, including BOQs, takeoffs, cost modeling, and bid submissions
- Developed detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and production resources
- Built internal cost tracking systems, databases, and production benchmarks
- Secured 7+ competitive bids through strong scope definition and pricing strategy
- Led project execution, including budgeting, procurement, scheduling, and site coordination
- Worked directly with field crews and foremen to align estimates with actual production
- Achieved ~15% cost savings through efficient planning and productivity optimization
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
University of Gondar
Gondar07-2018
Skills
- Construction estimating
- Bluebeam
- Microsoft Outlook
- Estimating software
- Concrete & Site Takeoffs
- Microsoft Excel
- Blueprint reading
- Full estimating lifecycle
- Attention to detail
Project planning
Cost estimation
Value engineering
Material takeoffs
Construction
Certification
AutoCAD Certification
Timeline
Estimator
C&N Construction
09.2025 - Current
Estimator & Project Manager (Co-Founder)
NM&F General Construction Enterprise – Ethiopia
11.2018 - 07.2023
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
University of Gondar