Estimator

northwesternenergy; Bozeman (MT); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match up to 4%

Healthcare and wellbeing programs (d/D

HSA and FSA for dependents

Employee Assistance Programs (up to 6C

Life Insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive pay with wage increases

Paid time off and holidays

Paid parental leave

Paid training opportunities

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy seeks an Estimator for an office-based role in Bozeman, MT. You will design, estimate, and manage residential and commercial utility installations, coordinating with customers, contractors, and regulators while planning projects to meet company standards.

The role mixes office work with occasional field activities; strong emphasis on accurate cost estimates, design of underground services, and project coordination with nearby utilities and crews.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• Business, technical degrees, or extensive construction background preferred.
• Valid Driver's License and clean driving record.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Knowledge of safety policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Office-focused with some field work.
• Create design estimates and job quotes for customers.
• Coordinate with customers, contractors, and regulators.
• Use locates and site visits to identify utilities and landscape features.
• Ensure cost estimates meet company standards and timelines.
• Oversee project design and implementation with internal and external teams.

Skills

Project estimation

Construction knowledge

Communication

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Site mapping tools

Job description

Estimator (Office Setting)

Work Location: Bozeman, MT

Pay range: $57,200 to $96,800 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

About this position:

The Estimator is responsible for designing, estimating, and being the project manager for new gas and electric residential and commercial utility installations.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,600 amazing people and serve over 800,000 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial heath)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• This position will be primarily focused in an office setting. Some field work will be included in this position
• Must become familiar with the Capital Business process related to Customer requests for new service and relocates and other processes as assigned
• Communicates timely and effectively to maintain good working relationships with customers, contractors, engineering firms, and regulators
• Must be able to work in a team atmosphere to complete assigned responsibilities within the Capital Business process and to enhance the customer experience
• Answer specific questions from customers regarding utility extensions and capital business processes
• Use locates, mapping, and site visits to establish location of current or nearby utilities, prospective utility routes, and location of critical landscape features such as wetlands, drainage/culverts, traffic concerns, etc.
• Locate electric, gas, communication, water, sewer and any other pertinent underground facilities
• Obtain permits as needed
• Design underground electric and/or gas services and other work as assigned
• Provide design estimate using Company process for estimating and create job quotes and contracts for the customer
• Take effective steps to ensure that cost estimates meet company standards
• Create job quotes and contracts for the customer
• Take effective steps to ensure that cost estimates meet company standards
• Manage the implementation of the project design including working with the customers, coordinating with other nearby utility providers, with contractors to ensure site is prepared to grade, with firms providing traffic control, and providing onsite orientation and supervision to crews and contractors carrying out the work
• Perform capital forecasting for estimating allocation of man-power hours
• Clearly and concisely communicate both written and verbally
• Represent NorthWestern Energy and interact effectively and responsibly with internal company employees, external contractors, agencies, or other groups
• Drive to work sites, may require overnight stays, and work extended hours including evenings and weekends as required
• Work in all weather conditions
• Perform individual lifts of equipment weighing up to 35 pounds
• The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Business, technical degrees, or extensive construction background or field experience preferred
  • December 2026 graduates are welcome to apply. Must have diploma by start date
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Knowledge of safety policies/procedures

Requisition #5077

Posting Dates: September 16, 2026 through September 29, 2026

Department/Division: Distribution Operations - Construction

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: Part-time within Bozeman Division service territory negotiable following the completion of an in office training period

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at [e-mail].