Estimator

Whitaker Construction; Lehi (UT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Health benefits

Retirement plan with 401K match

Paid holidays & personal days

Quarterly incentive program

Job summary

Whitaker Construction in Utah is seeking an experienced Structures Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates and bid packages for heavy civil projects, including cast-in-place concrete, pump stations, water treatment facilities, vaults, and bridges. You will analyze plans, specs, and project docs to determine scope, materials, labor, and equipment costs.

The role supports bid strategy, profitability analysis, and smooth turnover to operations, with a focus on risk assessment and value

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply company estimating policies and procedures.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct site evaluations.
• Analyze plans, specifications, and reports to prepare detailed quantity take-offs for concrete, formwork, reinforcing steel, embedments, structural steel.
• Develop labor, material, and equipment cost estimates using company software (B2W estimating software experience is a bonus).
• Evaluate formwork systems, concrete placement methods, crane and equipment needs, and sequencing to determine efficient and cost-effective construction approaches.
• Compare take-off quantities to bid forms to ensure accuracy.
• Submit RFIs and clarify discrepancies with owners, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Evaluate alternative construction methods and cost-saving opportunities.
• Assess project risk exposure and profitability.
• Participate in bid reviews and ensure timely submission of complete bids.
• Coordinate successful handoff of awarded projects to Project Managers.
• Assist with change order pricing preparation during construction.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Plan interpretation

Bid management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

Coins

B2W

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Primavera P6

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive cost estimates and bid packages for structures projects, including cast-in-place concrete structures, pump and lift stations, water and wastewater treatment facilities, vaults, retaining walls, bridges, and related vertical infrastructure. This role entails analyzing plans, specifications, and project documentation to determine scope, materials, labor, equipment, production rates, risk exposure, and overall project costs. The Structures Estimator plays a key role in bid strategy, profitability analysis, and successful project turnover to operations. Experience with structures estimating is required, and experience with Alternative Delivery proposal submission is preferred.

Whitaker Holdings is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) family of companies with over 70 years of experience in heavy civil construction, underground utilities, and telecommunications. Whitaker Holdings encompasses multiple companies, including Whitaker Construction, DasCo of Idaho, Advanced Cable Technology, and Bighorn Traffic Services. Operating across Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, and beyond, our companies are united by four core values — Value Safety, Embrace Ownership, Be Honorable, and Elevate Team — which guide how we work, how we treat each other, and how we deliver quality results on some of the most challenging projects in the region.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Including but not limited to the list below.

• Learn and apply company estimating policies and procedures.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct site evaluations.
• Analyze plans, specifications, and reports to prepare detailed quantity take-offs for concrete, formwork, reinforcing steel, embedments, structural steel, masonry, and related structural work.
• Develop labor, material, and equipment cost estimates using company software (B2W estimating software experience is a bonus).
• Evaluate formwork systems, concrete placement methods, crane and equipment needs, and sequencing to determine efficient and cost-effective construction approaches.
• Compare take-off quantities to bid forms to ensure accuracy.
• Solicit and compile subcontractor and supplier quotes, including ready-mix, rebar, structural steel, mechanical, electrical, and specialty trades.
• Submit RFIs and clarify discrepancies with owners, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Evaluate alternative construction methods and cost-saving opportunities.
• Assess project risk exposure and profitability.
• Participate in bid reviews and ensure timely submission of complete bids.
• Coordinate successful handoff of awarded projects to Project Managers.
• Assist with change order pricing preparation during construction.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by supervisors.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of structures or structural concrete construction estimating experience; 5 or more years preferred.
• Strong understanding of structures construction methods, production rates, and cost controls, including cast-in-place concrete, formwork, reinforcing steel, and structural steel.
• Proven ability to manage multiple bids of varying size and complexity.
• Advanced knowledge of reading and interpreting plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Experience with Coins, B2W, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Primavera P6, or similar estimating software.
• Experience with risk analysis and value engineering.
• Experience with proposal writing and alternative delivery proposal submission.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work extended hours to meet bid deadlines.
• Able to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, balance, climb, kneel, and crouch.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and job site environments.

Whitaker Construction offers an exceptional benefits package including:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employees earn shares in the company – All employees have ownership in the company and its success.
• Competitive wages.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Insurance.
• 401K and Match.
• Paid Holidays.
• Paid Personal Days.
• Quarterly Incentive Program (profit sharing).
• Referral Bonuses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The ADA defines “reasonable accommodation” as a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job, and does not cause an undue hardship for the employer.

Whitaker Construction is an “equal opportunity employer.” Whitaker will not discriminate and will take “affirmative action” measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.