Estimator - Construction

Five Star Infrastructure Services, dBA InterCon/Five Star Energy Services/M&C Utility; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Five Star Energy Services is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for underground utility construction projects in Wisconsin. You will review plans, labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing to develop detailed bid packages while aligning with company objectives.

Collaborate with operations, project management, and leadership, perform quantity takeoffs, assess risks, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; related degree preferred.
• 3+ years estimating experience in underground utility construction.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs and utility plans.
• Proficiency with Excel and estimating software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Review plans, drawings, specs, bids to determine scope and estimates.
• Prepare cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subs, indirect costs.
• Analyze risks, site conditions, schedules, constructability factors.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from vendors and subs.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and calculations for resources.
• Develop bid proposals and documentation.
• Coordinate with project managers, field ops, engineering, leadership.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, project walkthroughs.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost savings.
• Maintain estimating databases and historical cost data.
• Track awarded/non-awarded projects to improve accuracy.
• Support contract review and scope clarification.

Skills

Estimating experience

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in Construction Management / Civil Engineering / Business

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management / Civil Engineering / Business

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Project management systems

Job description

Company Overview

Five Star Energy Services is dedicated to providing Turn-key utility construction services that are founded on safety, quality, and the ability to adapt. We pride ourselves on being a value-added contractor that adapts quickly and effectively to our customers’ needs.

Our team is what makes us. We have over 1800 employees that pride themselves on customer service and safely getting projects completed. Our employees tackle some of the toughest projects in the industry while keeping safety and quality at the forefront. This makes our team a truly professional group that sets us apart from our competition.

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for underground utility construction projects. This role evaluates project plans, specifications, labor requirements, equipment needs, subcontractor pricing, and material costs to develop detailed proposals and bid packages. The Estimator works closely with operations, project management, and leadership teams to ensure estimates align with project requirements and company objectives.

Essential Functions

• Review project plans, drawings, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements to determine project scope and estimate requirements.
• Prepare complete cost estimates for underground utility projects including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and associated indirect costs.
• Analyze project risks, site conditions, schedules, and constructability factors that may impact project costs.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and calculations for labor, material, and equipment requirements.
• Develop detailed bid proposals and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with project managers, field operations, engineering teams, and leadership during estimate development.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs as required.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives.
• Maintain accurate estimating databases and historical cost information.
• Track awarded and non-awarded projects to improve estimating accuracy.
• Assist with project handoff meetings to operations after project award.
• Ensure all estimates comply with company standards and customer requirements.
• Support contract review and scope clarification activities.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions, material pricing trends, labor availability, and industry changes.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of estimating experience in underground utility construction or related construction industry.
• Knowledge of underground utility construction methods, including: Telecommunications, Electric utilities, Water and sewer systems, or Gas utilities
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and utility plans.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
• Strong understanding of labor production rates and construction equipment capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience using estimating software and project management systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with municipal, utility, or communications construction projects.
• Knowledge of union and non-union labor environments.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, or other takeoff software
• Experience with estimating platforms such as B2W, HeavyBid, etc…

Company Overview

Five Star Energy Services is dedicated to providing Turn-key utility construction services that are founded on safety, quality, and the ability to adapt. We pride ourselves on being a value-added contractor that adapts quickly and effectively to our customers’ needs.

Our team is what makes us. We have over 1800 employees that pride themselves on customer service and safely getting projects completed. Our employees tackle some of the toughest projects in the industry while keeping safety and quality at the forefront. This makes our team a truly professional group that sets us apart from our competition.

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for underground utility construction projects. This role evaluates project plans, specifications, labor requirements, equipment needs, subcontractor pricing, and material costs to develop detailed proposals and bid packages. The Estimator works closely with operations, project management, and leadership teams to ensure estimates align with project requirements and company objectives.

Essential Functions

• Review project plans, drawings, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements to determine project scope and estimate requirements.
• Prepare complete cost estimates for underground utility projects including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and associated indirect costs.
• Analyze project risks, site conditions, schedules, and constructability factors that may impact project costs.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and calculations for labor, material, and equipment requirements.
• Develop detailed bid proposals and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with project managers, field operations, engineering teams, and leadership during estimate development.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs as required.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives.
• Maintain accurate estimating databases and historical cost information.
• Track awarded and non-awarded projects to improve estimating accuracy.
• Assist with project handoff meetings to operations after project award.
• Ensure all estimates comply with company standards and customer requirements.
• Support contract review and scope clarification activities.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions, material pricing trends, labor availability, and industry changes.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of estimating experience in underground utility construction or related construction industry.
• Knowledge of underground utility construction methods, including: Telecommunications, Electric utilities, Water and sewer systems, or Gas utilities
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and utility plans.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
• Strong understanding of labor production rates and construction equipment capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience using estimating software and project management systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with municipal, utility, or communications construction projects.
• Knowledge of union and non-union labor environments.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, or other takeoff software
• Experience with estimating platforms such as B2W, HeavyBid, etc…

Five Star Infrastructure Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer