Estimator – Heavy Infrastructure

Jobtailor; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Salem, Oregon, seeks an experienced Estimator for heavy civil and water infrastructure projects. You will prepare cost estimates, review bids, and coordinate with engineering and operations to ensure competitive pricing.

The role requires strong reading of drawings and specifications, fluency with estimating software (HCSS, Sage Estimating, Bid2Win) and Excel, plus the ability to manage deadlines. This on-site position offers growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in construction-related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience on heavy construction projects or industrial projects.
• Minimum of 5 years of estimating experience in heavy civil or water infrastructure construction.
• Strong understanding of civil construction methods, with focus on treatment facilities, pump stations, & dams.
• Proficient in estimating software (HCSS, Sage Estimating, Bid2Win) and Microsoft Excel; ability to read drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates on proposals, projects, and studies ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Adjust productivity, material prices, and methods based on project conditions.
• Review specifications and drawings to identify risks and opportunities for pricing.
• Coordinate and review variable estimating factors with Engineering, Procurement and Operations.
• Provide technical guidance to Estimating Team for all levels of estimates.
• Assist in independent assessment of estimate accuracy after completion.
• Coordinate pricing structure development for takes offs, quantities, and cost allowances.
• Obtain and verify construction quotations, addendas, and contract changes.

Skills

Civil construction methods

Reading & interpreting drawings

Time management

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering or related field

Tools

HCSS

Sage Estimating

Bid2Win

Microsoft Excel

MS Word

Job description

• Prepare cost estimates on proposals, projects, and studies and ensure that the content of the estimate is complete, accurate, and meets the requirements of the Estimating Manager.
• Adjust productivity, material prices, and means / methods depending on varying project conditions.
• Review solicitation documents such as specifications and drawings to identify risks and opportunities related to competitive pricing.
• Coordinate and review the variable estimating factors in each area with Engineering, Procurement and Operations.
• Provide technical advice and assistance to the Estimating Team in the preparation of all levels of estimates ranging in scope and complexity.
• Assist the Estimating Team with an independent assessment of an estimates accuracy (upon completion of the estimate and summarization of all detailed man-hours, material, construction and home office costs).
• Coordinate the performance of pricing structure development and application to takeoffs, derived quantities, quantity assumption, and cost allowances.
• Obtain and verify construction quotations for facilitation of construction projects, addendas and contract changes.
• Obtain and verify subcontractor questions for construction projects and ensures compliance with construction documents.
• Compile and analyze bids.
• Develop reports for all review processes.
• Provide constructability reviews and guidance to the operations team to ensure the preliminary costs of the projects.
• Actively research, solicit, and develop a network of relationships within the supply chain.
• Review and incorporate historical data from purchase orders, subcontractors, and productivity analysis reports in order to continuously improve estimating accuracy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a related field; equivalent combination of construction field experience, skills and training may be substituted.
• Minimum of 5 years of previous experience on heavy construction projects or industrial projects.
• Minimum of 5 years of estimating experience in heavy civil or water infrastructure construction.
• Strong understanding of civil construction methods, with a focus on treatment facilities, pump stations, & dams.
• Working knowledge of construction equipment and techniques, drawings and specifications, building materials, and required standards applicable to the discipline desirable.
• Proficient in estimating software (e.g., HCSS, Sage Estimating, Bid2Win) and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to read and interpret civil, structural, and mechanical drawings, specifications, & geotechnical reports.
• Effective time management skills with the ability to meet strict bid deadlines.
• Must be proficient in using MS Word, and Excel.
• Ability to interface and communicate effectively with others.