Estimator - Microtunneling & Underground Utilities

Sora Resource Group; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sora Resource Group is seeking a Mid-level to Senior Estimator for our Heavy Civil and Underground Construction team in Portland, OR. The role focuses on microtunneling, utility tunnels, HDD, trenchless methods, and underground utilities, with responsibilities from bid preparation to post-award support.

You will lead detailed cost estimates, review drawings and geotechnical reports, and develop schedules, takeoffs, and RFQs, while mentoring other estimators and coordinating with project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil, underground, or trenchless construction.
• Experience estimating microtunneling, utility tunnel, boring, or similar underground infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as InEight, HCSS HeavyBid, Bid2Win, or similar.
• Working knowledge of Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed, accurate, and competitive cost estimates and bid proposals for heavy civil and underground construction projects.
• Review project drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to identify project scope and risks.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and perform field evaluations as required.
• Prepare comprehensive quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Develop project schedules and sequencing to support estimate development.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Analyze alternative construction methods, means and methods, and value engineering opportunities to improve competitiveness.
• Prepare RFQs and evaluate vendor and subcontractor proposals.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, and project management teams throughout the estimating process.
• Participate in project handoff and kickoff meetings to ensure successful transition from estimating to construction.
• Support project teams with budget reviews, change order pricing, and cost analysis during construction.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the development of estimating best practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of market pricing, labor productivity, equipment costs, and industry trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Promote a strong culture of safety throughout all phases of project planning and execution.

Skills

Estimating

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

InEight

HCSS HeavyBid

Bid2Win

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Estimator – Heavy Civil / Underground Construction

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mid-level to Senior Estimator to join our growing Heavy Civil and Underground Construction team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience estimating microtunneling, utility tunnel, horizontal boring, trenchless, and underground utility projects. This individual will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates, developing proposals, evaluating project risks, and supporting project teams from preconstruction through project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed, accurate, and competitive cost estimates and bid proposals for heavy civil and underground construction projects.
• Review project drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to identify project scope and risks.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and perform field evaluations as required.
• Prepare comprehensive quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Develop project schedules and sequencing to support estimate development.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Analyze alternative construction methods, means and methods, and value engineering opportunities to improve competitiveness.
• Prepare Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and evaluate vendor and subcontractor proposals.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, and project management teams throughout the estimating process.
• Participate in project handoff and kickoff meetings to ensure successful transition from estimating to construction.
• Support project teams with budget reviews, change order pricing, and cost analysis during construction.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the development of estimating best practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of market pricing, labor productivity, equipment costs, and industry trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Promote a strong culture of safety throughout all phases of project planning and execution.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates should possess estimating experience in one or more of the following:

• Microtunneling
• Utility Tunnels
• Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
• Auger Boring
• Jack and Bore
• Pipe Jacking
• Trenchless Construction
• Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
• Underground Utilities
• Sewer and Storm Drain Systems
• Large Diameter Pipeline Installation
• Heavy Civil Infrastructure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil, underground, or trenchless construction.
• Demonstrated experience estimating microtunneling, utility tunnel, boring, or similar underground infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of excavation, shoring, tunneling methods, underground utilities, and civil construction practices.
• Experience preparing estimates from conceptual through final design.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as InEight, HCSS HeavyBid, Bid2Win, or similar.
• Working knowledge of Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates while meeting deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for project site visits as needed.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Design-Build, CM/GC, Progressive Design-Build, or Alternative Delivery projects.
• Knowledge of geotechnical reports and underground risk assessment.
• Experience performing constructability reviews and value engineering.
• Leadership experience mentoring estimating teams.

Work Environment

• Full-time position.
• Office-based with periodic travel to project sites.
• Approximately 75% office and 25% field.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required during site visits.

Why Join Us?

Join a team delivering complex underground infrastructure projects that improve communities through innovative trenchless and heavy civil construction solutions. You'll have the opportunity to work on challenging projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and contribute to the successful delivery of critical infrastructure.