Estimator - Microtunneling & Underground Utilities

Keystone Distinction Group; Portland, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in Portland, OR is seeking a Mid-level to Senior Estimator to join our Heavy Civil and Underground Construction team. The role focuses on microtunneling, utility tunnels, HDD, and trenchless projects, delivering accurate cost estimates and competitive bids.

The successful candidate will lead takeoffs, risk review, and proposals, liaise with operations and design teams, and mentor junior estimators while maintaining market pricing and project schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years estimating experience in heavy civil, underground, or trenchless construction.
• Experience estimating microtunneling, utility tunnel, boring, or similar underground projects.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as InEight, HCSS HeavyBid, Bid2Win, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed, accurate estimates and bid proposals for heavy civil and underground projects.
• Review drawings, specs, geotechnical reports, and contracts to identify scope and risks.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, and project management through estimating process.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

InEight

HCSS HeavyBid

Bid2Win

Primavera P6

MS 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.