Power Utilities Estimator I — Build the Grid's Future

Henkels & McCoy, Inc.; Doswell (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Henkels & McCoy, Inc. in Doswell, VA, is seeking an Estimator I – Power Utilities to prepare timely, accurate cost estimates for electric utility projects including distribution, transmission, substations, and storm restoration.

You will help optimize labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors in line with contracts and safety standards. Under supervision you will bid on unit-price, lump-sum, and program-based contracts, work with operations, engineering, and supply chain, and support

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating, preferably within electric utility or power delivery.
• Ability to read and interpret utility drawings, specifications, and standards.
• Understanding of electric utility construction methods, materials, and industry practices.
• Experience with computerized estimating and bidding software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication across teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant estimating experience.
• 1-3 years of experience estimating.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for electric utility projects.
• Analyze bid documents, drawings, specifications, work orders, and standards to develop accurate pricing.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor estimates using historical cost data, productivity rates, and utility-specific unit pricing.
• Assist with estimating for long-term utility programs, including master service agreements and task-order based work.
• Participate in site visits to assess field conditions, access constraints, and constructability considerations specific to power utility work.
• Support change order pricing by evaluating scope changes, unit rate adjustments, and field-driven modifications.
• Maintain organized bid documentation and estimating backups to meet internal review and utility audit requirements.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, supply chain, and project management teams to validate assumptions and align estimating strategies.
• Assist in developing and refining estimating guidelines, databases, and cost models specific to electric utility construction.
• Interface with utility clients and internal stakeholders to support bid presentations, clarifications, and planning discussions.
• Ensure all estimates align with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements applicable to power utilities.

Skills

Estimating

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Reading drawings

Team collaboration

Education

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

1-3 years estimating experience

Tools

Estimating software

MS Office

Job description

Henkels & McCoy, Inc. in Doswell, VA, is seeking an Estimator I – Power Utilities to prepare timely, accurate cost estimates for electric utility projects including distribution, transmission, substations, and storm restoration.

You will help optimize labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors in line with contracts and safety standards. Under supervision you will bid on unit-price, lump-sum, and program-based contracts, work with operations, engineering, and supply chain, and support