Project Manager/Estimator

Knife River - MT; Montana; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction company in Montana is looking for a skilled project estimator to manage public and private project bids. The candidate should have at least 2 years of highway construction experience, particularly in asphalt and paving operations. Strong project management skills, knowledge of construction specifications, and the capacity to communicate effectively with stakeholders are essential. The role also requires the ability to travel for extended periods, ensuring successful execution of projects according to safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of highway construction experience.
• Experience in asphalt, paving, materials, and/or chipseal operations.
• Acumen for construction specifications and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and manage public and private projects.
• Prepare and submit bid proposals to project owners.
• Coordinate with Senior Management and field leadership.
• Supervise field crew members and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Monitor subcontractor work and financial aspects of contracts.

Skills

Estimating and/or Project Management experience

Knowledge of highway materials

Ability to travel for long periods

Understanding of safety regulatory compliance

Good communication skills

Education

BS Degree or equivalent education/certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

HCSS bidding software

Job description

Job Summary

Estimating and managing public and private projects, completing bids, meeting and communicating with owners, subcontractors and suppliers, preparing takeoffs, reviewing plans and specifications and scheduling. Assisting superintendents, coordinating subcontractors, preparing and reviewing billings, tracking costs and investigating problems for troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Review proposal specifications, drawings, pre‑bid meetings and visit project sites to determine scope of work required for bid/estimate proposal.
• Determine labor, equipment and material requirements to complete project and use information to prepare bid/estimate proposal.
• Submit complete bid/estimate proposals to project owners, managers or general contractors in a timely and professional manner, and provide any clarification on information submitted as needed.
• Provide current and potential customers/clients prompt professional service including design, planning and pricing assistance.
• Provide project administrative management of awarded contracts.
• Coordinate with Senior Management and field leadership to establish project objectives, procedures, schedules and performance requirements.
• Provide indirect or direct supervision of field crew members/foremen or superintendents.
• Maintain documentation of quantities and value of work estimated/completed to support forecasting for future project performance.
• Provide ongoing support to Construction/Operations for efficient and profitable execution of work, including scheduling, procurement and change order/supplemental work processes.
• Monitor subcontractor work.
• Work with Contract Administrator to review and process financial aspects of contracts (e.g., billings, sub‑contract payments, material payments, collections, etc.).
• Manage project (responsible for all projects bid unless reassigned).
• Troubleshoot and problem‑solve situations/problems (material quality, equipment operation/repair, etc.) and monitor and discuss production problems with co‑workers and managers/supervisors.
• Ensure MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Estimating and/or Project Management experience in asphalt, paving, materials, and/or chipseal operations with a minimum of 2 years highway construction experience.
• Acumen for highway materials, construction specifications, and troubleshooting.
• Ability and willingness to travel for long periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS Degree or equivalent education/certification/experience in related construction background.
• HCSS bidding experience.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of related production and placement practices and specifications for hot mix asphalt and/or chip seal.
• Knowledge and understanding of Quality Control operations related to hot mix asphalt and/or chip seal.
• Ability to build & maintain internal and external relationships with stakeholders.
• Understanding of environmental and safety regulatory compliance requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.