SENIOR ESTIMATOR

Knife River Corporation; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

401(k) with company match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Time

8 Holidays

Company Paid Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Short-term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Years of Service Recognition

Voluntary Life Insurance

Critical Illness Plan

Hospital Indemnity

Job summary

Knife River Corporation seeks a Senior Estimator in Bemidji, MN to prepare accurate cost estimates for major construction projects. You will analyze blueprints, specifications, and proposals, coordinating with clients, vendors, and internal teams to develop labor, material, and equipment estimates.

The role requires extensive bid preparation, travel for site visits, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to perform precise quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications.
• Effective written and verbal communication for bids and scope clarifications.
• Time management to meet tight bid deadlines while handling multiple estimates.
• Proficiency in estimating software, spreadsheets, and databases.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints, specifications, and proposals to prepare time, cost, labor, and material estimates.
• Review quotes and data to determine cost factors and risk.
• Prepare detailed, itemized cost breakdowns for bids.
• Coordinate with clients, vendors, and internal teams during estimating.
• Travel for site visits, pre-bid meetings, or vendor coordination as needed.
• Support operations through construction to closeout.

Skills

Analytical skills

Mathematical proficiency

Bid/estimation communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in estimation/construction

Tools

Microsoft Office

HCSS estimating software

Job description

Requisition Number: SENIO003856

• Posted : July 23, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

BEMIDJI, MN 56601, USA

• Pay or shift range: $90,000 USD to $120,000 USD
  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it’s our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Senior Estimator position is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for construction projects by analyzing blueprints, specifications, proposals, and related documentation. This position collaborates with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams to develop detailed labor, material, equipment, and time estimates. The Senior Estimator must communicate effectively (written and verbal) with all levels within and outside the organization in a professional and timely manner.

Typical schedule during production is Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM with frequent Saturdays. The schedule during maintenance season is Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with a rare Saturday.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES (summary of components that make up the job)

• Analyze blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare accurate time, cost, labor, material, and equipment estimates for construction projects and services.
• Review historical data, vendor quotes, subcontractor pricing, and internal production data to determine project cost factors and risk considerations.
• Prepare detailed, itemized cost breakdowns and supporting documentation for use in bids and proposals.
• Consult with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams to clarify scope, assumptions, pricing, and technical requirements during the estimating process.
• Calculating earthwork take-offs and 2D hard surface take-offs.
• Coordinate estimating activities for bid opportunities, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and adherence to bid deadlines.
• Participate in bid reviews and handoff meetings, clearly communicating scope, assumptions, and estimating risks to internal stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and resolve estimating issues related to scope discrepancies, material availability, production challenges, or cost variances.
• Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, and written) and maintain professionalism in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset while maintaining positive customer and vendor relationships.
• Some travel may be required for site visits, pre-bid meetings, or vendor coordination.
• Supporting operations throughout construction to closeout.
• Follow-up with current and future clients.
• Ensure DOT, MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
• Always work safely and take action to prevent any and all unsafe actions, processes, and behaviors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITITES (types and extent of knowledge, skills or abilities an incumbent must possess to complete the job responsibilities satisfactorily)

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to perform precise quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for preparing bids, clarifying scope, and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Time management and prioritization skills to meet tight bid deadlines while managing multiple estimates.
• Proficiency in estimating software, spreadsheets, and databases to organize and analyze cost data.
• Ability to interpret incomplete or conceptual design documents and make reasonable pricing assumptions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)

• Seven (7) or more years of experience as an Estimator in road construction / civil projects or very closely related
• Bachelor’s degree in estimation related field or equivalent estimating/construction experience required. A hands-on, results-oriented approach is essential. Military, intern, and/or co-op experience preferred. Capability to work both indoors and outdoors and function effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required. Experience with HCSS or similar estimating software preferred.
• Ability to hold and maintain proper licensure and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including overtime, possible nights and some Saturdays.

COMPENSATION:

$90,000 - $120,000 annually depending on experience.

BENEFITS:

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Time
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Years of Service Recognition
• Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
• Critical Illness Plan
• Hospital Indemnity

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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 laws.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.