Underground Estimator

Team Kline; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Team Kline, based in Des Moines, IA, seeks an Underground Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for underground utility construction projects. You will analyze plans, develop budgets, obtain pricing, and collaborate with operations, project management, and customers to support successful execution.

You will ensure estimates meet company standards and client requirements, review bid documents, perform quantity takeoffs, assess profitability, and help guide subcontracting decisions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of underground construction estimating experience.
• Ability to read construction drawings, specs, and contracts.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and competitive bid proposals for underground utility construction projects.
• Review project plans, specifications, contracts, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Assess the potential profitability of projects to assist management with bidding decisions.
• Provide actionable solutions to enhance project profitability.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost information, and unit pricing.
• Ensure estimates comply with applicable building codes, project specifications, and company standards.
• Complete and submit competitive project bids in line with established guidelines.
• Evaluate labor and material costs to determine the feasibility of in-house construction versus subcontracting.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and oversee pre-con meetings with project managers and field foremen for effective project handoff.
• Assist in managing project change orders as needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, engineers, architects, general contractors, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Maintain ongoing communication with project managers and conduct post-project reviews for continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Underground estimating

Excel proficiency

Blueprint reading

Cost analysis

Project coordination

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Underground Estimator
Reports To: Underground Solutions Manager
FLSA Status: Full-Time | Salary | Exempt
Direct Reports: None

Job Summary

The Underground Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for underground utility construction projects. This position analyzes plans and specifications, develops project budgets, obtains vendor and subcontractor pricing, and collaborates with operations, project management, and customers to support successful project execution. The Underground Estimator plays a key role in securing profitable work while ensuring estimates align with company standards, customer requirements, and project objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and competitive bid proposals for underground utility construction projects.
• Review project plans, specifications, contracts, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Assess the potential profitability of projects to assist management with bidding decisions.
• Provide actionable solutions to enhance project profitability.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost information, and unit pricing.
• Ensure estimates comply with applicable building codes, project specifications, and company standards.
• Complete and submit competitive project bids in line with established guidelines.
• Evaluate labor and material costs to determine the feasibility of in-house construction versus subcontracting.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and oversee pre-con meetings with project managers and field foremen for effective project handoff.
• Assist in managing project change orders as needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, engineers, architects, general contractors, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Maintain ongoing communication with project managers and conduct post-project reviews for continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Underground utility construction methods and industry practices.
• Ability to accurately interpret blueprints, specifications, and contract documents.
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Commitment to delivery of high-quality customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of Underground construction estimating experience.
• Working knowledge of underground utility construction methods and electrical infrastructure.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience preparing quantity takeoffs and project cost estimates.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, and estimating software.
• Strong organizational, mathematical, and analytical skills.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must be insurable under the company's vehicle insurance policy.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Frequently review construction plans, specifications, and electronic documents.
• Occasionally lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally travel to project sites, customer meetings, and company locations.
• Visual and auditory ability are sufficient to review technical documents, communicate effectively, and conduct occasional field observations.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with computer work
• Primarily works in an office environment with periodic exposure to active construction sites where appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

Project Assignments

• Employees may occasionally be assigned to work on projects outside of their primary product line to support operational needs, workforce planning, and project scheduling. Temporary changes in assignments do not constitute a change in job title or classification.