Construction Estimator

Founded in 1964, Robinson Brothers Construction is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR), the largest utility contractor in North America. We specialize in installing infrastructure for the communications, renewable energy, natural gas, and electric utility industries. Operating in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and California, we are licensed, bonded, and insured. RBC is committed to superior service, investing in employees, and competing for the future.

About the role

Robinson Brothers Construction is seeking an experienced Estimator with a project management background to join our preconstruction team. This role involves developing timely and accurate bids and proposals for underground utility and infrastructure construction projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. The ideal candidate will bridge preconstruction and operations, collaborating with field leadership, project management, and business development to define scope, quantify risk, and win profitable work.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed estimating for underground utility and infrastructure projects, including constructability considerations and project-specific means and methods
• Review work requirements and scopes of work with local operations and project stakeholders
• Research and define all cost elements including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and project risks
• Read and interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents; perform accurate quantity and material takeoffs
• Identify risks, develop appropriate contingencies, and propose constructability solutions and value engineering alternatives
• Prepare detailed written proposals including clarifications, exceptions, assumptions, and qualifications
• Present draft estimates to upper management for review, risk assessment, and approval
• Submit final approved bids to customers within required timelines
• Maintain well-organized estimate documentation, back-up files, and historical cost data
• Attend pre-bid and project scoping meetings; record customer responses and key discussion topics
• Conduct job site visits to evaluate site conditions, verify constructability, and gather estimating information
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotes
• Maintain strong communication with existing customers to support ongoing relationships
• Collaborate with the Business Development team on key pursuits and large customer engagements
• Provide project documentation and estimate turnover to field operations, project management, and administrative staff
• Participate in contract pre-planning and project kickoff meetings to set projects up for success
• Assist in preparing and submitting project or contract deliverables as required
• Support field personnel in developing and documenting change orders, and negotiate resolutions with customers
• Travel regularly to job sites, customer offices, and pre-bid meetings throughout the Pacific Northwest

Requirements

• Construction background with practical field or project delivery experience
• 2 to 3 years of estimating experience in heavy civil, utility, or commercial construction
• Project management experience — scheduling, budget control, change management, and subcontractor coordination
• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience (including military service); degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred
• Proficient in reading prints and performing quantity and material takeoffs
• Expert in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong organizational skills for notes, files, and project documentation
• Proficient in technical writing and professional correspondence
• Self-starter with strong relationship-building skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in underground construction — wet and dry utilities, water and sewer, gas and electric distribution, directional drilling, trenching, and boring
• Experience estimating infrastructure work such as roadway, site development, or renewable energy interconnection
• Familiarity with estimating and takeoff software
• Working knowledge of prevailing wage, unit-price, and lump-sum contract structures, including state prevailing wage programs in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
• Understanding of state DOT and municipal permitting, specifications, and inspection requirements (WSDOT, ODOT, or ITD)

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 20-30% travel, including customer meetings, project site visits, job walks, pre-bid meetings, and regional business development support
• Most travel is regional within the Pacific Northwest; occasional overnight or multi-day trips may be required
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and be able to travel on short notice

Key Competencies

• Analytical rigor — builds estimates from first principles and defends assumptions with data
• Sound judgment on risk, production rates, and crew composition
• Clear communication with field crews, executives, and customers
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent bids under firm deadlines without sacrificing accuracy

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with regular travel to active job sites and customer offices
• Site visits may require walking uneven terrain and exposure to Pacific Northwest outdoor weather conditions (rain, wind, cold)
• Use of required personal protective equipment
• Occasional extended hours during peak bid periods

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plan (401K) with company match
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Competitive Pay

Pay

The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $100,000 - $110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.