High Voltage Powerline Field Estimator
Employment Type
Part-Time
Remote position with project reviews, site visits, and meetings as needed.
Position Overview
Seeking an experienced high voltage powerline field estimator for projects bid throughout southern and central Idaho. This position is ideal for a retired or semi-retired journeyman lineman, foreman, general foreman, or utility construction professional who possesses extensive distribution line construction experience and a strong understanding of IPC standards and specifications.
Candidates with Idaho Power (IPC) estimating and/or construction experience are strongly preferred.
The estimator will review bid packages, analyze project requirements, determine labor and equipment needs, develop accurate cost estimates, and provide support in the preparation of competitive bid proposals. This is a part-time, as-needed position averaging approximately 40–60 hours per month, depending on bidding activity and project needs. The position is primarily remote, with project reviews, site visits, and meetings as necessary.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Review project plans, specifications, staking sheets, maps, and construction drawings to determine project scope and requirements.
- Develop detailed labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor cost estimates for overhead and underground distribution projects.
- Analyze project requirements to determine crew sizes, equipment needs, construction methods, and estimated production rates.
- Collaborate with the VP of operations to prepare accurate and competitive bid proposals for utility construction projects.
- Evaluate project risks, permitting requirements, and construction challenges that may impact project costs and schedules.
- Collaborate with VPS management and field personnel to develop estimating strategies and project execution plans.
- Review supplier and subcontractor pricing as needed.
- Maintain organized estimating records and supporting documentation.
- Assist with project planning and budgeting efforts as needed.
- Apply, submit and obtain right-of-way permits for contracted projects.
Required Qualifications
- High commitment to VPS Core Values.
- Commitment to adhering to the highest level of industry and company safety standards.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical distribution line construction at the journeyman lineman level or higher position.
- Extensive knowledge of overhead and underground distribution construction practices.
- Ability to accurately estimate labor hours, equipment requirements, and material quantities needed to complete utility construction projects.
- High familiarity with Idaho Power (IPC) construction specifications, standards, and manuals.
- Ability to navigate and interpret IPC standards and the IPC Foreman's Code Dictionary.
- Working knowledge of overhead distribution systems, including:
- 12.5kV and 34.5kV construction
- Gloving and hot-stick work methods
- Estimated labor requirements for various construction tasks
- Working knowledge of underground residential distribution (URD) systems, including:
- 12.5kV and 34.5kV installations
- Trenching, boring, and civil construction requirements
- Experience identifying permitting requirements and understanding jurisdictional authority for state, county, and local road crossings.
- Ability to read and interpret maps, staking sheets, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
- Ability to distinguish colors and accurately read utility maps and construction documents.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous estimating experience for utility construction projects.
- Direct experience working on Idaho Power (IPC) distribution construction projects.
- Foreman, general foreman, or superintendent experience.
- Experience with estimating software and project management systems.
- Knowledge of utility permitting processes and right-of-way requirements.
- Familiarity with REA construction standards.
- Experience working on and/or providing estimates for transmission projects is a bonus.
- Retired or semi-retired utility construction professionals are encouraged to apply.
Why This Opportunity May Be a Good Fit
- Flexible schedule.
- Part-time, as-needed workload.
- Primarily remote work environment.
- Opportunity to leverage years of utility construction experience.
- Ideal for retired or semi-retired utility professionals.
- Opportunity to contribute to critical utility infrastructure projects.
- Work with a company committed to safety, quality, integrity, and teamwork.
About Voltage Power Solutions
Voltage Power Solutions is a leading provider of utility construction services dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality power infrastructure. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, and customer-focused approach. Our team plays a critical role in powering communities and supporting the future of the electrical utility industry.
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical distribution line construction at the journeyman lineman level or higher position?
- Do you have direct experience working on Idaho Power (IPC) distribution construction projects?
- Do you have foreman, general foreman, or superintendent experience?
- Do you have experience with estimating software and project management systems?
- Do you have knowledge of utility permitting processes and right-of-way requirements?
- Do you have familiarity with REA construction standards?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
