Senior Construction Estimator
Idaho, Boise
About the Position
This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to join a growing, robust, and collaborative team. The Senior Estimator will play a leadership role within the Estimating Department, responsible for the accurate and timely execution of the full estimating process, including direct and indirect cost estimating, best-value proposals, and construction budgeting.
The ideal candidate must be capable of managing multiple estimates and pursuits concurrently, with strong multitasking and organizational skills. This role requires the ability to analyze contract plans, specifications, proposals, and other project documentation to develop accurate time, cost, and labor estimates for construction projects or services.
The Senior Estimator will lead estimates, proposals, and budgets for heavy civil and structural projects and will help guide the efforts of an estimating and pursuit team, which may include engineers, estimators, and other support staff. Projects may be delivered through traditional design-bid-build, design-build, or alternative delivery methods such as preconstruction services, CMAR, CM/GC, or similar approaches.
This position is responsible for estimates, proposals, and budgets across all IMCO regions and will lead pursuits as assigned by the Estimating Manager.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
This list represents the primary responsibilities of the position and may not include all duties required.
- Analyze project plans, specifications, proposals, and related documentation to determine accurate construction costs
- Apply strong knowledge of heavy civil construction (including dams, reservoirs, bridges, wastewater, and similar infrastructure), with an understanding of region-specific means and methods
- Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor services, and indirect costs
- Oversee quantity take-offs, including review of quantity take-offs prepared by subordinate staff
- Solicit, evaluate, and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotes to ensure competitive and complete pricing
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders to identify value engineering and cost-saving opportunities
- Prepare, review, and present complete and accurate bid packages, including executive review materials
- Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and other project-related meetings as required
- Monitor market trends, pricing, and industry best practices to maintain competitive estimates
- Maintain awareness of project schedules, deadlines, and pursuit timelines
- Lead estimating efforts for complex, multi-discipline projects, ensuring scope alignment and accurate quantities
- Supervise, mentor, and train members of the estimating team
- Lead estimating meetings, executive reviews, and internal strategy sessions
- Develop and lead subcontractor and vendor solicitation strategies to maximize value and coverage
- Lead minority outreach and participation efforts to meet COA and aspirational participation goals
- Conduct meetings with subcontractors and vendors to confirm complete scopes and aligned bid strategies
- Perform risk assessment and contract review responsibilities during the bidding process
- Review final estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to formal submission
- Utilize estimating and cost-control systems to compare estimated costs with historical and actual project data
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance estimating processes and efficiency
- Visit construction sites to assess site conditions and identify unusual or challenging factors impacting cost
- Review proposal quantity variations and apply appropriate pricing strategies for unit price bids
- Prepare and submit supplemental documentation to support project-specific insurance programs and favorable rates
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $120,000 – $160,000 per year, depending on experience
- Annual discretionary bonus program
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance available starting the first day of the month following 60 days of employment
- 401(k) retirement plan with 100% company match up to 4% of eligible wages (available after 60 days of employment)
- Paid Time Off (PTO):
- First year of employment: 10 days, prorated based on hire date
- January 1 prior to 6 months of employment: 10 days
- January 1 following 6 months of employment: 15 days
- January 1 following 5 years of employment: 20 days
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
- Company vehicle provided for business-related travel, including a gas card
- Company-provided cell phone
- Required travel expenses paid
Location & commitments
- This is an in-office position based in Boise, Idaho. Selected candidate may be considered for placement in other IMCO regional office locations. Relocation may be required.
- This role requires a minimal amount of business travel; however, periodic travel may be necessary to visit and monitor construction job sites, attend site visits, and participate in pre-bid or pre-proposal meetings.
- Travel may also be required to support estimating and proposal efforts, including pursuit coordination, closeout activities, and final submittals.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or construction management required, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in heavy civil preconstruction, estimating, and/or construction operations
- At least 5 years of experience in a dedicated estimator role within an Estimating Department
- Other engineering degrees and relevant construction market experience may be considered
- 5+ years of experience estimating projects across multiple delivery methods, including design-bid-build, design-build, progressive design-build, and alternative delivery methods such as preconstruction services, CMAR, CM/GC, or similar
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Advanced experience with SharePoint, Adobe or Bluebeam, Primavera P6, and Microsoft Project
- Advanced knowledge of HCSS HeavyBid, including Activity and Resource Codebooks, and cost and production history tools
- Experience with electronic subcontractor solicitation platforms such as SmartBid
- Familiarity with electronic bidding and submission systems such as AASHTOWare (for DOT bidding) and other portals including Quest CDN, Zycus, or similar platforms
- Strong ability to read, analyze, interpret, summarize, and communicate contract specifications, permits, technical procedures, and governmental regulations
- Proven ability to prepare senior-level reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation
- Effective communicator with the ability to present information to senior management and respond to questions from executives, clients, partners, and other stakeholders
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex variables in situations with limited standardization
- Ability to interpret instructions provided in written, verbal, diagrammatic, or schedule-based formats
Additional Requirements
- Pre-employment drug testing required
- All employees are required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening, including testing for THC. In addition, IMCO maintains a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy and conducts random drug screenings throughout employment. Employees selected through a neutral, random selection process will be required to participate in testing in accordance with company policy.
- Criminal background check required
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
- Ability to adhere to all safety requirements
- Demonstrated commitment to teamwork, safe work practices, and integrity
About IMCO IMCO Construction is a heavy civil general contractor serving public and private clients throughout Washington, Montana, Oregon, and Idaho. We take pride in our people by offering competitive compensation, strong benefits, ongoing training, and a culture built on teamwork, accountability, and innovation. Our commitment to safety is foundational and reflects our core values and the dedication of our team.
Our Mission: Proudly building complex projects with integrity, excellence, and safety.
Our Vision: To be the best—the most exceptional team—tackling challenging opportunities with world-class innovation and positively impacting our communities every day.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]
IMCO Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer — all qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and veterans, are encouraged to apply.
