The Junior Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and all associated documents for construction projects, including determining costs, necessary resources, and project schedules. This role analyzes plans, specifications, proposals, quotes, and other documentation in order to prepare time, cost, materials, equipment, and labor estimates while applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principles, and processes. The Junior Estimator plays a key supporting role in bid strategy, profitability analysis, and successful project turnover to operations.
Whitaker Holdings is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) family of companies with over 70 years of experience in heavy civil construction, underground utilities, and telecommunications. Whitaker Holdings encompasses multiple companies, including Whitaker Construction, DasCo of Idaho, Advanced Cable Technology, and Bighorn Traffic Services. Operating across Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, and beyond, our companies are united by four core values — Value Safety, Embrace Ownership, Be Honorable, and Elevate Team — which guide how we work, how we treat each other, and how we deliver quality results on some of the most challenging projects in the region.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Including but not limited to the list below.
- Develop a full understanding of company estimating policies and procedures.
- Attend pre-bid meetings and perform site work evaluations.
- Request bid bonds and prepare qualification documents as required.
- Analyze plans, specifications, reports, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, equipment, and labor estimates.
- Prepare a detailed take-off of the quantities and scope of work detailed in the project plans.
- Review take-off quantities compared to bid form quantities to ensure accuracy of data used in estimates.
- Analyze alternative construction methods and cost-saving opportunities in the bidding process.
- Understand market and competitor pricing based on historical and current costs.
- Solicit and compile all documentation and quotes from subcontractors and suppliers.
- Submit RFIs and clarify discrepancies with owners, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors on any issues discovered in the plans and specifications prior to finalizing cost estimates.
- Maintain relationships with subcontractors and vendors to obtain competitive quotes.
- Review material, labor, and equipment requirements to prepare a detailed cost estimate using company estimating software (B2W estimating software experience a bonus).
- Compute production rates and prepare estimates used for management purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work, preparing bids, selecting vendors or subcontractors, and determining cost effectiveness.
- Assess project risk exposure and profitability for all assigned projects.
- Participate in bid reviews and ensure timely submission of complete bids.
- Coordinate successful handoff of awarded projects to Project Managers and maintain continued involvement with the project construction team.
- Assess profitability of projects and track actual costs relative to bid as the project develops.
- Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by supervisors.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 12–18 months of underground utility or heavy civil estimating experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of heavy civil construction methods, production rates, and cost controls.
- Excellent background in mathematics, including algebra and geometry, as well as drafting and plan reading.
- Prior experience with engineering drawings, technical plans, and contracts preferred.
- Knowledge of field concepts, practices, and procedures related to commercial construction preferred.
- Understanding of estimating techniques, cost control, and material pricing preferred.
- Experience with risk analysis and value engineering.
- Proven ability to manage multiple bids of varying size and complexity.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills with strong attention to detail and ability to recognize and correct discrepancies.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Experience with Coins, B2W, AGTEK, On-Screen Takeoff, Primavera P6, Trimble Business Center, or similar estimating software preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to get to and from work.
Physical Requirements:
- Able and willing to work long hours, including working outside of normal hours in order to meet bid deadlines.
- Able to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, balance, climb, kneel, and crouch, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.
- Able to work in outside environments being subjected to weather changes, noise, vibrations, and job hazards.
Whitaker Construction offers an exceptional benefits package including:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employees earn shares in the company – All employees have ownership in the company and its success.
- Competitive wages.
- Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Insurance.
- 401K and Match.
- Paid Holidays.
- Paid Personal Days.
- Quarterly Incentive Program (profit sharing).
- Referral Bonuses.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The ADA defines “reasonable accommodation” as a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job, and does not cause an undue hardship for the employer.
Whitaker Construction is an “equal opportunity employer.” Whitaker will not discriminate and will take “affirmative action” measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
