About this Role
Robinson Brothers Construction is looking for an experienced Estimator with a project management background to join our preconstruction team. Responsibilities include the timely and accurate development of bids and proposals for underground utility and infrastructure construction projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. The successful candidate will bring hands-on construction knowledge to the estimating process, translating field realities into competitive, well-documented, and defensible bids.
This role sits at the intersection of preconstruction and operations. You will work closely with field leadership, project management, and business development to define scope, quantify risk, and win profitable work.
What You'll Do
● 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 proactively 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; ask relevant project-related questions and accurately record customer responses and key discussion topics
● Conduct job site visits to evaluate site conditions, verify constructability, and gather information required for estimating
● 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 necessary project documentation and estimate turnover to field operations, project management, and administrative staff
● Participate in contract pre-planning and project kickoff meetings, leveraging project management experience to set projects up for success
● Assist in preparing and submitting project or contract deliverables as required by customers and Robinson Brothers Construction internal processes
● Support field personnel in developing and documenting change orders, and negotiate resolutions with customers when disputes arise
● Travel regularly to job sites, customer offices, and pre-bid meetings throughout the Pacific Northwest
What You'll Bring
Required
● A 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 an equivalent combination of education and experience including military service; degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred
● Proficient in reading prints and performing quantity and material takeoffs
● Expert in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
● Expert organizer of notes, files, and project documentation
● Proficient in technical writing and professional correspondence
● Self-starter who works well independently, takes initiative, and has strong relationship-building skills
Preferred
● 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, particularly WSDOT, ODOT, or ITD
Travel Requirements
● This position requires approximately 20-30% travel
● Travel includes 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 are required depending on bid volume and project location
● Must possess a valid driver's license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and be able to travel on short notice when bid schedules require it
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 alike
● 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, including sustained rain, wind, and cold, with use of required personal protective equipment
● Occasional extended hours during peak bid periods
What You'll Get
Benefits Include:
- 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
Compensation Range:
The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $100,000 - $110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Pay is based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the employee.
Compensation RangeThe anticipated compensation for this position is USD $100,000.00/Yr. - USD $110,000.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.
