What are the responsibilities and job description for the Civil Construction Estimator position at MacKay Contracting?
About the Role
Most estimators price work.
Some understand how it gets built.
This role is built for the latter.
You will be working on projects that challenge how civil construction actually gets built.
In this role, you will help price and win complex work across the western United States, including highways, infrastructure, reclamation, and large scale earthworks, with exposure to mining and resource sector projects.
This is an environment where estimating is tied directly to execution. You will be supported with real production data, strong field input, and a team that takes getting the work right seriously.
Your estimates will directly influence what work we pursue and how it gets built.
What You Will Get to Do
- Build estimates based on real production rates for labour, equipment, and crews
- Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents to define scope and identify risk
- Quantify earthworks, underground utilities, roadbuilding, and infrastructure scopes
- Work with subcontractors and suppliers to strengthen pricing and improve competitiveness
- Contribute to bid strategy and project selection
- Build estimate breakdowns and supporting documentation for internal reviews
- Work with project managers and field teams to ensure estimates reflect real world execution
- Continuously improve cost history, production data, and estimating systems
Project Types
- Heavy civil construction
- Earthworks and roadbuilding
- Underground utilities and infrastructure
- Reclamation and environmental work
- Mine support and resource sector projects
Projects are often located in logistically complex environments where sequencing and execution are critical.
Who This Role Is Built For
You understand heavy civil construction because you have priced it and seen how it gets built.
You are comfortable working through production, logistics, and risk rather than relying on surface level numbers.
You take ownership of your work and build estimates that hold up in the field.
Your experience includes:
- 3 years estimating civil construction, infrastructure, or similar work
- Strong understanding of earthworks, excavation, utilities, or roadbuilding
- Experience with production-based estimating
- Proficiency with Excel and estimating or takeoff software
- Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, and contracts
- Working knowledge of US construction safety and regulatory requirements
Preferred Experience
- Experience with US DOT, state, or federal infrastructure projects
- Experience across multiple jurisdictions or specifications
- Experience in mining or heavy earthworks environments
- Experience in design build or alternative delivery projects
- Degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or similar
What You Will Get
- Work connected to Missoula, Montana, with flexibility for remote work in the short term
- Direct involvement in bid strategy and project selection
- A pipeline of complex, technically challenging work
- Collaboration with experienced field and project teams
- Competitive compensation and benefits including health, dental, vision, and 401k
- Opportunity to grow with a company expanding into new markets
Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.