Road Construction Estimator

Position Summary

First Star Safety is seeking a skilled and analytical Construction Project Estimator to lead and support our bidding efforts across a range of public and private roadway and construction projects. This role plays a critical part in helping shape the future of our projects by reviewing bid documents, preparing competitive cost proposals, analyzing risks, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and profitability.

The ideal candidate has strong technical skills in estimating, knowledge of DOT/ODOT regulations, and the ability to manage multiple complex bids simultaneously. Experience with Microsoft Office and Deltek is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Estimation & Bid Management

• Analyze requirement documents, blueprints, and specifications to prepare accurate cost estimates for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and confirm material pricing using digital takeoff software or blueprint reviews.
• Lead preparation and submission of bid proposals, ensuring compliance with bid instructions and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct pre-bid site visits, when warranted, to verify project conditions.

Vendor & Contractor Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, engineers, and clients to gather necessary estimate inputs and stay updated on pricing trends.

Documentation & Reporting

• Organize and prepare complete bid packages including pricing sheets, supporting documentation, and internal handoff notes.
• Track actual project costs against original estimates to assess accuracy and identify trends.
• Generate post-bid review reports and collaborate with project managers to transition successful bids into execution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales & the Project team to ensure accurate scoping and estimate alignment.
• Communicate bid strategy, status, and priorities to internal stakeholders clearly and proactively.
• Attend bid openings and pre-construction meetings as necessary.

Compliance & Process Improvement

• Stay current with ODOT, DOT, and OSHA standards as well as prevailing wage guidelines.
• Help maintain a library of unit pricing and historical project cost data to inform future bids.
• Participate in the ongoing refinement of estimating SOPs and templates using Deltek and Microsoft tools.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in construction estimating, ideally with a general contractor or heavy highway firm.
• Strong background in roadway, traffic control, or pavement marking projects.
• Proven experience estimating public works and prevailing wage projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Deltek (or similar estimating/project management tools).
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents and specifications.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, OnScreen Takeoff, or other digital takeoff platforms is a plus.

Skills & Attributes

• High attention to detail and accuracy in take-offs and calculations.
• Excellent time management and ability to handle multiple bids with varying deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to interface with multiple departments and external partners.
• Sound judgment and analytical skills for cost forecasting and risk analysis.
• Team-oriented, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of vocational training and relevant experience will be considered.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in office and job site environments; occasional travel to project sites (