ESTIMATOR | HEAVY CIVIL & MINING Boise, Idaho | Full-Time, Permanent

MacKay Contracting • Boise, ID

4d • Onsite

About The Position

MacKay Contracting is hiring an Estimator to develop competitive estimates and practical construction strategies for complex heavy civil, earthworks, and mining projects throughout the Western United States. Based in Boise, the role works with construction professionals, operations and field personnel, and senior leadership to assess construction methods, project risks, opportunities, and project pursuit decisions.

The Estimator develops complete estimates grounded in realistic production rates, equipment capabilities, labor requirements, material costs, subcontractor pricing, indirect costs, and construction methods. The role evaluates site conditions, access, haul routes, sequencing, and alternative construction approaches, and helps develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with responsible execution.

The position also builds relationships with regional subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners, and contributes to estimate reviews, constructability discussions, and project handovers to connect estimating decisions with project delivery. The work spans projects such as major earthworks, mine infrastructure, highways, bridges, utilities, and environmental work. The position is Boise-based and requires travel to project sites and industry meetings throughout the Western United States as needed.

Requirements

• Several years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, earthworks, mining, or related infrastructure work.
• Experience developing complete estimates for self-performed construction, including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Practical understanding of equipment production, construction sequencing, and cost drivers.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, quantities, and contract documents.
• Experience with computerized estimating systems, digital takeoff tools, and spreadsheet-based analysis.
• Ability to independently develop and present estimates, including assumptions, risks, and construction approaches.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience estimating large-scale earthworks, mine development, or mine infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with construction markets, subcontractors, and suppliers in Idaho, Montana, or surrounding western states.
• Experience with public infrastructure procurement, private mining clients, or alternative delivery methods.
• Background in field operations, project management, or construction supervision.
• Experience developing estimates for challenging remote or logistically complex projects.
• A degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Develop complete, competitive estimates that account for production rates, equipment capabilities, labor, materials, subcontractors, indirect costs, and construction methods.
• Evaluate site conditions, access, haul routes, sequencing, and alternative construction methods to identify practical approaches.
• Assess project opportunities and identify commercial and construction risks.
• Develop pricing strategies that balance bid competitiveness with responsible project execution.
• Build relationships with regional subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners to support reliable, competitive bids.
• Independently develop and present estimates, including assumptions, risks, and construction approaches.
• Contribute to estimate reviews, constructability discussions, and project handovers.
• Work with operations and field personnel to ensure estimates reflect construction experience and that bid considerations carry through to project delivery.
• Travel to project sites and industry meetings throughout the Western United States as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed