Job Description
Estimator - Civil Construction
About MacKay
MacKay Contracting is a heavy civil contractor built on performance, grit, and follow through. For over 40 years, we've delivered critical infrastructure across Western Canada. Now, we're bringing that same reputation for tough, high-quality work to the U.S. market.
We specialize in complex civil construction: highways, bridges, mine support, reclamation, and earthworks in remote terrain and challenging conditions. We don't chase easy work, we win the ones that matter. When we commit, we deliver. No excuses.
What You'll Get to Do
As a Civil Construction Estimator, you'll be responsible for developing accurate, competitive estimates that help us win civil and infrastructure projects across the western U.S. You'll work remotely, reporting to our Estimating Lead and collaborating with field teams, project managers, and senior leadership across state and national borders. You won't just be punching numbers into a spreadsheet or software. You'll be driving strategy and pricing work we intend to win. As a Civil Construction Estimator at MacKay, you'll lead the preparation of accurate, competitive cost estimates for complex projects, from roadbuilding and utilities to reclamation, contract mining, and mine infrastructure.
You'll work closely with project managers, engineers, and leadership turning project details into real numbers that reflect how we actually build the work.
Your Role Includes:
- Reviewing project specs, drawings, and contract documents to determine scope and key risks
- Visiting project sites to gather first-hand intel and identify constructability factors
- Quantifying materials, labour, equipment, and production rates with precision
- Sourcing and evaluating subcontractor and supplier pricing to strengthen your numbers
- Leveraging historical data, internal rates, and market trends to support bid strategy
- Preparing detailed takeoffs and estimate breakdowns across all major civil scopes
- Building bid summaries, risk registers, and backup packages for internal reviews
- Participating in bid strategy sessions and handover meetings
- Continuously improving our estimate database and cost history tracking
Who You Are
You're a builder at heart, but your strength is in preconstruction. You understand scopes like earthworks, roadbuilding, underground utilities, and environmental work, and you know how to price them with accuracy and foresight. You're not afraid to get into the details, ask questions, and hold the line on what it takes to execute the work properly.
You have:
- 3+ years of experience estimating civil construction projects
- Strong understanding of scopes including excavation, utilities, roadworks, bridges, and reclamation. Various State, Federal, Municipal standards and specifications.
- Proficiency in takeoff software, Excel, and estimating platforms
- A sharp eye for constructability, logistics, and schedule implications
- A collaborative mindset - but the independence to drive your own process
- Knowledge of general construction safety, current federal and OSHA requirements
Even better if:
- You've worked in both bid-build and design-build environments
- You've contributed to successful proposals or pursuit strategies
- You have a degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
What's In It for You
- Remote-first role with flexible hours based out of Montana
- A critical role with direct influence on what projects we pursue and win
- A strong pipeline of technical, high-impact work
- Mentorship and collaboration with a seasoned estimating and leadership team
- Competitive salary with a full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and a 401(k) program
- Career development and advancement opportunities as we grow our U.S. operations
- A chance to help build the foundation of something bigger - while working with a team that's got your back
We build the work that others avoid.
If you thrive on complexity, take pride in accuracy, and want to be part of a team that wins and delivers, we want to hear from you.
Job Tags
Price work, Contract work, For contractors, For subcontractor, Remote work, Easy work, Flexible hours