Estimator at Goodfellow Bros Inc – Portland, Oregon
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About This Position
Established in 1921, Goodfellow Bros. (GBI) is a large heavy-civil contractor with operations throughout the West Coast & Hawaii. Our company is a fourth-generation, family-owned business, celebrating over 100 years in the industry! We have earned a reputation for professionalism and integrity that reflects our longstanding commitment to the individuals, businesses, and resources of the communities in which we live and work.
GBI has always maintained that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are now seeking to add to our team. We are looking for an Estimator to join our team in Portland, OR.
Position Summary
As an Estimator at Goodfellow Bros., you will play a vital role in the success of our public- and private-sector improvement projects by producing accurate, timely, and competitive bids. You'll take ownership of the full estimating lifecycle—identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, coordinating internal reviews, and supporting projects post-award.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, brings strong attention to detail, and is passionate about shaping communities through exceptional civil construction. You’ll also serve as a mentor to junior staff and contribute to business development and strategic growth efforts.
Essential Functions
- Carefully review all bid documents—including plans, specifications, soils reports, and related materials—to determine the full scope of work and how it will be divided between self-performed tasks and subcontracted work. Assess any changes to these documents and evaluate their impact on scope, cost, and overall project risk.
- Lead the coordination and evaluation of quantity take-offs for each pursuit, ensuring accuracy while identifying key project details such as site access, phasing requirements, production limitations, and overall scope magnitude.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings and conduct site visits to assess project-specific constraints and evaluate how they may affect the development of a competitive and profitable cost estimate.
- Reach out to the necessary subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers to request quotes and clarify scopes of work. Ensure adequate bid coverage across all trades while proactively identifying and addressing potential scope gaps.
- Use historical cost and production data to prepare accurate, timely estimates. Identify and assess pursuit-related risks by categorizing, prioritizing, and evaluating potential issues, then communicate and implement strategies to mitigate them effectively.
- Calculate and compile the estimated cost and duration for each activity, factoring in labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor needs to ensure the project can be executed efficiently and profitably.
- Finalize the estimate and prepare the project schedule along with executive-level summary documents, allowing sufficient time for a thorough peer and management review. Confirm that all action items are resolved before submitting the bid.
- After bid submission, compile and organize all related documents and pricing backups in a clear, orderly format—either for archiving or for seamless handoff to the project team if the bid is awarded.
- Deliver pre-construction services and prepare budgetary estimates for clients and prospective customers to support relationship-building and generate new business opportunities.
- Support project teams by developing pricing for change orders and providing estimates for additional scope on active projects, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout project execution.
- Identify and pursue new pipeline opportunities and potential clients within the region to support long-term business growth and strategic expansion.
The right candidate brings a strong understanding of the construction industry and uses that knowledge to make smart decisions that support our goals. They communicate clearly and adapt their style to different audiences while building strong, trust-based relationships with clients and team members. They’re detail-oriented and able to stay focused and productive, even when things are uncertain or fast-paced. They can handle complex information, solve problems effectively, and keep projects moving forward. Most importantly, they think ahead, plan strategically, and stay calm under pressure—always working toward both short-term success and long-term growth.
Competitive Benefits & Total Rewards at Goodfellow Bros.
At Goodfellow Bros., employee well-being is a top priority. Our comprehensive total rewards package is designed to support your physical, mental, and financial health while offering the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of you and your family. Here’s what you can expect:
This position offers a salary range of $90,000 to $110,000 annually.
Additional Compensation
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a partially employee-owned company, GBI offers eligible employees the opportunity to build long-term wealth through shared ownership.
- 401(k) + Profit Sharing: Immediate eligibility with generous annual employer contributions that go beyond traditional match programs.
- Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $700 per year for participating in healthy lifestyle activities.
- Employee Referral Bonuses: Help grow our team and receive bonuses for successful referrals.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Low-cost plan options, including Premera HSA (WA, OR, CA), Kaiser HMO (OR, CA, HI), and HMSA (HI). Preventive care is covered at 100%.
- Paid Time Off: Up to 26 days of vacation, 9 sick days, and 11 paid holidays annually.
- Parental & Family Leave: One paid bonding week, with additional unpaid leave available.
- Disability & Life Insurance: Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, plus life insurance coverage up to 1.5x your annual salary.
- Training & Career Growth: Access to leadership development programs, mentorship, and career advancement support.
- Perks & Community Programs: Charitable contribution matching, paid volunteer time, and retail discounts.
Required Education, Experience, and Technical Knowledge
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (four-year or technical school) or equivalent experience.
- 3–5+ years of estimating experience in general civil construction preferred.
- Proven track record of bidding success and project profitability.
- Experience using HCSS Heavy Bid, Heavy Job, and proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Project.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Legal right to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.