Basin Enterprises, Inc. is seeking an experienced transmission and distribution line construction estimator to take ownership of preparing, coordinating, reviewing, and submitting estimates for overhead and underground line projects throughout California and other select states. We are looking for someone who excels in estimating theory with advanced expertise in line construction means and methods, understanding of labor union agreements and prevailing wage requirements, and knowledge of supplier markets. Our estimators play a key role in supporting business development, meeting revenue goals, and securing profitable work to support our most valuable asset – our people.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the preparation of assigned conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates for overhead and underground transmission and distribution line construction projects ranging from distribution to high voltage (12kV to 500kV)
- Develop labor units, crew structures, and production models primarily in alignment with IBEW Outside Line Construction Agreement classifications and jurisdictional rules
- Apply prevailing wage assessments and adjustments as applicable according to State, Federal, IRA, and similar requirements
- Perform accurate quantity and volume-based takeoffs and pricing of labor, equipment, and materials
- Evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing for specialty work (e.g., helicopter services, horizontal directional drilling, traffic control) – evaluating supplier bids for scope, cost effectiveness, compliance, and risk
- Conduct detailed pre-bid reviews with Operations, Safety, and Project Management to confirm constructability and compliance with IBEW and client standards.
- Review and interpret project plans, geotechnical documentation, specifications, standards, design drawings, addenda, and contract requirements
- Develop work breakdown structures aligned to customer RFPs/contracts and create project schedules for estimates
- Coordinate with construction operation management and project management teams to lay out awarded projects and provide change order proposal and bid knowledge support throughout the project lifecycle
- Attend pre-bid meetings, project walkdowns, and other bid/project related meetings and events
- Identify cost-saving opportunities, alternative construction methods, and value engineering options
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market pricing, union labor rates, and industry best practices
- Prepare competitive proposals for investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, joint power agencies, and renewable developers.
- Support bid strategy development, identifying advantages, risks, and differentiators in union line construction markets
- Develop, maintain, and utilize production rates in collaboration with construction operation management teams
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to other estimators and personnel as applicable
- Create wholistic bid submission packages to include both company and customer required documentation
- Assess and document cash flow, risk management, contingency, and margin strategies
- Present estimate overview and details in reviews with construction operations teams and in senior management review/approval meetings
- Ability to read and understand construction drawings, plans and profile
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Skilled in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and office 365
- Must be able to work under pressure, respond to changing priorities, multi-task, and meet deadlines
- Excellent customer service and relationship building skills; ability to interact professionally and knowledgeably with a wide variety of individuals
- Strong verbal, written, and presentations skills
- Meticulous with excellent organizational skills
- Enthusiastic collaborator who is adaptable in a fast-paced, project-driven environment
- Considered a knowledgeable and resourceful functional expert within the estimating discipline
- Strategic thinker with an operational execution focus
- Operate autonomously with a self-driven approach to responsibilities
- Work extended and/or non-standard hours as needed to meet large-scale utility RFP deadlines
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field or commensurate field construction/management experience
- 5+ years of progressive estimating experience in electrical transmission and distribution projects including at least 2 years in a senior or lead estimator role
- Direct experience working and/or estimating under IBEW Outside Line Agreements and State/Federal prevailing wage applicable projects
- Proficiency with estimating software HCSS Heavy Bid and MS Excel – experience with other similar estimating software considered based on level of experience
- Experience with ViewPoint Vista or similar ERP / construction management programs
- Familiar with CPUC regulations, GO-95/128 standards, and utility-specific standards & specifications
Company Description
WHO WE ARE:
At Basin Enterprises, Inc., we are proud to be a family-owned company, built on trust, hard work, and long-term relationships. With decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for safety, quality, and reliability—delivering expertise in heavy civil construction, utility support, substation, renewables, T&D line work, and traffic control. By combining the agility of specialized crews with the resources of an established enterprise, we provide the capabilities and confidence on which our customers can rely.
Our culture reflects our family values: collaboration, accountability, and care for our people. We believe in empowering our teams, fostering growth, and building lasting partnerships rooted in respect and integrity.
Guided by our mission – “We Solve, We Build, We Deliver – One Handshake at a Time.” – we go beyond building infrastructure. We build trust, strengthen communities, and deliver results that stand the test of time.
Join our team as a Traffic Controller where you will contribute to building safer roadways while gaining valuable experience in the construction industry!
Our projects are regulated by federal and state laws which require all employees to successfully pass criminal background checks, MVR, and drug tests (pre-employment and random testing).
