Estimator

Title: Estimator

Reports to: Division Manager

Welcome to Herman Weissker, Inc. where we've been building the backbone of the West's infrastructure since 1959! Headquartered in Riverside, CA, we're a proudly minority-owned, family-oriented company with deep roots in utility engineering, underground construction, telecommunications, and pipeline services.

At HWI, we're more than just a contractor, we're a team of passionate problem-solvers, skilled builders, and committed professionals who believe in doing things the right way. We work with some of the biggest names in the industry including Southern California Edison, PG&E, SoCal Gas, AT&T, and Verizon and we're trusted to deliver high-stakes projects that keep communities connected, powered, and safe.

About the Role:

HWI is seeking a hands-on Lead Estimator/Project Manager to drive both competitive estimates and full-lifecycle project delivery for underground electric distribution and gas distribution projects. This role owns the pursuit strategy (takeoffs, pricing, vendor strategy, risk) and post-award execution (schedule, cost control, change management, client relations, and closeout). You'll lead cross-functional teams and serve as the main point of contact for utility clients and key subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities:

² Lead takeoffs, production analysis, and unit pricing for UG electric (primary/secondary, duct banks, manholes/vaults, joint trench) and gas (mains, services, tie-ins) scopes.

² Build detailed estimates using historical data, crew rates, equipment spreads, and productivity assumptions.

² Develop bid strategies, preliminary schedules, logistics plans, and risk registers.

² Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor/supplier quotes; negotiate pricing and terms.

² Prepare proposal narratives, clarifications/exclusions, and value engineering options.

² Conduct site walks, utility markouts/USA 811 coordination, and constructability reviews.

² Lead project kickoff and execution planning; finalize WBS, budget, and baseline schedule.

² Manage submittals, RFIs, permits, traffic control plans, and environmental compliance.

² Oversee field operations coordination (trenching & shoring, HDD, paving/restoration, inspections).

² Track costs (labor, equipment, materials), productivity, and AR/AP; issue monthly cost reports and forecasts (earned value, margin at complete).

² Lead change management (T&M tickets, CEAs, COs), claims documentation, and client negotiations.

² Ensure quality, safety, and compliance with owner standards and Cal/OSHA; conduct regular site visits.

² Build strong relationships with utility owners, inspectors, and AHJs to ensure schedule adherence and acceptance.

² Leadership & Continuous Improvement

² Mentor junior estimators/PMs; standardize estimate assemblies and production norms.

² Improve templates (bid tabs, cost reports, change logs) and drive process discipline.

² Partner with Safety to reinforce a zero-incident culture and pre-task planning.

Qualifications:

² 4-7+ years of experience estimating and managing underground utility projects (electric distribution and/or gas distribution) for utility owners or prime contractors.

² Proven wins on competitive bids and successful delivery of self-perform crews and subcontractors.

² Solid command of trenching & shoring, duct bank construction, manholes/vaults, joint trench coordination, gas tie-ins, paving & restoration, traffic control, HDD/microtrench (nice to have).

² Working knowledge of relevant standards and regulations (e.g., utility owner specifications, USA 811/One Call, Cal/OSHA; CPUC guidance helpful).

² Strong financial acumen: job cost structure, cost-plus/T&M, earned value, forecasting, and change management.

² Excellent client-facing communication and negotiation skills; clear and concise writing.

² Software: Proficiency with estimating tools (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, B2W, or equivalent), Bluebeam, InEight, MS Excel, MS Project or Primavera P6; ERP exposure (e.g., Spectrum) is a plus.

² Education: BS in Construction Management, Civil/Construction Engineering, or equivalent experience.

² Licenses/Certs: Valid CA driver's license. OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR preferred. Gas OQ and ATSSA Traffic Control a plus.

² Field walkdowns, work in active construction zones, and occasional night/weekend work to support outages or critical operations.

² Ability to traverse uneven terrain, enter vaults/manholes as permitted, and comply with all safety requirements.

At Meruelo, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and better business outcomes. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.