Senior Project Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Project Estimator will lead the bidding and cost-estimation process for large-scale hydrovac, industrial vacuum, and utility locating projects. This individual evaluates RFP/RFQ packages, conducts comprehensive site assessments, and builds competitive pricing models factoring in crew sizes, water sourcing, transit, and environmental disposal fees. The ideal candidate combines technical civil construction knowledge with sharp financial acumen to maximize project profitability while mitigating operational risks

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Bid & Estimate Preparation: Develop comprehensive, multi-tiered cost estimates from blueprints, utility maps, SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) plans, and RFP documents
• Hydrovac Specific Cost Modeling: Formulate accurate pricing that explicitly accounts for hydro-excavation variables: soil composition (e.g., clay vs. frost), water access points, dump-site/tipping fees, slurry disposal logistics, and specialized tooling
• Risk Assessment & Constructability: Review project footprints for high-risk hazards such as high-voltage utility lines, tight urban footprints, or environmental restrictions, factoring contingency margins into proposals
• Vendor & Subcontractor Management: Solicit, review, and negotiate quotes for ancillary project costs, including traffic control, restoration/backfill materials, and specialized safety gear (e.g., shoring)
• Site Inspections: Conduct pre-bid site visits to evaluate physical job conditions, travel logistics, and potential access constraints for heavy hydrovac trucks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Project Managers and Field Superintendents during project handoffs to ensure accurate operational execution aligns with bid assumptions
• Historical Data Retention: Track, analyze, and benchmark actual post-project costs against original estimates to continuously refine the company's proprietary pricing database

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent intensive field-to-office experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of construction estimating experience, with at least 2–3 years focused specifically on hydrovac, underground utility construction, directional drilling, or heavy civil excavation.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with industry-standard estimating software (e.g., B2W, HCSS HeavyBid, or Bluebeam) and digital quantity take-offs.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep comprehension of underground damage prevention guidelines, OSHA safety protocols, and regional utility-locating standards (e.g., Common Ground Alliance regulations).
• Communication: Exceptional negotiation and presentation skills for interacting with municipal engineers, general contractors, and private developers.
• Travel: Willingness to travel regionally for mandatory pre-bid meetings and physical site walkthroughs

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Success in the Senior Project Estimator role is defined by a balance of bidding accuracy, risk mitigation, and strong partnership with field operations. A successful estimator doesn’t just win bids; they secure highly profitable contracts that can be executed safely and smoothly by the field crews.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OPPORTUNITY

We offer a dynamic environment that bridges corporate strategy and active field operations, splitting your time between a collaborative office and hands-on site visits. You will work closely with project managers and field crews in a supportive, safety-first culture where real-world operational feedback is highly valued to continuously refine our bidding accuracy. Because underground utility infrastructure is expanding rapidly, your high-impact work will have direct visibility among senior executives.