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Senior Estimator

Appleton Finn

The Heavy Civil Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for complex infrastructure and heavy civil construction projects. This position works closely with operations, engineering, project management, procurement, and executive leadership to develop comprehensive bid proposals that align with company objectives while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and profitability. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, extensive knowledge of heavy civil construction means and methods, and the ability to evaluate project risks and opportunities throughout the estimating process. Review and analyze plans, specifications, contracts, and other bid documents to determine project scope and requirements. Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for earthwork, utilities, concrete, structures, paving, grading, excavation, and other heavy civil work. Develop complete cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, trucking, temporary works, and indirect costs. Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations to ensure scope completeness and competitiveness. Coordinate with operations personnel to develop construction sequencing, work plans, equipment strategies, and production assumptions. Prepare bid summaries, estimate reviews, and executive presentations prior to bid submission. Identify project risks, constructability concerns, schedule impacts, and value engineering opportunities. Maintain and update estimating databases, production rates, labor costs, equipment costs, and historical pricing information. Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs as required. Collaborate with project teams to ensure a seamless transition from estimating to project execution following contract award. Support change order pricing, budget development, conceptual estimating, and negotiated work as needed. Ensure all estimates comply with company standards, client requirements, and bid submission deadlines. Participate in post-bid reviews to evaluate estimate performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and heavy civil construction experience will be considered. 5+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction preferred. Highway and roadway construction Bridges and structures Earthwork and mass grading Excavation and trenching Industrial or energy infrastructure projects Strong understanding of heavy civil construction methods, equipment capabilities, production rates, and scheduling. Experience with conceptual, design-build, CMGC, negotiated, and hard-bid procurement methods is preferred. Technical Skills Proficiency with estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid, B2W Estimate, InEight Estimate, AGTEK, Bid2Win, or similar platforms. Experience with Bluebeam Revu, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or digital takeoff software. Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including advanced formulas and data analysis. Familiarity with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project is beneficial. Ability to interpret civil engineering drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong analytical and mathematical abilities. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines simultaneously. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Effective negotiation and relationship-building skills with subcontractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders. High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment. Sound judgment and problem‑solving skills under tight bid schedules. Physical Requirements Ability to travel to project sites and attend pre‑bid meetings as necessary. Ability to perform occasional field walks over uneven terrain and active construction sites. Ability to sit for extended periods while preparing estimates and analyzing project documentation. Preferred Experience Candidates with experience estimating projects valued from several million dollars to over $500 million across transportation, infrastructure, utility, industrial, renewable energy, and other heavy civil market sectors are highly desirable. What Success Looks Like Successful Heavy Civil Estimators consistently deliver accurate, competitive estimates that support profitable project execution. They build strong working relationships across operations, engineering, procurement, and executive leadership while continuously improving estimating processes, leveraging historical cost data, and identifying opportunities to enhance project value. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to complex infrastructure projects that shape communities while working in a collaborative, safety-focused, and performance-driven environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Vacancy posted 2 days ago
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