Civil Estimator

Civil Estimator

The Civil Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for site development and civil construction projects. This position analyzes project plans, specifications, schedules, quantities, subcontractor proposals, and material costs to develop comprehensive estimates and bid proposals for earthwork, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water distribution, roadway construction, erosion control, and related site development activities.

The Civil Estimator works closely with company leadership, Project Managers, Superintendents, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to ensure all project costs and risks are properly evaluated prior to project award. This position plays a critical role in securing profitable work and supporting the successful execution of construction projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, permitting requirements, and bid documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for earthwork, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water distribution, paving, concrete, erosion control, and related site development work.
• Develop detailed cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, trucking, and overhead expenses.
• Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Prepare accurate bid proposals and estimate summaries.
• Analyze project risks, opportunities, constructability concerns, and site conditions.
• Develop production rates and equipment utilization assumptions for estimating purposes.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs as required.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Operations personnel to develop estimating strategies.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives.
• Maintain and update estimating databases, production rates, labor costs, equipment costs, and vendor pricing.
• Prepare bid clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, and scope reviews.
• Assist with contract negotiations and project handoff activities following project award.
• Support change order pricing and budget development during project execution.
• Review historical project cost data to improve estimate accuracy.
• Maintain organized records of estimates, bid documents, and supporting calculations.
• Stay informed on market trends, material pricing, labor availability, and industry developments.
• Participate in project turnover meetings with operations personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Science, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of estimating experience in civil construction, site development, heavy civil, or utility construction.
• Strong understanding of earthwork, grading, underground utilities, paving, and site development construction methods.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and preparing detailed construction estimates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating commercial, residential, municipal, industrial, and public infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid, AGTEK, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, Planswift, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of GPS machine control, earthwork modeling, and takeoff software.
• Experience with subcontractor procurement and contract review.
• Familiarity with project scheduling software.
• Professional certifications related to construction estimating or project management.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to review large plan sets and construction documents.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel to project sites and attend meetings as needed.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites during site visits.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based environment with occasional field visits.
• Frequent use of computers, estimating software, and construction management systems.
• Regular interaction with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, project managers, and company leadership.
• Occasional travel to project sites, bid meetings, and pre-construction meetings.
• Overtime may be required during bid preparation and project procurement periods.

Key Competencies

• Construction Estimating
• Quantity Takeoffs
• Cost Analysis
• Earthwork and Site Development Knowledge
• Underground Utility Knowledge
• Bid Preparation
• Vendor and Subcontractor Management
• Construction Document Interpretation
• Risk Assessment
• Value Engineering
• Organization and Planning
• Negotiation
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Benefits
• Health Coverage: Company covers more than 80% of employee medical insurance costs.
• Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance.
• Paid Time Off: Paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Paid Holidays: Paid holidays for eligible employees.
• 401(k) Plan: Employer match of 100% of the first 3% contributed and 50% of the next 2%.
• Profit Sharing: Opportunity to participate in company profit-sharing.
• Safety-Focused Workplace: Commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive work environment.