Heavy Civil Commercial Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Heavy Civil Commercial Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive cost estimates for heavy civil and commercial construction projects. With a minimum of five (5) years of estimating experience, this individual plays a critical role in winning profitable work by analyzing project plans and specifications, coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers, and leveraging advanced estimating tools including HCSS HeavyBid and Carlson Takeoff Software. This position requires a detail-oriented professional with strong technical knowledge of heavy civil construction methods, materials, and scheduling.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Estimating & Bid Preparation

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs from civil engineering plans and specifications using Carlson Takeoff Software.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates for projects including earthwork, grading, utilities, paving, drainage, and site development.
• Build and manage bid models in HCSS HeavyBid, including crew and equipment productivity analysis, cost coding, and bid item assembly.
• Solicit, review, and incorporate subcontractor and supplier quotes into bid submissions.
• Prepare complete bid packages and coordinate submission requirements.
• Analyze owner-furnished documents, addenda, and RFIs to ensure scope accuracy.

Project Analysis & Strategy

• Evaluate bid opportunities and assist in Go/No-Go decision making.
• Conduct pre-bid site visits to assess site conditions, access constraints, and project risks.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methods to enhance competitiveness.
• Analyze historical cost data and productivity benchmarks to refine estimates.
• Support post-bid reviews and award analysis to refine future estimating accuracy.

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, and field operations staff to validate estimate assumptions.
• Present bids and estimate summaries to senior leadership for review and approval.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure competitive pricing.
• Participate in preconstruction meetings and project handoff sessions upon award.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain organized estimate files, bid records, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all bids comply with contract terms, prevailing wage requirements, and DBE/MBE/WBE goals where applicable.
• Track bid calendar and manage multiple simultaneous estimates to meet submission deadlines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in heavy civil and/or commercial construction estimating.
• Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid estimating software — including cost libraries, equipment cost databases, and bid assembly.
• Proficiency in Carlson Takeoff Software — including plan sheet setup, surface modeling, and automated earthwork calculations.
• Strong working knowledge of civil and commercial construction methods, materials, equipment, and crews.
• Ability to read and interpret civil and structural plans, specifications, and Geotech reports.
• Experience estimating earthwork, underground utilities, site concrete, asphalt paving, and drainage systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Project).
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with public works, DOT, municipal, or federal construction projects.
• Familiarity with public bid platforms.
• Knowledge of prevailing wage laws, Davis-Bacon Act requirements, and certified payroll processes.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification or PE licensure is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS SUMMARY

• Estimating
• • HCSS HeavyBid
  • Carlson Takeoff
  • Microsoft Excel
  • MS Office Suite
• Construction Disciplines
• • Earthwork & Grading
  • Underground Utilities
  • Site Concrete & Paving
  • Drainage Systems
• Project Types
• • Highway & Roadway
  • Bridge & Structures
  • Site Development
  • Municipal / DOT Projects

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily office-based environment with regular use of desktop computers and large-format plan review.
• Periodic site visits to active construction jobsites; PPE required on site (hard hat, safety vest, boots with rubber soles).
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Occasional lifting of plan sets and document packages up to 25 lbs.
• Travel up to 25% for site visits, pre-bid meetings, and project walkthroughs.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Competitive base salary — commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development allowance and support for industry certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.