Senior Estimator - Heavy Civil Infrastructure

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Infrastructure (Caltrans Specialist)

A premier infrastructure contractor is seeking a Senior Estimator to manage cost projections, bid preparations, and contract negotiations for major highway, roadway, and airfield construction projects with a heavy focus on public works and state transportation agency compliance.

Salary Range: $140,000 – $190,000 per year (Base salary, dependent on experience)

Location: Southern California (Primary operations out of the San Diego County )

Core Responsibilities

• Caltrans & Public Agency Bidding: Review and interpret Caltrans Standard Specifications , Standard Plans, and Special Provisions to assemble fully compliant, high-production public works bids.
• Highway & Roadway Estimation: Compute detailed expenses for heavy highway infrastructure, including mass excavation, structural backfill, precision asphalt paving, concrete structures, and subgrade preparation.
• Airfield & Airport Infrastructure: Estimate specialized deliverables for airport construction, such as FAA-compliant runways, taxiways, apron paving, and high-spec underground utilities.
• Bid Management & Takeoffs: Lead the assembly of accurate quantity takeoffs, analyze structural plans, and meet strict agency tender deadlines for competitive public bidding.
• Crew & Resource Pricing: Apply strong crew-based estimating techniques to calculate precise labor, high-production heavy equipment, and logistical costs for linear paving and grading operations.
• Subcontractor Coordination: Engage with DBE/UDBE subcontractors and material vendors to secure competitive pricing while ensuring compliance with Caltrans and FAA contract goals (e.g., traffic control, striping, quality control).
• Project Tracking: Interpret historical cost data, monitor material price fluctuations, and collaborate with project managers through post-bid transitions.

Job Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years of heavy civil estimating and project management experience, with a proven track record in Caltrans highway and airport infrastructure projects.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep, working familiarity with Caltrans specifications , FAA regulations, heavy grading, and California public works bidding procedures.
• Software Skills: Proficiency in specialized civil estimating software (such as Hard Dollar or HCSS HeavyBid ), Primavera P6 scheduling, and Microsoft Excel .
• Screening: Successful clearance of a physical ability test and pre-employment drug/alcohol screening.