Sr. Estimator

Job Description

Job Summary:

Marks Clearing & Grading is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our preconstruction and estimating team. This is a key position responsible for leading the development of accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for complex site-development and heavy civil construction projects.

The Senior Estimator will manage major pursuits from initial opportunity evaluation through final bid and turnover to operations. This individual will work closely with executive leadership, estimating, project management, and field operations to evaluate risk, develop construction strategies, identify competitive advantages and develop junior team members.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Up to 3 team members.

Key Responsibilities:

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• Lead preparation of complete estimates for complex site-development and heavy civil construction projects.
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• Manage assigned pursuits from initial bid/no-bid evaluation through final proposal and project turnover.
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• Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, contracts, addenda, schedules, and other bid documents to fully understand project requirements.
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• Perform and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs for clearing, earthwork, erosion control, storm drainage, water, sewer, aggregate base, concrete, paving, and related civil scopes.
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• Develop earthwork strategies, cut/fill balances, haul plans, material-management approaches, and site logistics.
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• Establish construction means and methods, crew configurations, equipment requirements, production rates, durations, and associated costs.
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• Lead subcontractor and supplier solicitation efforts and evaluate quotations for scope completeness, competitiveness, and risk.
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• Identify constructability issues, scope gaps, contractual risks, schedule constraints, and other factors affecting project cost and execution.
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• Develop value-engineering alternatives and innovative construction approaches that provide competitive advantages.
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• Conduct site visits and participate in pre-bid meetings, owner meetings, and subcontractor discussions.
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• Develop bid strategies in collaboration with estimating leadership, operations, and executive management.
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• Lead estimate review meetings and clearly communicate pricing strategy, assumptions, risks, opportunities, and recommended contingencies.
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• Prepare and review final proposals, qualifications, clarifications, exclusions, and scope narratives.
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• Lead project handoff meetings with project management and field operations for awarded projects.
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• Monitor estimated versus actual production and cost performance and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
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• Maintain and improve historical cost databases, production-rate information, subcontractor pricing, and estimating standards.
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• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other industry partners.
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• Mentor and develop Estimators and Junior Estimators.
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• Assist estimating leadership with workload planning, bid assignments, process improvement, and development of estimating standards.
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• Support business development by identifying opportunities and providing technical and pricing insight during early project discussions.
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Qualifications:

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• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related discipline; significant relevant heavy civil experience may substitute for formal education.
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• 7–10+ years of progressive heavy civil/site-development construction experience, with substantial estimating responsibility.
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• Demonstrated experience independently leading estimates for large and/or complex site-development projects.
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• Strong knowledge of mass grading, earthwork, underground utilities, storm drainage, erosion control, aggregate base, paving, concrete, and related civil construction.
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• Advanced understanding of construction means and methods, equipment capabilities, crew configurations, production rates, scheduling, and site logistics.
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• Strong understanding of construction contracts, project risk, subcontractor scopes, and commercial terms.
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• Advanced ability to interpret civil plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents.
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• Proficiency with estimating, digital takeoff, earthwork modeling, scheduling, and construction-management software including AGTEK and HCSS HeavyBid..
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• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
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• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
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• Ability to manage multiple complex pursuits and deadlines simultaneously.
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• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop less-experienced estimating professionals.
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Physical Requirements:

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• Ability to spend time on job sites as needed.
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• Must be able to sit for extended periods when working on estimates.
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