Lead Heavy Civil Estimator & Preconstruction

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Commercial Estimator & Preconstruction at Trifecta Equipment Contracting

Company: Trifecta Equipment Contracting

Location: San Angelo, Texas

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: 115,000–135,000+ annually, plus performance-based bonus

Work Arrangement: Primarily office-based with remote/hybrid flexibility available for the right candidate

The Opportunity

Trifecta Equipment Contracting is seeking an experienced Heavy Civil Estimator & Preconstruction to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts across earthwork, underground utility, roadway, industrial, government, and site-development projects.

This is a high-impact position for an estimator who understands both the numbers and how projects are actually built in the field.

You will take opportunities from early plan review and quantity takeoff through final bid preparation, subcontractor coordination, risk analysis, and operational turnover. The ideal candidate can work independently, make sound go/no-go recommendations, and help protect project profitability before work ever reaches the field.

What You’ll Do

• Lead complete quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and bid summaries for heavy civil and site-development projects.
• Review civil drawings, specifications, geotechnical information, and bid documents for scope gaps and project risk.
• Estimate earthwork, excavation, underground utility, roadway, concrete/site, and related civil scopes.
• Develop production assumptions using equipment, labor, material, site-condition, and schedule considerations.
• Solicit and coordinate subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Compare bids and confirm subcontractor scope coverage before final submission.
• Evaluate project risk, constructability, profitability, and overall bid viability.
• Support conceptual budgeting and value-engineering efforts during preconstruction.
• Conduct site visits when needed to verify access, grading, utility, logistics, or existing conditions.
• Maintain estimating history, production data, and cost information for future bids.
• Coordinate closely with ownership and operations on pursuit strategy.
• Prepare clear handoff packages for project managers and field superintendents after award.
• Help ensure assumptions made during estimating are properly communicated to the project team.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil, earthwork, excavation, underground utility, roadway, industrial site work, or closely related construction.
• Proven ability to independently perform detailed quantity takeoffs and build complete project estimates.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents.
• Experience coordinating subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Ability to evaluate equipment utilization, labor production, material quantities, logistics, and field conditions.
• Strong judgment regarding project risk and bid/no-bid decisions.
• Proficiency with construction estimating and takeoff software.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Highly Preferred

• Experience with Trimble Business Center.
• Familiarity with Trimble GPS, machine-control, or civil modeling workflows.
• Prior field experience as a superintendent, foreman, operator, project manager, or similar heavy-civil operations role.
• Government or federal civil estimating experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• Spanish/bilingual communication skills.

The Kind of Person Who Will Succeed Here

You are more than a desk estimator.

You can look at a set of plans and think through how the job will actually be built — the equipment required, crew productivity, site access, weather exposure, subcontractor dependencies, utility conflicts, and the operational risks that can determine whether a project makes or loses money.

You are comfortable owning your work, asking questions early, and telling leadership when a project does not make financial or operational sense.

Work Location & Flexibility

• The role is based in San Angelo, Texas.
• Trifecta has an established office environment, and some initial in-person onboarding is expected.
• For the right experienced candidate, remote or hybrid flexibility may be available once systems, expectations, and working relationships are established.
• Candidates located within reasonable travel distance of San Angelo are preferred.
• Site visits may be required periodically, but overnight travel for this position is expected to be minimal.
• A company vehicle will be available when jobsite travel is required.

Compensation & Benefits

• 115,000–135,000+ annual base compensation.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Bi-weekly payroll.
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation and sick time.
• Company-provided technology as needed.
• Company vehicle for required project/site travel.
• Safety and professional training opportunities.
• Flexible remote/hybrid options where appropriate.

About Trifecta Equipment Contracting

Trifecta Equipment Contracting performs heavy civil and site construction throughout West and Central Texas, including earthwork, underground utilities, roadway work, industrial projects, and government/public-sector construction. Our team operates with a practical, hands-on approach and a strong focus on efficient decision-making, project execution, and long-term profitability.

This role gives an experienced estimator the opportunity to directly influence the projects we pursue and how successfully those projects are delivered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Trifecta Equipment Contracting is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.