Underground Utilities Estimator

Position Summary:

Markham Contracting Co., Inc. is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Underground Utilities Estimator to join our estimating team. This position is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for underground utility construction projects, including water distribution, sanitary sewer, storm drain, and related infrastructure improvements.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of heavy civil construction methods, underground utility installation, project specifications, material requirements, equipment production rates, and labor costs. This individual will work closely with project managers, field operations, subcontractors, suppliers, and the estimating team to develop competitive bids while maintaining company profitability and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Estimating and Bid Preparation

• Review and analyze construction plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, contract documents, and bid requirements to determine project scope and associated costs.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for underground utility construction, including water, sanitary sewer, storm drain, manholes, catch basins, valves, hydrants, fittings, and related structures.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates incorporating labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, trucking, excavation, trench safety, backfill, compaction, and restoration.
• Evaluate soil conditions, trench depths, groundwater conditions, existing utilities, and site constraints that may affect construction methods and project costs.
• Estimate excavation quantities, shoring requirements, dewatering, bedding, backfill, and surface restoration.
• Determine appropriate crew configurations, equipment requirements, production rates, and construction durations.
• Prepare competitive bids for public and private underground utility construction projects.
• Identify potential project risks, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Maintain accurate and organized estimating files, bid documentation, and historical cost information.

Subcontractor and Supplier Coordination:

• Solicit and evaluate quotations from material suppliers, subcontractors, and specialty contractors.
• Review supplier and subcontractor proposals to verify compliance with project specifications and bid requirements.
• Negotiate competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Monitor material pricing trends, availability, and lead times for underground utility materials.

Project Analysis and Collaboration:

• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs to assess existing conditions and construction requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and field personnel to validate construction approaches, productivity assumptions, and project schedules.
• Participate in bid reviews and present estimate assumptions, project risks, and pricing recommendations to management.
• Assist with project handoff meetings to ensure operations personnel understand estimated costs, scope, production assumptions, and contractual requirements.
• Review completed project costs and production data to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Assist project management with pricing change orders, additional work, and revised project scopes as needed.
• Coordinate with other estimating disciplines, including grading, paving, concrete, and dry utilities, on projects involving multiple scopes of work.

Cost Management and Continuous Improvement:

• Maintain and update estimating databases, unit costs, labor rates, equipment rates, and production assumptions.
• Analyze historical job costs and actual field production to identify estimating trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Stay informed of construction industry trends, utility installation methods, local agency standards, and market conditions.
• Recommend improvements to estimating procedures, software utilization, and bid preparation processes.
• Support the development of competitive bidding strategies consistent with company objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of estimating or related field experience in underground utility or heavy civil construction preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water, sewer, storm drain, and underground infrastructure construction.
• Ability to interpret civil construction plans, specifications, details, and contract documents.
• Strong understanding of excavation, trenching, shoring, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, compaction, and underground utility construction methods.
• Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Knowledge of construction equipment capabilities, crew productivity, and construction sequencing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet demanding bid deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with estimating, project management, and field operations teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Experience estimating municipal infrastructure, public works, residential subdivision, commercial development, and other heavy civil projects.
• Familiarity with Arizona municipalities, Maricopa County requirements, MAG specifications, and local utility agency standards.
• Experience with, AGTEK, Bluebeam, or comparable estimating and takeoff software.
• Previous field experience as a project engineer, project manager, superintendent, foreman, or underground utility construction professional.
• Understanding of Arizona underground utility installation practices, permitting requirements, and applicable safety standards.
• Experience estimating projects involving deep excavations, complex utility conflicts, large-diameter pipe, and challenging soil conditions.

Core Competencies:

• Estimating Accuracy: Produces thorough, well-supported cost estimates with careful attention to detail.
• Technical Knowledge: Understands underground utility construction methods, materials, equipment, and production requirements.
• Problem Solving: Identifies project challenges and develops practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with field operations, project management, vendors, and other estimating disciplines.
• Time Management: Prioritizes multiple projects and consistently meets bid deadlines.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned estimates and maintains accurate supporting documentation.
• Business Judgment: Balances competitive pricing with project risk, constructability, and company profitability.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office-based, with periodic travel to construction sites, pre-bid meetings, and project walkthroughs.
• Must be able to navigate active construction sites and uneven terrain while following applicable safety requirements.
• Prolonged periods of computer use, plan review, and detailed estimating work.
• May require additional hours during peak bidding periods.

Company: Markham Contracting Co., Inc.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Department: Estimating

Employment Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt (subject to applicable classification requirements)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Markham Contracting Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs, consistent with applicable laws.

This job description outlines the general responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified based on company needs.