Project Manager / Estimator - Heavy Civil Construction

Job Description

Job Description

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA

Salary: $120,000–$150,000 + Performance Bonus & Profit Sharing

Schedule: Approximately 70% Office / 30% Field

About the Opportunity

A well-established heavy civil construction company is seeking an experienced  Project Manager / Estimator to join its team in San Luis Obispo, CA. This is a hands-on role supporting public infrastructure projects throughout California's Central Coast.

The company specializes in heavy civil construction and performs a wide range of work in-house, including roads, highways, bridges, grading, paving, underground utilities, drainage, retaining walls, and structural concrete.

This position is ideal for a Project Manager who understands the demands of  Caltrans and public works construction and wants a role where they can have a direct impact on project execution, cost control, and overall project success.

What You'll Do

• Manage and coordinate active heavy civil construction projects, typically overseeing approximately two projects at a time.
• Coordinate owners, subcontractors, field crews, and project stakeholders.
• Conduct weekly job-site visits based on project needs and project phase.
• Lead project and scheduling coordination meetings.
• Oversee grading, asphalt, paving, underground utilities, drainage, retaining walls, and related civil scopes.
• Coordinate bridge crews and support structural concrete operations.
• Track project costs and maintain accurate monthly billings.
• Support contract negotiations and purchase order management.
• Price and manage change orders throughout the life of the project.
• Work closely with estimators to support project pricing and cost control.
• Manage project closeout while assisting with planning for upcoming work.
• Move seamlessly between estimating, project management, field coordination, and project administration.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of heavy civil Project Management experience
• 3–5 years of estimating experience
• 3–4+ years of Caltrans experience; 5+ years preferred
• Public works construction experience
• Experience with  asphalt, grading, paving, and underground utilities
• P6 Scheduling experience
• Strong understanding of California public works construction
• Ability to manage both field operations and office-based project responsibilities
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Construction Management or Engineering degree preferred
• HCSS Heavy Job and/or Heavy Bid experience is a plus

An experienced APM with strong Caltrans and heavy civil experience who is ready to step into a Project Manager role may also be considered.

Compensation & Benefits

• $120,000–$150,000 base salary, depending on experience
• Performance bonus and profit-sharing opportunities
• Blue Shield PPO healthcare
• 100% company-paid medical coverage for employees and families
• Dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company contribution
• PTO that increases with tenure
• 5 sick days
• Paid public works holidays
• Pickup truck and fuel card available for experienced employees
• Primarily home every night with limited overnight travel
• Approximately 70% office / 30% field

Why Join This Team

This is an opportunity to take real ownership of projects and see the direct impact of your decisions from estimating through completion. You'll work alongside an experienced team in a hands-on environment where people wear multiple hats, collaborate closely, and have a voice in how projects are executed.

For the right person, this role offers the opportunity to become a key member of the organization, take on increasing responsibility, and build toward a long-term senior leadership role while working on meaningful public infrastructure projects throughout the Central Coast.