Chief Estimator - Private Site Development

Chief Estimator – Private Site Development

Watson Civil Construction is a general contractor specializing in both private and public site development, underground utilities, earthwork, roadway improvements, and large-scale infrastructure projects throughout the State of Florida. With more than 300 employees statewide, we are a dynamic and rapidly growing company seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to support our private site development operations in our Tampa, Jupiter or St. Augustine office.

The duties of the position include overseeing the accuracy and completeness of cost proposal preparation and the submittal of proposals to clients through either bidding or negotiation. Further, pursue Design-Build opportunities by identifying projects, construction partners, and design firms, as well as overseeing the Design-Build cost proposals.

Position Overview

The Chief Estimator will lead and oversee all estimating operations related to private site development projects, including commercial, industrial, multifamily, residential, and mixed-use developments. This individual will be responsible for managing the estimating department, ensuring accurate and competitive cost proposals, developing estimating standards and procedures, and supporting business development efforts within the private market sector.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in site development construction estimating, strong leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of underground utilities, mass grading, storm drainage, paving, and overall site infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department for private site development projects.
• Identify and pursue bidding opportunities within the company's core private market sectors.
• Review and analyze project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, surveys, and other contract documents.
• Prepare and oversee detailed cost estimates using HCSS or similar estimating software.
• Perform and review quantity takeoffs for earthwork, utilities, paving, concrete, and site infrastructure scopes.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate supplier and subcontractor proposals.
• Develop conceptual budgets, hard bids, negotiated proposals, and value engineering recommendations.
• Prepare and review project schedules using Primavera P6 or similar scheduling software.
• Evaluate project risks, constructability concerns, and logistical challenges during preconstruction.
• Coordinate closely with operations, project management, and executive leadership to ensure accurate project handoff.
• Mentor, train, and develop estimating staff and promote consistency across estimating processes.
• Develop and maintain estimating databases, production rates, and historical cost information.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, owners, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Participate in client meetings, preconstruction services, and strategic planning efforts.
• Support business development initiatives and help expand the company's presence in the private development market.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in private site development construction estimating is required.
• Experience with commercial, multifamily, residential, industrial, and mixed-use site development projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of earthwork, underground utilities, storm drainage, paving, and site infrastructure construction.
• Proficient in HCSS or similar estimating software, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, Primavera P6, Agtek, and AutoCAD.
• Experience preparing negotiated proposals, conceptual budgets, and competitive hard bids for private owners and developers.
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Building Construction, or related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in civil/site development construction estimating.
• Prior experience managing or leading an estimating team preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical abilities.
• Highly detail oriented with the ability to identify discrepancies and evaluate project risk.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and team-oriented mindset.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary is negotiable based on experience
• Relocation Assistance
• Health, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability
• 401(k) with company match and 100% immediate vesting
• PTO and paid holidays

Watson Civil Construction is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. DFWP

Job Type: Full-time