Estimator

Construction Estimator - Site/Civil & Heavy Civil

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to join a leading site and civil construction firm that delivers residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. As a Construction Estimator, you will prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for a wide variety of heavy civil and site development work, including highways, roadways, and bridge construction. You will analyze project requirements, develop competitive bids, and collaborate closely with project teams to ensure that estimates are comprehensive, realistic, and aligned with client expectations. This position is ideal for an estimator with strong heavy civil experience who enjoys working with advanced tools such as HCSS and contributing directly to the success of complex construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for site and civil construction projects, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure developments.

• Estimate heavy civil and site development work such as highways, roadways, bridge construction, and related civil infrastructure.

• Review and analyze project plans, drawings, specifications, and requirements to define the scope of work and identify necessary labor, materials, and equipment.

• Develop and maintain pricing databases and cost models to support accurate, consistent, and competitive pricing.

• Review and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes, ensuring that pricing, scope, and qualifications align with project requirements.

• Prepare and submit comprehensive and competitive bids that meet project specifications and client requirements.

• Coordinate and prepare preconstruction cost estimates and proposals, ensuring that all assumptions, clarifications, and exclusions are clearly documented.

• Manage and price change orders, ensuring timely and accurate adjustments to project costs when scope changes occur.

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to validate quantities, means and methods, and construction sequencing for estimates.

• Use HCSS HeavyBid, HCSS HeavyJob, and related HCSS tools to develop, track, and maintain estimates and cost data.

• Monitor and report on project costs and budgets, providing regular updates on cost performance and potential issues to management and project teams.

• Support project management and preconstruction activities by providing cost input, value engineering ideas, and budget updates throughout the project lifecycle.

• Participate in project and bid review meetings, presenting estimate details, assumptions, and risk considerations.

• Respond to requests for information (RFIs) related to estimates, clarifying quantities, pricing, and scope as needed.

• Maintain organized estimate files, historical cost data, and supporting documentation for future reference and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Construction Estimator in the site and civil construction industry.

• 7-10 years of overall experience in construction estimating, project management, or closely related roles in heavy civil and site development (open to more junior or more senior profiles).

• Proficiency with HCSS software, including tools such as HCSS HeavyBid and HCSS HeavyJob, for estimating and project cost tracking.

• Strong knowledge of construction estimating practices for heavy civil and site development, including highways, roadways, and bridge construction.

• Demonstrated experience with pricing, bidding processes, and change order management in construction projects.

• Solid understanding of preconstruction processes, cost estimating, and proposal development.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex plans and specifications.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a project team environment.

• Detail-oriented approach with strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple estimates and deadlines.

• Proficiency in general construction management concepts and practices, including cost control and budget monitoring.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in project management in addition to estimating, particularly within heavy civil and site development projects.

• Background in highway, roadway, and bridge construction estimating and project support.

• Familiarity with preconstruction planning, value engineering, and alternative bid strategies.

• Experience preparing and reviewing proposals for civil construction and infrastructure projects.

• Comfort working with RFIs and coordinating with design teams and stakeholders during the estimating and preconstruction phases.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and staying current with industry standards, construction methods, and cost trends.

Work Environment

You will work in a collaborative and supportive construction environment focused on heavy civil, site development, and infrastructure projects. The role involves frequent use of HCSS software (including HeavyBid and HeavyJob) and other construction management tools to develop and manage cost estimates and project data. You will interact regularly with project managers, engineers, and preconstruction professionals in an office setting, with potential visits to project sites for better understanding of conditions and scope. The organization promotes professional growth, offering access to cutting-edge technology and tools, as well as structured opportunities for training and development. A comprehensive benefits package typically includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan with company match, paid time off, and holidays. The culture emphasizes teamwork, accuracy, innovation, and delivering high-quality construction solutions across residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure markets.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poughkeepsie, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $250000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Poughkeepsie,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.