Construction Estimator-Heavy Civil/Underground Utilities

Construction Estimator

Our client is a nationally recognized heavy civil and infrastructure contractor with more than a century of experience delivering complex construction projects across the United States. The company specializes in underground utilities, water and wastewater infrastructure, trenchless construction, pipeline rehabilitation, and heavy civil construction. With a reputation built on technical excellence, operational execution, and long-standing client relationships, the organization is also distinguished by its ability to self-perform excavation and specialty pipe rehabilitation work. The company continues to expand throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, creating an opportunity for an experienced estimator to join a growing team and contribute directly to some of the region's most important infrastructure projects.

We are seeking a Construction Estimator to join the company's growing Mid-Atlantic estimating team in the Baltimore/Washington, DC market. Reporting directly to the Chief Estimator, this individual will lead the estimating process from bid strategy through proposal submission. The Estimator will play a critical role in securing complex underground utility and heavy civil projects that strengthen critical regional infrastructure. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Estimator, Project Managers, field personnel, clients, subcontractors, and vendors to develop accurate and competitive estimates. This position requires strong technical estimating expertise, an understanding of underground construction methods, and the ability to identify project risks and opportunities during preconstruction.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bidding

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and comprehensive bid packages for heavy civil and underground utility projects.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs from plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project requirements.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop competitive bid strategies in coordination with the Chief Estimator and project leadership.
• Manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Project & Contract Analysis

• Review plans, specifications, contracts, and other bid documents to identify risks, exclusions, opportunities, and bidding considerations.
• Evaluate project scope, constructability, schedule requirements, and potential cost impacts.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, client meetings, and preconstruction meetings.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and field personnel to validate labor, equipment, production rates, and other estimating assumptions.

Underground & Heavy Civil Expertise

• Develop estimates for underground wet utility projects, including water, sewer, and stormwater systems.
• Estimate wastewater infrastructure and treatment-related work.
• Support estimating for trenchless construction and pipeline rehabilitation.
• Develop pricing for open-cut utility installation and heavy civil construction.
• Apply knowledge of excavation, shoring, utilities, piping, rehabilitation methods, and related construction operations to develop accurate estimates.

Project Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support pricing for change orders, additional work, and other scope modifications during project execution.
• Analyze estimated costs versus actual project costs to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Maintain current knowledge of market pricing, subcontractor capabilities, labor conditions, equipment costs, and construction methodologies.
• Collaborate with operations to ensure successful transition from estimating to project execution.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably within heavy civil, underground utility, or infrastructure construction.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with HeavyBid estimating software is required.
• Strong knowledge of underground utilities, water and wastewater infrastructure, pipeline rehabilitation, heavy civil construction, open-cut installation methods, trenchless construction.
• Expert ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from approximately $2 million to $100 million.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Project Management experience.
• Experience with wastewater treatment plant reclamation or related infrastructure.
• Business development or client-facing experience.
• Working knowledge of construction codes and multiple construction trades.
• Experience with municipal, public works, or other infrastructure contracts.
• Strong network of subcontractors and suppliers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technically strong estimator who understands the complexities of underground construction and can confidently develop estimates for challenging infrastructure projects. You should be comfortable taking ownership of an estimate from initial plan review and bid strategy through subcontractor solicitation, quantity takeoffs, pricing, risk analysis, and final proposal submission. Candidates who combine strong estimating expertise with field, project management, or operational experience will be especially attractive.

Benefits

• $150,000 $175,000 base salary, commensurate with experience
• Performance-based incentive compensation
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) program
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Cell phone allowance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Executive leadership training
• Relocation assistance, if applicable