Project Manager / Estimator - Wet Utilities & Grading

Job Description

Job Description

The Opportunity

A well-established, third-generation Southern California contractor is looking for an experienced Project Manager / Estimator with a strong background in wet utilities and grading. This is a hands-on role for someone who understands the work from both the estimating and operational sides and can carry projects from preconstruction and pricing through execution and closeout.

Projects span commercial, education, public works, high-density and senior housing, laboratory/life science and other complex site development work throughout Southern California.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who can get into the details of plans and specifications, takeoffs, production, labor/equipment/material costs and estimating, while also owning project financials, change management, client relationships and field execution.

The company has built its business around long-term relationships, mentorship and a commitment to helping its people succeed. Many of its client relationships span decades, creating an environment focused on doing quality work, solving problems and earning the opportunity to work together again.

What You'll Do

As Project Manager / Estimator, you will be involved from preconstruction and estimating through project execution and closeout, working closely with Superintendents, Foremen, Project Engineers, clients, subcontractors and vendors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Review plans, specifications and bid documents to develop scopes, quantities, takeoffs and pricing for wet utility and grading work.
• Develop and evaluate labor, equipment, material and production assumptions to build accurate estimates and support project planning.
• Manage multiple wet utility and grading projects concurrently, typically representing approximately $6–8M in combined backlog.
• Review and understand project scope, plans, specifications, inclusions, exclusions and contractual requirements.
• Negotiate and administer client, subcontractor and vendor contracts.
• Partner closely with field leadership to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget and according to plans and specifications.
• Manage project budgets, job costs, forecasting and cost-at-completion reporting.
• Identify, price, negotiate and manage project changes and change orders.
• Monitor project performance and work with Superintendents and Foremen to address potential cost, schedule or execution concerns.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including RFIs, submittals, contracts, change orders, logs, meeting documentation and closeout materials.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with the goal of creating long-term partnerships and repeat business.
• Provide direction, support and mentorship to Project Engineers.

What We're Looking For

The strongest candidates will bring significant experience within heavy civil construction, with particular depth in wet utilities and additional experience with grading/sitework , along with the ability to contribute on both the estimating and project management sides of the business.

Ideal experience includes:

• Significant relevant heavy civil construction experience, ideally 10+ years.
• Strong technical knowledge of wet utility construction , including the ability to work through plans, specifications, quantities, materials, production, field conditions and constructability.
• Meaningful grading/sitework experience , including an understanding of earthwork quantities, production, equipment and field execution.
• Experience contributing across both estimating and project management , from takeoffs, pricing and preconstruction through project execution and closeout.
• Strong understanding of labor, equipment and material costs, production rates, job costing, forecasting and overall project financials.
• Experience identifying, pricing and negotiating change orders and navigating other project-related negotiations.
• Experience with public works and/or government projects , including an understanding of project-specific documentation and compliance requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications and identify potential scope gaps, conflicts, constructability concerns and RFIs.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects ranging from smaller, shorter-duration work to complex multimillion-dollar projects.
• Strong field awareness and the ability to work effectively with Superintendents, Foremen and self-perform crews.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam ; experience with HeavyBid/HeavyJob, B2W, AGTEK and/or Foundation is valuable but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, field teams, subcontractors, vendors and project stakeholders.

Beyond the Resume

Technical experience is important, but this company is equally intentional about how its people work.

The right person will be someone who:

• Takes ownership, communicates honestly and is willing to acknowledge mistakes.
• Continues looking for ways to grow and improve, regardless of experience level.
• Can confidently make decisions without bringing ego into the room.
• Respects differing perspectives and handles disagreement professionally.
• Takes genuine pride in their work and has a drive to continually make it better.
• Values collaboration, mentorship and helping the people around them succeed.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $140,000–$170,000 , depending on experience.

The overall package includes:

• Annual bonus opportunity, historically paid quarterly
• Company health & welfare contribution
• Medical and dental benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Company vehicle and gas card
• Company-provided cell phone and laptop
• 10 days PTO plus 6 paid holidays
• Some flexibility in schedule and work location may be available as the individual becomes established within the team