Chief Estimator

Job Description

About the Role

We are a South Florida civil utility and excavation contractor performing private site development and infrastructure work — water, sewer, storm drainage, lift stations, earthwork, grading, and underground utilities for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developers.

We're hiring a Chief Estimator to own the estimating function end to end. This is a working leadership role: you'll prepare your own estimates on the larger and more complex pursuits while building, developing, and directing a team of estimators. You'll be the department's technical authority and the person ownership and operations rely on when a number has to be right.

Leadership and department build-out

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators, including assigning pursuits, reviewing work product, and holding the standard for accuracy and consistency
• Build estimating standards, templates, and historical cost databases that carry institutional knowledge across projects
• Recruit, onboard, and train estimating staff as the department grows
• Coordinate with operations, project management, and field leadership so estimates reflect how the work is actually built

Estimating and preconstruction

• Prepare complete, accurate estimates for private site development and infrastructure projects — earthwork, wet and dry utilities, drainage, paving, and site concrete
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from civil drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotes
• Price self-performed work from production rates and crew-based analysis
• Develop bid packages, scopes of work, clarifications, and exclusions
• Review bid documents and specifications for risk, scope gaps, and constructability issues, and prepare RFIs during the pursuit
• Present estimates and bid recommendations to ownership and senior management, including risk analysis and margin strategy
• Participate in post-bid reviews and cost feedback loops to sharpen future estimates

What We're Looking For

Required

• 8+ years of civil construction estimating experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity
• Deep background in site development and underground utility work — earthwork, water, sewer, storm drainage, and related infrastructure
• Demonstrated ability to lead, review, and develop other estimators
• Strong command of civil drawings, specifications, and standard takeoff practice
• Excellent communication skills with owners, developers, engineers, and internal stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software

Preferred

• HCSS HeavyBid — required or strongly preferred for this role
• Agtek — earthwork and takeoff modeling
• Bluebeam Revu — plan review, markup, and quantity measurement
• Experience with private developer clients in South Florida
• Familiarity with FDEP, SFWMD, and local municipal permitting requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a competitive base salary, performance-based bonus tied to department and company results, vehicle allowance, and standard benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off. Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.