Heavy Civil- Estimator

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Heavy Civil Construction Estimator to join our estimating team. The successful candidate will prepare accurate, competitive bids for heavy civil infrastructure projects including roadway, bridge, utility, earthwork, and marine/shoring work by performing detailed quantity takeoffs, unit pricing, and risk analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive cost estimates and bid proposals for heavy civil projects (roads, bridges, utilities, earthworks, retaining walls, piling/foundations, dewatering, shoring/cofferdams, trenching and tunneling).

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and material takeoffs using plan review, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, PlanSwift, or comparable tools; produce accurate takeoff documentation and backups.

• Develop unit pricing, equipment costing, and labor productivity rates; calibrate estimates using historical cost data and heavy equipment estimating techniques.

• Manage bid preparation and submission processes, including bid schedules, alternates, clarifications, and bond/insurance requirements.

• Identify, solicit, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes; integrate subcontractor procurement into final estimates and bid documents.

• Define and document clear scope of work and assumptions; prepare scope narratives and estimate worksheets for internal review and client presentation.

• Perform risk analysis and value engineering to optimize costs and constructability while preserving project objectives and quality.

• Prepare and coordinate change order and claim support, including pricing, supporting documentation, and negotiation assistance.

• Ensure QA/QC of estimates, maintain estimating templates and databases, and apply version control and audit trails for traceability.

• Capture CPM schedules (Primavera P6, MS Project) and earned value inputs into cost models and forecasts.

• Apply state DOT specifications, permitting and regulatory compliance, and OSHA/safety requirements to estimates.

• Use estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid, Sage Estimating/Timberline, Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, Civil 3D) and spreadsheets (advanced Excel: pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros) to build, analyze, and present estimates.

• Prepare client-facing proposals, presentations, and bid clarifications; communicate technical scopes and cost drivers effectively to owners and stakeholders.

• Support project mobilization and preconstruction with budget development, constructability reviews, and subcontractor scopes.

• Maintain knowledge of construction law basics, bonding, insurance, and contract types (lump sum, unit price, cost-plus); ensure estimates reflect contractual risk allocation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years of heavy civil estimating experience on roadway, highway, utility, bridge, and large earthwork projects; experience with state DOT projects preferred.

• Proven competency in cost estimating, quantity takeoffs, unit pricing, material takeoffs, equipment costing, and labor productivity rate development.

• Hands-on experience with estimating and takeoff software such as HCSS HeavyBid, Sage Estimating/Timberline, PlanSwift, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu.

• Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros, and building estimating spreadsheets and templates.

• Familiarity with Primavera P6, MS Project, CPM scheduling, earned value principles, and job cost reporting.

• Strong understanding of AASHTO and state DOT specifications, permitting and regulatory compliance, OSHA/safety regulations, and geotechnical/soil interpretation.

• Experience estimating specialty items such as asphalt paving, concrete, reinforcing steel (rebar), shoring/cofferdams, piling/foundations, drainage/stormwater, dewatering, retaining walls, trenching/tunneling, utilities and bridge elements.

• Demonstrated ability to perform risk analysis, value engineering, change order management, and prepare defensible proposal documentation.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills; ability to lead subcontractor procurement and coordinate multi-discipline estimating teams.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, ability to meet tight deadlines, and willingness to travel to job sites and client meetings as needed.

• Familiarity with construction law basics, bonding and insurance requirements is a plus; relevant certifications (e.g., NICET, DBIA, CCM) are desirable.