Senior Estimator

Our client, a long-established, family-owned heavy highway and civil contractor serving major public infrastructure markets throughout the Northeast, is seeking a Senior Estimator to join their team in the Long Island, New York area. This role involves taking ownership of the estimating function, building and developing the department, mentoring a Junior Estimator, and contributing to the company's continued growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimates for heavy highway, transportation, pavement, bridge, and related civil construction projects from initial review through final bid
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents to determine scope, risk, quantities, and project requirements
• Perform and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs for roadway, bridge, pavement cutting, groove work, joint and crack sealing, and related scopes
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and supplier pricing
• Lead estimating efforts for NYSDOT, CTDOT, and other public-agency projects
• Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals
• Prepare competitive bid packages, proposals, schedules of values, and supporting documentation
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, bid reviews, and strategy discussions
• Work closely with ownership, Project Managers, and field personnel to validate production assumptions, constructability, and pricing
• Build and maintain strong relationships with general contractors, customers, subcontractors, and industry partners
• Maintain historical cost information and improve estimating processes, systems, and tools
• Help structure and grow the estimating department as the company continues expanding
• Mentor and develop a Junior Estimator, progressively increasing their estimating responsibilities
• Expand into additional scopes, including foundation waterproofing and weathersealing, as the estimating function develops

Requirements

• 10+ years of heavy highway, heavy civil, transportation, or comparable construction estimating experience
• Demonstrated ability to independently own estimates from opportunity review through final submission
• Strong experience with public infrastructure and DOT bidding
• Hands-on knowledge of NYSDOT and CTDOT bidding standards, specifications, and procedures
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, production rates, labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor pricing
• Ability to read and interpret complex plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Experience managing multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Leadership mindset with a genuine interest in building a team and mentoring developing estimators
• Willingness to estimate across multiple scopes rather than remaining narrowly specialized

Preferred Qualifications

• MassDOT or Port Authority estimating experience
• Bridge, tunnel, airport, or other complex transportation infrastructure experience
• Pavement cutting, joint and crack sealing, waterproofing, or specialty heavy highway experience
• Experience building or leading an estimating department
• Existing relationships or a book of business within the Northeast heavy civil market
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Estimating Link, or comparable estimating platforms
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline

Benefits

• Base salary of $135,000-$175,000, depending on experience
• Potential flexibility above the stated range for an exceptional candidate bringing a meaningful, quantifiable book of business
• Performance-based bonus opportunity tied to project and company results
• Health insurance with employer contribution
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Potential relocation flexibility for an exceptional candidate
• Hybrid flexibility as trust and familiarity with the organization develop
• Direct access to hands-on company ownership and leadership
• Opportunity to build and shape an estimating department
• Opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of estimating talent
• Long-term advancement within a growing heavy civil organization
• Stable, family-owned environment with decades of history and major public infrastructure relationships