Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction

Overview

Looking for a skilled Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil to lead accurate estimates for complex infrastructure projects in Southern California.

Ideal candidate must have extensive experience in estimating for heavy civil projects and knowledge in various construction areas.

This role involves hands-on estimating for an experienced professional who understands heavy civil practices and works closely with the team to evaluate opportunities.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed estimates for infrastructure projects.
• Review project documents to determine scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for scopes.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, subcontractor costs.
• Build crew-based production estimates.
• Lead estimating for various project types.
• Review and negotiate subcontractor proposals.
• Identify scope gaps and ensure bid completeness.
• Develop bid strategies.
• Analyze project risks, opportunities, logistics, and methods.
• Evaluate alternative construction methods.
• Attend meetings and site visits.
• Coordinate with Project Managers.
• Develop construction schedules.
• Participate in estimate reviews.
• Prepare bid proposals.
• Support post-bid activities.
• Lead project handoff meetings.
• Analyze historical cost data.
• Mentor junior estimators.
• Build relationships with industry partners.

Preferred Experience

Estimating experience across heavy civil disciplines.

• Underground Wet Utilities
• Earthwork
• Structural Concrete
• Railroad Construction
• Caltrans
• Public Works

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil construction estimating experience.
• Strong self-performing contractor background.
• Demonstrated estimating experience.
• Knowledge of Southern California market.
• Experience bidding on public works projects.
• Advanced understanding of construction methods.
• Ability to interpret civil plans.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates.

Estimating Skills

Skills related to estimating and preconstruction.

• Quantity Takeoffs
• Cost Analysis
• Value Engineering
• Risk Analysis
• Preliminary Scheduling
• Public Works Bidding

Technical Skills

Experience with estimating software is preferred.

• HCSS HeavyBid
• InEight / Hard Dollar
• Bluebeam Revu
• Primavera P6
• Microsoft Excel
• Digital takeoff software

Preferred Qualifications

• Caltrans estimating experience.
• Railroad construction experience.
• Public works bidding experience.
• Experience with alternative delivery methods.
• Experience mentoring estimators.

Desired Candidate

Seeking a hands-on estimator familiar with field work.

Must understand project requirements and risks.

Comfortable discussing methods and negotiating pricing.

Location

Southern California – Riverside Region

Travel may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $150,000–$200,000+
• Profit sharing.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement benefits.
• Paid Time Off.
• Additional benefits.
• Advancement opportunities.

Reasons to Join

An opportunity to lead heavy civil projects in Southern California. Involved in bid strategy and project selection.