Job Description
Job Description
The Senior Civil Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates
for civil construction projects, including earthwork, utilities, roadway, drainage, concrete, and
site development. This role requires strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of civil
construction methods, and the ability to collaborate across project teams to support successful
bid strategies and project execution.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Preconstruction
• Prepare detailed, conceptual, and final cost estimates for civil construction projects
ranging from small site works to large infrastructure projects
• Analyze project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to
determine scope, risks, and cost drivers
• Perform quantity takeoffs for earthwork, utilities, paving, concrete, and related civil
components
• Develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing based on historical data
and current market conditions
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids for completeness,
accuracy, and compliance
• Identify constructability issues, value engineering opportunities, and cost-saving
alternatives
Project Coordination & Communication
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, superintendents, and procurement teams
during preconstruction and handoff
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and scope review sessions
• Support contract negotiations and clarification of pricing assumptions and exclusions
• Assist in preparing bid proposals, schedules of values, and supporting documentation
Risk Management & Compliance
• Evaluate project risks, contingencies, escalation factors, and allowances
• Ensure estimates comply with owner requirements, local regulations, and applicable
labor laws
• Support estimating for public sector, DOT, and federally funded projects when
applicable (including Davis-Bacon compliance)
• Maintain organized estimating files and documentation for audit and review purposes
Continuous Improvement
• Maintain and update cost databases, production rates, and estimating templates
• Track historical cost data and post-bid feedback to improve estimate accuracy
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating best practices
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or
equivalent industry experience)
• 7–10 years of experience estimating civil construction projects
• Proven experience estimating earthwork, underground utilities, roadways, and site
development
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, Trimble, PlanSwift, Sage
Estimating, or similar)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction cost analysis
• Ability to read and interpret civil construction drawings and specifications
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with DOT, municipal, or federally funded projects is a plus
• Familiarity with alternative delivery methods (Design-Build, CMAR, GMP)
• Professional certifications such as CCP, PE, or CCM is a plus
• Experience supporting large-scale or multi-phase infrastructure projects
Key Competencies
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Attention to detail with the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skill
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
• Office-based with periodic site visits
• Ability to review plans and work on a computer for extended periods
• Occasional travel to job sites or pre-bid meeting