Heavy Construction/Civil Estimator

Heavy Construction EstimatorDallas, TXOur client, a quality-first paving company, known for its ability to complete difficult road reconstruction jobs, is hiring a Heavy Construction/Civil Estimator who will specialize in preparing accurate cost estimates for medium to large-scale infrastructure projects. These include primarily highways, bridges, airports, earthwork-heavy site development and other public works civil engineering projects. This position involves more emphasis on earthwork quantities, equipment-intensive operations, site conditions, geotechnical factors, traffic control, environmental compliance, and public bidding requirements. This includes managing project budgets and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure successful project bids.Responsibilities:Analyze project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to perform detailed quantity takeoffs (especially for excavation, grading, paving, concrete structures, utilities, and drainage).Calculate costs for labor, heavy equipment (owned or rented), materials, subcontractors, mobilization/demobilization, temporary facilities, permits, bonds, insurance, and overhead/profit.Evaluate site-specific risks (soil conditions, groundwater, access restrictions, weather impacts, staging areas, haul distances, and production rates for equipment).Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes for major scopes (e.g., asphalt paving, structural concrete, piling, electrical, etc.).Prepare complete bid packages, unit price breakdowns, and lump-sum proposals— often for public/government projects using the required bid forms like unit-price schedules.Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and clarification meetings with owners/engineers.Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and operations teams to refine estimates and support value engineering or constructability reviews.Track and update historical cost data to improve future estimating accuracy in a market with fluctuating material/equipment/fuel prices.Team Leadership: Oversee and mentor junior estimators, providing guidance and support throughout the estimating process.Documentation: Maintain accurate records of estimates, changes in plans, and project budgets, updating databases and software as necessary. Record bid strategy to be able to share this information with the operations group.Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred.5+ years of estimating experienceStrong math skills (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, unit conversions)Ability to read and interpret complex civil/structural plans, cross-sections, profiles, and specificationsProficiency in estimating software (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, AGTEK, Trimble Business Center, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Excel advanced functions)Understanding of heavy equipment production rates, cycle times, and costing Industry Knowledge:Deep familiarity with heavy civil construction methods, sequencing, and equipmentBasic knowledge of prevailing wage laws, Davis-Bacon requirements, and public works bidding proceduresAwareness of geotechnical, environmental, and safety/regulatory considerationsStrong communication and presentation skills (explaining estimates to owners, executives, and project teams)Negotiation ability when dealing with subcontractors and material suppliersRisk assessment and critical thinking to identify potential cost overruns or opportunities