Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil (Structural Concrete, Heavy Highway & Water/Wastewater)
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Heavy Civil Construction team. This position is ideal for a seasoned estimating professional with expertise in structural concrete, heavy highway, bridges, and water/wastewater treatment facilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing accurate, competitive estimates while collaborating with operations, project management, and subcontractors throughout the preconstruction process.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for heavy civil construction projects.
Define and quantify project scope by reviewing drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents.
Perform quantity takeoffs for structural concrete, earthwork, utilities, and related scopes of work.
Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing to support comprehensive project estimates.
Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.
Analyze project risks, constructability, and value engineering opportunities to improve bid competitiveness.
Develop production rates and estimating assumptions to support project scheduling and planning.
Coordinate with project management and operations teams during bid preparation and project handoff.
Assist in preparing proposals and supporting documentation for competitive bids.
Maintain current knowledge of market pricing, labor availability, material costs, and industry trends.
Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and owners.
Ensure estimates are completed accurately and submitted within established deadlines.
Preferred Project Experience
Candidates with estimating experience in one or more of the following are highly preferred:
Structural Concrete
Heavy Highway Construction
Bridges
Water Treatment Plants
Wastewater Treatment Plants
Pump Stations
Public Infrastructure
Earthwork
Underground Utilities
Industrial Facilities
Transportation Projects
Design-Build and Alternative Delivery Projects
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
Extensive experience estimating structural concrete and public infrastructure projects.
Strong understanding of construction means and methods, production rates, scheduling, and cost analysis.
Knowledge of local construction markets and subcontractor networks is highly desirable.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
Ability to manage multiple estimates and consistently meet critical deadlines.
Technical Skills
Experience with the following software is preferred:
HCSS HeavyBid
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Outlook
Primavera P6
Bluebeam Revu
Construction estimating and takeoff software
Preferred Skills
Experience bidding public works and DOT projects.
Strong subcontractor scope review and bid leveling experience.
Excellent negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving solutions.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to estimate accuracy.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary: $100,000–$170,000, depending on experience.
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
401(k) with employer matching.
Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays.
Professional development and advancement opportunities.
Collaborative team environment focused on delivering high-quality infrastructure projects.
Why Join Us?
Join a respected heavy civil contractor delivering critical transportation and water infrastructure projects. You'll work on challenging, high-profile projects alongside experienced professionals while helping build the roads, bridges, and treatment facilities that serve communities for years to come.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Santa Ana, CA
Industry
Staffing/Employment Agencies
Salary
$100,000–$170,000 Per Year
Company Size
50 to 99 employees
Year Founded
2002
Website
https://www.gablessearch.com/
About Company
Gables Search Group headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio has been a leader in search and placement nationwide since 2002. Our company specializes in both direct and contract (temporary) staffing in all industries and disciplines.
At Gables Search Group, we connect exceptional professionals with outstanding organizations. Our commitment to integrity, excellence, partnership, innovation, and respect sets us apart. With a personalized approach to recruitment, we ensure the perfect match between candidates and employers.
Whether you are a talented professional seeking new opportunities or an organization looking to build a high-performing team, Gables Search Group is here to guide you through the journey. Our success is built on the success of our clients and candidates, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the careers and businesses we serve.
Skills
Analysis Skillsunmatched
Biddingunmatched
Calendar Managementunmatched
Civil Engineeringunmatched
Communication Skillsunmatched
Comparative Analysisunmatched
Concreteunmatched
Constructionunmatched
Construction Estimating Softwareunmatched
Construction Engineeringunmatched
Construction Managementunmatched
Construction Projectsunmatched
Cost Analysisunmatched
Cost Controlunmatched
Cost Estimatesunmatched
Detail Orientedunmatched
Documentationunmatched
Earthmoving/Earthworksunmatched
Industry/Trade Analysisunmatched
Microsoft Excelunmatched
Microsoft Outlookunmatched
Microsoft Wordunmatched
Negotiation Skillsunmatched
Operations Managementunmatched
Organizational Skillsunmatched
Pricingunmatched
Primaveraunmatched
Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
Production Scheduleunmatched
Project Estimatesunmatched
Project Evaluationunmatched
Project Planningunmatched
Project Scheduleunmatched
Project/Program Coordinationunmatched
Proposal Writingunmatched
Public Worksunmatched
Pumpsunmatched
Risk Analysisunmatched
Roadway Constructionunmatched
Team Playerunmatched
Time Managementunmatched
Value Engineeringunmatched
Vendor/Supplier Relationsunmatched
Water Treatmentunmatched
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