Chief Estimator – Private Site Development Leader

Watsoncivil; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Health, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

PTO and paid holidays

Job summary

Watson Civil Construction is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead private site development projects across Tampa, Jupiter or St. Augustine.

You will oversee cost proposals, manage the estimating team, and pursue Design-Build opportunities with a focus on site infrastructure, utilities and earthwork. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in private site development estimating, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of earthwork, utilities, drainage, paving and related disciplines.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in private site development construction estimating is required.
• Experience with commercial, multifamily, residential, industrial, and mixed-use site development projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of earthwork, underground utilities, storm drainage, paving, and site infrastructure construction.
• Proficient in estimating software such as HCSS, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, Agtek, AutoCAD.
• Ten or more years of civil/site development estimating experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Building Construction, or related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department for private site development projects.
• Identify and pursue bidding opportunities within core private market sectors.
• Review and analyze project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, surveys, and other contract documents.
• Prepare and oversee detailed cost estimates using HCSS or similar estimating software.
• Perform and review quantity takeoffs for earthwork, utilities, paving, concrete, and site infrastructure scopes.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate supplier and subcontractor proposals.
• Develop conceptual budgets, hard bids, negotiated proposals, and value engineering recommendations.
• Prepare and review project schedules using Primavera P6 or similar scheduling software.
• Evaluate project risks, constructability concerns, and logistical challenges during preconstruction.
• Coordinate closely with operations, project management, and executive leadership to ensure accurate project handoff.
• Mentor, train, and develop estimating staff and promote consistency across estimating processes.
• Develop and maintain estimating databases, production rates, and historical cost information.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, owners, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Participate in client meetings, preconstruction services, and strategic planning efforts.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Strong communication

Analytical abilities

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

HCSS

Bluebeam

Primavera P6

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Watson Civil Construction is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead private site development projects across Tampa, Jupiter or St. Augustine.

You will oversee cost proposals, manage the estimating team, and pursue Design-Build opportunities with a focus on site infrastructure, utilities and earthwork. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in private site development estimating, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of earthwork, utilities, drainage, paving and related disciplines.