Civil Engineering Cost Estimator

GHD; Redding (CA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Paid time off

Holiday Pay

Wellness reimbursement

Job summary

GHD is seeking an experienced Civil Construction Cost Engineer to support our Project Controls team across the Western Region and Pacific portfolio. You will develop accurate estimates for complex public works infrastructure including heavy civil, pipelines, transportation, and marine-coastal projects, with constructability reviews and early-stage planning.

The role requires 5+ years of experience, a civil engineering degree, and collaboration with engineering and design teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related technical field required.
• 5+ years of professional experience in civil, heavy civil, infrastructure, buildings or marine projects.
• Experience can be a combination of estimating, construction management and design.
• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical works helpful.
• Professional civil engineering license in a western state preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cost Estimating: Develop comprehensive, detailed estimates using unit-priced and L-M-E methods.
• Unit Cost familiarization: Apply bid unit costs and cost indexes for estimating projects in design.
• Conceptual & Early-Stage Planning: Create high-level cost forecasts and feasibility budgets from early designs.
• Constructability Reviews: Evaluate plans for construction methods, risks, and cost-saving ideas.
• Construction Scheduling: Prepare or assist with schedules from blueprints and estimates; review others' schedules.
• Diverse Asset Coverage: Include airports, bridges, treatment plants, military infra, pipelines, roadways, parks and environmental work.

Skills

Cost Estimating

L-M-E breakdowns

Unit Cost application

Constructability Reviews

Construction Scheduling

Diverse Asset Coverage

Coastal Infrastructure

Team Integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Professional civil engineering license (preferred)

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

HCSS-HeavyBid

Primavera-P6

MS Suite

BST

Salesforce

Job description

Job Description

Bring your curiosity and determination to make a positive impact on the future of the environment, and we'll help you go all the way. Join our team of globally connected specialists to help solve complex transport challenges and experience groundbreaking projects from idea to delivery, and beyond.

Our pledge to you. Join GHD.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced Civil Construction Cost Engineer for our Project Controls group with 5 or more years of experience to prepare cost estimates, constructability reviews, and early‑stage conceptual construction planning across our Western Region and Pacific portfolio. In this role, you will develop accurate estimates for complex public works infrastructure, spanning heavy civil, pipeline, transportation, treatment plant and marine‑coastal environments. Building works will also be part of these projects. The role includes cost planning by analyzing conceptual designs, identifying potential construction challenges before they impact project delivery and integrating with engineering and architectural design teams to produce construction cost estimates.

This position can be located in any of our offices in Ca, Seattle, WA or Phoenix, AZ.

Our Hybrid Work Model

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Estimating: Develop comprehensive, detailed estimates using both unit‑priced and Labor‑Material‑Equipment (L‑M‑E) methodologies.


• Unit Cost familiarization: Understanding of the process of applying bid unit costs and cost indexes for estimating projects in design.


• Conceptual & Early-Stage Planning: Formulate accurate, high‑level cost forecasts and feasibility budgets based on early‑stage, conceptual designs.


• Constructability Reviews: Analyze design plans and project specifications to evaluate construction methods, identify logistical risks, and recommend cost‑saving alternatives.


• Construction Scheduling: Prepare and/or assist preparation of construction schedules from blueprints and cost estimates. Review construction schedules prepared by others.


• Diverse Asset Coverage: Estimating efforts are expected to include airports, bridges, treatment plants, military infrastructure, pipelines, roadways, parks and environmental restorations.


• Coastal Infrastructure Specialization: Quantify and price marine‑coastal projects, specifically wharf repairs and replacements, headlands development, dredging and beach replenishments.


• Team Integration: Collaborate with multiple internal project managers and engineering teams.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field is expected.


• A professional civil engineering license in a western state is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience of civil, heavy civil, infrastructure, buildings or marine projects. Experience can be a combination of estimating, construction management and design.


• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical works will be helpful.

Flexibility

Professional comfort level working in varying roles, projects and locations. Typical project teams work across multiple time zones.

Methodology Expertise

Deep proficiency in both unit‑priced estimating frameworks and detailed L‑M‑E breakdowns.

Design Familiarity

Proficient in civil engineering plan reading, earthwork, pipeline and sitework calculations, knowledge of building systems and application and review of specifications.

Software Proficiency

Work is primarily in Excel and Bluebeam. Hands‑on experience with HCSS‑HeavyBid and Primavera‑P6 will also be useful. In‑house tools include MS Suite, BST and Salesforce.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

Benefits

• 401K - Employees are eligible to participate on the first day of the month following 3 months of service


• Paid time off - Our PTO benefit is designed to provide eligible employees with a period of rest and relaxation, sick, and personal time throughout the year. PTO starts at 16 days per year and increases with years of service


• Holiday Pay - Holiday pay is provided for eligible employees. GHD observes 9 holidays per year. Holiday pay will be based on the regular set schedule for the employee


• Wellness Benefit- Regular full‑term employees are eligible to participate in the wellness reimbursement program. GHD will reimburse 50% of the cost of the following to maximum of $250.00 reimbursement annually for such items as: Health club membership fees, Home exercise equipment purchases, Bicycles, Race, run & marathon entrance fees, Smoking cessation programs, Weight loss programs (i.e.-Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig), Fitbits and Fitness Tracking devices

Salary Range

$83,000-$145,000 based on experience and location