Civil Estimator

Trillium Staffing; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health insurance

PPO/HSA/FSA plans

Disability benefits

Employee discounts

Job summary

Trillium Staffing in Beaumont, TX seeks an experienced Civil Estimator to lead the full estimating lifecycle for greenfield and brownfield substation projects. The role requires hands-on estimation, risk analysis, and the ability to mentor junior staff onsite at our Beaumont office.

You will review drawings, prepare comprehensive cost estimates, negotiate subcontractor pricing, and leverage Claude AI to improve efficiency while ensuring safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in civil construction estimating, preferably for electrical utility projects.
• Ability to lead the full estimating lifecycle from RFP review to bid submission.
• Experience mentoring less experienced estimators and coordinating a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead full estimating lifecycle for greenfield and brownfield substation projects.
• Prepare and review detailed civil construction estimates including quantities, labor, materials, and subcontractor costs.
• Review drawings and specs to develop accurate scopes and cost estimates.

Skills

Estimating leadership

AI-assisted estimating

Bid management

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

CAD

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our client, a leading electrical utility construction contractor, is seeking an experienced Civil Estimator specializing in Greenfield and Brownfield Substation Projects to join their team in Beaumont, TX.

This is a leadership-level opportunity for an estimator with a strong background in civil construction estimating and hands‑on experience with substation projects. The ideal candidate will have the ability to independently manage the full estimating process, develop accurate and competitive project bids, and provide guidance and mentorship to a less experienced estimating team.

The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of substation construction, including both greenfield and brownfield environments, and the ability to evaluate complex project scopes, identify potential risks, and develop comprehensive cost estimates.

Our client also incorporates Claude AI and other AI‑assisted tools into its estimating process. The ideal candidate should be comfortable leveraging AI technology to improve estimating efficiency, support analysis, and enhance overall accuracy.

This is NOT a remote position. The selected candidate must work onsite at our Beaumont, TX office Monday through Friday.

What You’ll Do

• Independently lead the full estimating lifecycle for greenfield and brownfield substation projects, from initial RFP review through final bid submission.
• Prepare and review detailed civil construction estimates, including quantity takeoffs, labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, and other project‑related expenses.
• Review engineering drawings, civil plans, specifications, site layouts, grading plans, and contract documents to develop accurate project scopes and cost estimates.
• Evaluate substation project requirements, including site preparation, excavation, grading, foundations, concrete work, underground utilities, drainage, and other civil construction activities.
• Develop comprehensive and competitive cost models for substation projects of varying sizes and complexity.
• Lead pre‑bid site visits, walkthroughs, and project meetings to evaluate site conditions, identify potential challenges, and communicate risks to management.
• Solicit, review, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure competitive and accurate bids.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and alternative construction approaches without compromising quality, safety, or project requirements.
• Prepare complete bid packages, including scope narratives, clarifications, exclusions, assumptions, and pricing breakdowns.
• Provide leadership, training, and mentorship to less experienced estimators, helping develop the team’s technical capabilities and estimating processes.
• Review estimates prepared by other team members, provide feedback, and help ensure consistency, accuracy, and competitiveness across all bids.
• Utilize Claude AI and other AI‑assisted tools as part of the estimating process to support research, scope reviews, cost analysis, and overall estimating efficiency.
• Maintain historical cost databases, pricing information, estimating templates, and subcontractor relationships.
• Work closely with project management, engineering, and field operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from estimating and bidding into project execution.
• Conduct post‑bid reviews and analyze project performance to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

What You’ll Get

• 401(k) with immediate matching and vesting.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Choice of PPO, HSA, and FSA plans.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability benefits.
• Employee discounts on consumer goods.

Work Location & Schedule

• Location: Beaumont, TX
• Work Arrangement: Onsite – No remote option
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Compensation: $150,000+ annually, depending on experience
• Employment Type: Full‑Time

What You’ll Bring

• Extensive experience in civil construction estimating, preferably within the electrical utility and substation construction industry.
• Strong estimating background with demonstrated experience on both greenfield and brownfield substation projects.
• Ability to independently manage the estimating process from initial project review through bid submission.
• Strong understanding of civil scopes associated with substation construction, including grading, excavation, site preparation, concrete foundations, underground utilities, and drainage.
• Proven ability to read and interpret civil engineering drawings, construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience developing detailed cost estimates, performing quantity takeoffs, and evaluating labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing.
• Previous leadership experience, with the ability to mentor, coach, and develop less experienced estimating professionals.
• Experience reviewing and overseeing estimates prepared by other team members.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Bluebeam Revu, CAD, and Microsoft Excel.
• Comfortable utilizing AI‑assisted estimating tools, including Claude AI, to support estimating workflows and improve efficiency.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting strict bid deadlines.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, and safety.

Trillium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.