Civil Estimator

Cooper Construction Company; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Construction is seeking a Civil/Sitework Estimator responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates, sourcing vendors, analyzing risks, and developing competitive proposals for industrial construction projects.

The role involves analyzing project documents, performing quantity takeoffs, and coordinating with design teams and owners to address sitework challenges. Strong math, negotiation, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Science (or 5+ years relevant experience)
• Proven experience as a Civil Estimator or similar role
• Strong knowledge of estimating, financial, and cost analysis principles
• Skilled in sourcing materials and subcontractors
• Excellent math, analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and reliable

Responsibilities

• Analyze project documents to identify civil scope and takeoffs
• Develop cost estimates for labor, materials, and equipment
• Source subcontractors and vendors and perform risk analysis for proposals
• Prepare detailed proposals with qualifications, inclusions, and exclusions
• Coordinate with design teams, consultants, and owners for sitework solutions
• Provide technical input to internal teams, clients, and subcontractors
• Support operations teams during construction with guidance

Skills

Estimating

Cost analysis

Vendor sourcing

Mathematical skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Science

Tools

Estimating software

Digital takeoff

Job description

Cooper Construction is currently seeking a Civil/Sitework Estimator who is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates, sourcing vendors, analyzing risks, and developing competitive proposals for industrial construction projects.

Technical & Preconstruction Analysis

• Analyze project documents, including drawings, specifications, and site reports, to identify civil scope.
• Review and interpret geotechnical reports, soil borings, and laboratory testing results.
• Conduct site visits as needed to assess existing conditions and coordinate investigations.
• Perform civil and earthwork quantity takeoffs for grading, utilities, and paving.
• Develop cost estimates for labor, materials, and equipment using digital takeoff and estimating software.
• Develop Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) budgets for clients in early project stages.
• Conduct value engineering and cost analysis to optimize project designs and budgets.
• Obtain and review quotes from subcontractors and vendors; perform risk analysis for proposals.
• Prepare and submit detailed proposals with clear qualifications, inclusions, and exclusions.
• Coordinate with design teams, consultants, and owners to address sitework challenges.
• Provide clear, concise technical input to internal teams, clients, and subcontractors.
• Support operations teams during construction with technical guidance.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure sitework scopes meet applicable codes, standards, and specifications.
• Stay current with industry best practices and technologies

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Civil Estimator or similar role
• Strong knowledge of estimating, financial, and cost analysis principles
• Skilled in sourcing materials and subcontractors
• Excellent math, analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and reliable
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Science (or 5+ years relevant experience)
• Previous experience with a Site Development contractor in the field would be a significant advantage