Entry-Level Estimator – Heavy Civil

Terra Constructs; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Terra Constructs is seeking an Entry-Level Estimator – Heavy Civil to support the estimating department with detailed quantity take-offs, subcontractor/vendor pricing, and bid documentation preparation. The role emphasizes accuracy, safety, and collaboration with estimating and operations teams to secure successful bids.

The position involves attending pre-bid activities, coordinating with vendors, and aiding in the bid closeout and project handoff processes to ensure smooth transitions to

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years in construction estimating or quantity take-offs.
• Strong understanding of drawings, specifications, and industry standards.
• Proficiency in estimating software (Bluebeam) and MS Office.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and calculations for bids.
• Solicit and compile subcontractor and vendor quotes with documentation for good faith effort.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to collect bid information.
• Assist in bid preparation and submission with estimator.
• Support handoff of estimating information to operations on awarded projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Multi-tasking

Tools

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Procore

Job description

Entry-Level Estimator – Heavy Civil

The Entry-Level Estimator – Heavy Civil supports the Estimating Department by performing detailed quantity take-offs, working with vendors and subcontractors to gather pricing, coordinating bid documentation, and assisting in the preparation and submission of bids. This position plays a key role in ensuring accurate cost estimates and successful project bidding through attention to detail, communication, and collaboration with the estimating and operations teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote and recognize positive safety habits and practices; incorporate safety considerations into all estimates and bids.


• Analyze job site conditions for potential hazards and recommend safe means and methods; communicate findings to the operations team during pre-job meetings.


• Maintain a thorough understanding of project plans, specifications, and related documents.


• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits, providing detailed notes, photos, and relevant information to the Estimator.


• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and calculations in support of Senior Estimators.


• Obtain and review bid documents to ensure accurate and comprehensive take-off preparation.


• Conduct pre-takeoff meetings with Estimators to review staging, soil reports, and special project requirements.


• Solicit and compile subcontractor and supplier quotes, maintaining documentation for good faith effort compliance per specifications.


• Assist in bid closeout activities including reviewing material and subcontractor quotes and ensuring documentation aligns with company standards.


• Support project handoff by transitioning estimating information to the operations team on awarded projects.


• Provide quantity take-off support to operations for active projects as needed.


• Assist with bid deliveries, ensuring adequate time for review and completion of bid documents with the Estimator.


• Conduct job site visits to compare actual construction progress with original estimates, identifying discrepancies and lessons learned.


• Maintain and foster positive relationships with clients, subcontractors, and business partners.


• Contribute to team development by mentoring and supporting less experienced staff members.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in construction, construction estimating, or quantity take-offs (civil, general contracting, or related field).


• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and industry standards.


• Proficiency in estimating and take-off software (e.g., Bluebeam) and Microsoft Office Suite.


• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative team approach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal or commercial construction projects.


• Familiarity with Procore, Salesforce, or similar project management platforms.