Estimator

CTS Excavations; Alabama; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Life and AD&D Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with company-m


Jury Duty Leave

Workers' Compensation

PTO accrual based on service

Job summary

CTS Excavations is seeking a detail-oriented Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive bids for site development projects, including mass grading, utilities, storm sewer, paving, and site finishes. The estimator will analyze plans and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing, and assist the preconstruction team in submitting proposals.

Ideal candidates have strong knowledge of excavation operations and estimating software, with proficiency in

Qualifications

• Experience in excavation, civil construction, grading, utilities, or heavy construction estimating.
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Knowledge of excavation methods, equipment capabilities, and production rates.
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, and bid documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for earthwork and sitework.
• Develop accurate project cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, trucking, and subcontractors.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Prepare and submit competitive bid proposals by deadlines.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits when necessary.
• Coordinate with project managers and field supervisors during handoff.
• Maintain historical cost data and estimating databases.
• Identify potential project risks and value engineering opportunities.
• Track awarded versus estimated project performance for continuous improvement.

Skills

Excavation estimating

Blueprint interpretation

Estimating software

MS Excel

Microsoft Office

Math & analytics

Communication

Bid management

Driver's license

Education

Civil Engineering or Construction Management degree

Related certifications in estimating

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

CTS Excavations is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive bids for site development projects, including mass grading, site utilities, storm sewer, paving, and site finishes.

The Estimator will analyze plans and specifications, analyze vendor and subcontractor pricing, perform quantity takeoffs, and assist the preconstruction team in submitting competitive proposals.

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of excavation operations, construction estimating software, and civil/sitework processes, along with the ability to manage multiple bids in a fast-paced environment.

If you're driven by precision, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to help shape the continued growth of a respected excavation contractor, we'd like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, and bid documents
• Perform quantity takeoffs for earthwork, grading, utilities, storm drainage, demolition, and related sitework
• Develop accurate project cost estimates, including labor, equipment, materials, trucking, subcontractors, and production rates
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing
• Prepare and submit competitive bid proposals by deadlines
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits when necessary
• Work closely with project managers and field supervisors during project handoff
• Maintain historical cost data and estimating databases
• Identify potential project risks and value engineering opportunities
• Coordinate with ownership and operations teams on scheduling and manpower planning
• Assist with contract review and scope clarification
• Track awarded versus estimated project performance for continuous improvement

Typical Day-to-Day Duties

• Reviewing incoming ITBs (Invitations to Bid)
• Completing quantity takeoffs
• Contacting suppliers and subcontractors for pricing
• Coordinating with the operations team on productions
• Building estimates and proposals
• Submitting bids and tracking outcomes
• Supporting project startup after award

Required Qualifications

• Experience in excavation, civil construction, grading, utilities, or heavy construction estimating
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, blueprints, and specifications
• Knowledge of excavation methods, equipment capabilities, and production rates
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office programs
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of estimating experience in site development or related construction fields
• An associate's or bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or other related fields is preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with:

Microsoft Excel

• Strong understanding of construction methods for DOT, municipal, commercial, or residential development projects
• Relevant experience in residential and commercial sitework construction operations

Why Join CTS Excavations?

At CTS Excavations, we take pride in delivering quality work, investing in our employees, and building long-term relationships with our customers. We offer opportunities to work on challenging civil construction projects with a team that values integrity, accountability, safety, and excellence.

CTS Excavations offers a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees and their families, including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) with accrual beginning on your first day of employment
• Paid Holidays (8 holidays annually)
• Medical Insurance through BCBS of Alabama with company-paid premium contributions
• Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance ($50,000 coverage)
• Company-paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a 4% company match
• Paid Jury Duty Leave
• Workers' Compensation Coverage
• Opportunities for increased PTO based on years of service
• Benefit eligibility and plan details are subject to company policy and may vary based on employment status and length of service