Estimator

Southland Holdings; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Southland Holdings in Burlington, NC is seeking an experienced Estimator to join the Heavy Civil Estimating team. This role focuses on large-scale infrastructure projects including bridges, highways, utilities, and marine work.

The ideal candidate will develop detailed cost estimates, coordinate subcontractor pricing, and support competitive bids. Strong reading of drawings and contract docs, plus independent yet collaborative work, is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field preferred.
• 3–7 years of heavy civil estimating experience.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specs, and contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office applications.
• Experience evaluating subcontractor and supplier proposals.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and contracts to assess scope and risks.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs and develop cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subs.
• Develop means and methods, production rates, crew compositions, and equipment needs.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes for competitive pricing.
• Identify scope gaps and cost-saving opportunities; coordinate with project teams.
• Manage estimate scopes and ensure bid accuracy and compliance.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and bid reviews.

Skills

Civil Engineering

Estimating

Reading drawings

Excel Pro

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Sage

Excel

AutoCAD

Job description

Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction

Southland Holdings | Burlington, NC | Full-Time

Position Overview

Southland Holdings is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our Heavy Civil Estimating team in Burlington, NC. This position offers the opportunity to work on large-scale infrastructure projects, including bridges, highways, utilities, marine construction, and other complex heavy civil projects.

The Estimator will be responsible for developing detailed construction cost estimates, evaluating project requirements, coordinating subcontractor and supplier pricing, and supporting the preparation of competitive bids. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of construction means and methods, the ability to work independently, and a collaborative approach to estimating.

Key Responsibilities

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents to evaluate project scope, requirements, and potential risks.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and develop comprehensive cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Develop construction means and methods, production rates, crew compositions, and equipment requirements for assigned scopes of work.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure complete and competitive pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and opportunities for cost savings or alternative construction approaches.
• Coordinate with project management, operations, and other estimating personnel to validate pricing assumptions and construction approaches.
• Independently manage assigned estimate scopes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with bid requirements.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, estimate reviews, and bid strategy discussions.
• Assist in developing project schedules, indirect costs, and construction execution plans.
• Prepare estimate summaries, bid documentation, and supporting cost analyses.
• Support bid finalization, proposal preparation, and project handoffs to operations.
• Maintain and utilize historical cost data, production rates, and lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in heavy civil construction estimating, project engineering, or related construction operations.
• Strong understanding of heavy civil construction means, methods, materials, equipment, and production rates.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience preparing quantity takeoffs, developing cost estimates, and evaluating subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet bid deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with estimating and operations teams.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently while contributing to a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience estimating bridges, highways, underground utilities, marine construction, or other major civil infrastructure.
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid, Sage, or similar construction estimating software.
• Experience developing crew-based estimates, equipment spreads, and construction production rates.
• Familiarity with DOT specifications, public infrastructure bidding requirements, and subcontractor procurement.
• Field engineering or project management experience on heavy civil construction projects.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Relocation assistance, where applicable.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Exposure to complex, high-profile infrastructure projects and collaboration with experienced construction professionals.

About Southland Holdings

For more than 100 years, Southland Holdings and its family of companies have delivered critical infrastructure projects across the United States. Our work spans transportation, bridges, water resources, marine construction, and other major civil infrastructure.

Our family of companies includes Johnson Bros. Corporation, Oscar Renda Contracting, American Bridge, Southland Contracting, and Mole Constructors.