Estimator

L5 Excavation, LLC; Springtown (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

L5 Excavation, LLC is seeking an Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for excavation, earthwork, and underground utility projects. You will analyze documents, perform quantity takeoffs, solicit subcontractor pricing, and assemble bid packages to support growth.

Responsibilities include bid management, preconstruction scoping, and coordinating with field leadership and project teams to ensure clear estimate assumptions and successful handoffs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in construction estimating with direct experience in excavation, earthwork, and/or underground utilities required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for excavation, earthwork, grading, cut/fill, and underground utilities.
• Prepare complete bid estimates including labor, equipment, materials, and overhead.
• Coordinate pricing for related scopes with qualified subcontractors.
• Analyze soil conditions, site constraints, and access requirements.
• Develop and maintain unit cost databases and historical bid data.
• Review ITBs, RFPs, plans, specs, addenda, and contracts to identify scope and bid requirements.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Coordinate with owners, GCs, PMs during bid process to clarify scope.
• Track bid deadlines and ensure timely submission of proposals.
• Participate in scope review and handoff meetings after bids.
• Support project teams during startup by clarifying estimated scopes and quantities.
• Assist with value engineering and constructability review.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and subcontractors for competitive pricing.
• Maintain bid logs, win/loss records, and post-bid analysis data.
• Report bid pipeline and market conditions to leadership.

Skills

HCSS HeavyBid

B2W Estimate

Bluebeam

Plan reading

MS Office

Driver's license

Education

Construction Management degree

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Estimator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and complete cost estimates for excavation, earthwork, and underground utility projects bid by the Company. The Estimator analyzes project documents, develops quantity takeoffs, solicits and evaluates subcontractor and supplier pricing, and assembles bid packages that support the Company's growth and profitability objectives. The Estimator works closely with field leadership, project management, and executive leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are representative of the position and are not exhaustive. The Company may modify responsibilities to meet business needs.

Estimating & Takeoffs

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for excavation, earthwork, grading, cut/fill, and underground utility scopes of work using project plans and specifications.
• Prepare complete bid estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor costs, and overhead, with appropriate contingencies.
• Coordinate pricing for related scopes (e.g., concrete) where such work will be subcontracted, working with qualified subcontractors.
• Analyze soil conditions, site constraints, access requirements, and other field variables that affect cost and schedule.
• Develop and maintain unit cost databases, historical bid data, and production rate libraries to support estimating accuracy and efficiency.

Bid Management

• Review ITBs, RFPs, plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to identify scope, risks, and bid requirements.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure complete and competitive scope coverage.
• Coordinate with project owners, GCs, and project managers during the bid process to clarify scope and resolve ambiguities.
• Track bid deadlines, maintain a bid calendar, and ensure timely and accurate submission of all proposals.

Preconstruction & Project Handoff

• Participate in scope review and project handoff meetings following successful bids, providing field leadership with a clear understanding of estimate assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions.
• Support project managers and superintendents during project startup by clarifying estimated scopes, quantities, and production expectations.
• Assist with value engineering and constructability review as part of preconstruction efforts.

Vendor & Reporting

• Develop and maintain relationships with material suppliers, equipment vendors, and subcontractors to ensure access to competitive pricing.
• Maintain bid logs, win/loss records, and post-bid analysis data to support continuous improvement of the estimating process.
• Report regularly to leadership on bid pipeline, pending awards, and market conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in construction estimating with direct experience in excavation, earthwork, and/or underground utilities required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid, B2W Estimate, Bluebeam, or similar).
• Strong working knowledge of plan reading, specifications, and contract documents for civil/heavy construction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid Texas driver's license and clean driving record required.

Core Competencies

• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent time management; manages multiple bids simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Self-directed and organized; able to work independently across multiple projects and, where applicable, multiple entities.