Estimator – Civil Grading

Software Placement Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation, holiday and sick time

Job summary

Software Placement Group is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead bids for large-scale civil and grading projects in Southern California, from takeoff to award and into execution.

You will read plans, perform earthwork takeoffs, price scopes, solicit quotes, and build competitive bid packages while coordinating with operations to ensure smooth handoffs and cost tracking.

Qualifications

• 5+ years estimating heavy civil, grading or earthwork projects.
• Experience pricing large-scale mass grading and site development.
• Digital takeoff and earthwork modeling software experience.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Ability to read civil plans, cross sections and geotechnical reports.
• Public works or private development experience in Southern California.

Responsibilities

• Read plans, specifications and geotechnical reports to define project scope.
• Run earthwork take-offs and cut-and-fill analysis using digital takeoff software.
• Price grading, excavation, import/export, site concrete and paving scopes.
• Solicit and level subcontractor and supplier quotes.
• Build and submit competitive bid packages on schedule.
• Walk sites and attend pre-bid meetings to identify conditions not shown on plans.
• Handoff awarded work to operations and support budgets, buyout and change orders.
• Track bid results and actual costs to improve pricing accuracy.

Skills

Heavy civil estimating

Grading/earthwork pricing

Digital takeoff software

Excel proficiency

Civil plans & geotechnical reports

SoCal public works experience

Education

Construction management or Civil Engineering degree

Tools

Takeoff software

Job description

Location: San Diego County, CA | Schedule: Full-time, On-Site | Compensation: $120,000-$150,000 base depending on experience

Overview

An established Southern California infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead bids for large-scale civil and grading projects, including mass excavation, earthwork, site development, and related paving and underground scopes. This person will own the estimating process from takeoff through award and stay engaged as the job moves into execution.

What you'll do

• Read plans, specifications and geotechnical reports to build a complete project scope
• Run earthwork take-offs and cut and fill analysis using digital takeoff software
• Price grading, excavation, import and export, site concrete and paving scopes
• Solicit and level subcontractor and supplier quotes
• Build and submit competitive bid packages on schedule
• Walk sites and attend pre-bid meetings to identify conditions not shown on plans
• Hand off awarded work to operations and support budgets, buyout and change orders
• Track bid results and actual costs to improve future pricing accuracy

Required qualifications

• 5+ years estimating heavy civil, grading or earthwork projects
• Experience pricing large-scale mass grading and site development
• Digital takeoff and earthwork modeling software experience
• Strong Excel skills
• Ability to read civil plans, cross sections and geotechnical reports
• Public works or private development experience in Southern California

Preferred qualifications

• Scheduling software experience a plus
• Degree in construction management or civil engineering preferred; equivalent field experience considered

Compensation and benefits

• $120,000-$150,000 base depending on experience
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, holiday and sick time

Why this role

This is an opportunity to own large-scale civil and grading bids from takeoff through award and stay involved as projects move into operations, with a competitive base salary and full benefits.