Heavy Civil Construction Estimator

Kimmel & Associates, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Career growth opportunities

Training & development

Job summary

Kimmel & Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead the development of accurate, competitive cost estimates for a diverse civil construction portfolio.

The role combines hands-on estimating with leadership, bid strategy, and business development support to ensure profitable bids. You will collaborate with Operations, Project Management, and executive leadership to ensure bids reflect current market conditions, production capabilities, and profitability targets on underground

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience (civil construction strongly preferred).
• Experience with underground utilities, wet utilities, pipeline, grading, or related infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Strong ability to read and interpret plans, profiles, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software such as HCSS, B2W, or PlanSwift.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong mathematical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Leading the preparation of detailed cost estimates for underground utilities, pipeline, grading, and structural scopes.
• Reviewing plans, specifications, and bid documents to define project scope and risk.
• Overseeing quantity takeoffs, pricing, and subcontractor/vendor analysis.
• Developing bid strategies, identifying risks, and recommending value‑engineering opportunities.
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Managing multiple bids and deadlines while ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Maintaining and improving estimating databases, cost libraries, and production benchmarks.
• Supporting pre‑bid meetings, job walks, and RFIs with stakeholders.
• Leading bid reviews, handoffs, and transition of awarded work to Operations.

Skills

Estimating

Bid strategy

Takeoffs

Subcontractor analysis

Cost databases

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Tools

HCSS

PlanSwift

B2W

Job description

About the Company

The company is a respected leader in civil construction specializing in underground utilities, pipeline infrastructure, grading, and structural work. The organization combines deep field expertise with a strong reputation for safety, quality, and execution across complex infrastructure projects.

With a collaborative culture and a focus on long-term growth, the company empowers its leaders to drive strategy, build client relationships, and directly influence project success and profitability.

About the Position

The Estimator will serve as a leader within the estimating function, responsible for overseeing the development of accurate, competitive, and strategic cost estimates across a diverse portfolio of civil construction projects. This role blends hands‑on estimating with leadership, business development support, and bid strategy development.

Working closely with Operations, Project Management, and executive leadership, the Estimator ensures that all bids reflect current market conditions, production capabilities, and company profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation of detailed cost estimates for underground utilities, pipeline, grading, and structural scopes
• Reviewing plans, specifications, and bid documents to define project scope and risk
• Overseeing quantity takeoffs, pricing, and subcontractor/vendor analysis
• Developing bid strategies, identifying risks, and recommending value‑engineering opportunities
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients, subcontractors, and industry partners
• Managing multiple bids and deadlines while ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Maintaining and improving estimating databases, cost libraries, and production benchmarks
• Supporting pre‑bid meetings, job walks, and RFIs with stakeholders
• Leading bid reviews, handoffs, and transition of awarded work to Operations

Requirements

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience required (civil construction strongly preferred)
• Experience with underground utilities, wet utilities, pipeline, grading, or related infrastructure
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Strong ability to read and interpret plans, profiles, and technical specifications
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software such as HCSS, B2W, or PlanSwift
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong mathematical aptitude

Benefits

• Competitive base salary aligned with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career growth opportunities within a respected construction organization
• Exposure to complex, high‑impact infrastructure projects