Senior Heavy Civil Estimator
Location: Chagrin Falls, OH
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday Friday
Industry: Heavy Civil Construction
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Heavy Civil Estimator to join the estimating team and play a key role in developing accurate, competitive bids for heavy civil construction projects.
This position is responsible for taking a project from drawings and bid documents to a complete and well-supported estimate. You'll analyze plans, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, determine labor, equipment and material requirements, obtain and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing, and work closely with the Project Management and Engineering teams to make sure estimates are accurate and realistic.
This is a role for someone who understands how construction actually gets built - not just someone who can produce numbers on a spreadsheet.
The right person will be detail-oriented, organized, comfortable working under bid deadlines, and able to make sound estimating decisions based on drawings, quantities, pricing, production requirements, and subcontractor/vendor input.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Estimating & Bid Preparation
- Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements.
- Develop accurate estimates for heavy civil construction projects.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, equipment, and materials.
- Analyze project scope and identify the resources required to successfully execute the work.
- Review plans and bid documents carefully to identify potential estimating issues, omissions, or inconsistencies.
- Develop estimates within required bid schedules and deadlines.
Heavy Civil & Highway Takeoffs
- Perform detailed takeoffs for heavy construction and infrastructure projects.
- Analyze quantities and construction requirements associated with heavy civil and highway work.
- Apply practical construction knowledge when developing labor, equipment, and material quantities.
- Review the scope of work and determine realistic costs based on the anticipated means and methods of construction.
Subcontractor & Vendor Pricing
- Solicit quotations from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
- Compare and evaluate quotations for accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
- Maintain communication with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors throughout the estimating process.
- Develop and maintain strong professional relationships within the construction industry.
- Stay informed about changing market conditions, pricing, materials, and industry practices.
Estimate Review & Collaboration
- Work closely with Project Management and Engineering to answer estimating questions and resolve scope issues.
- Communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, and potential project risks.
- Help ensure estimates accurately reflect the actual project requirements.
- Provide estimating support and clarification as projects move from bidding into execution.
- Contribute practical insight based on previous construction experience.
Organization & Bid Deadlines
- Manage multiple estimates and priorities at the same time.
- Maintain organized estimating documentation and supporting information.
- Work effectively under tight bid deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.
- Review work carefully before estimates are finalized and submitted.
What We're Looking For
- 7+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
- Strong experience with heavy construction and highway takeoffs.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent relevant industry experience may be considered in place of a degree.
- Strong understanding of construction labor, equipment, and material costs.
- Experience obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and vendor quotations.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with Project Management, Engineering, vendors, subcontractors, and other team members.
- Comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment.
- HCSS HeavyBid experience is preferred, but not required.
- A desire to build a long-term career and grow with the organization.
What This Opportunity Offers
- DOE
- Potential bonus based on company/project financial performance
- 401(k) with company match
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Monday Friday schedule
- Opportunity to work on heavy civil and regional infrastructure projects
- Opportunity to collaborate directly with experienced Project Management and Engineering teams
- Long-term opportunity for professional growth
Work Environment & Culture
This is a team-oriented environment where accuracy, accountability, communication, and practical construction knowledge are important.
The Estimator works closely with Project Management and Engineering rather than operating as a completely separate function. The goal is not simply to produce the lowest number possible - it's to develop an estimate that accurately represents the work, resources, and costs required to successfully execute the project.
The company emphasizes employee development, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for people who want to grow with the organization.