Heavy Civil Estimator

ZSG; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP ownership

401(k) company match

Backlog $6.5B secured

Job summary

ZSG in Charlotte, NC is seeking an experienced Heavy Civil Estimator to lead complex bids for major infrastructure projects. The role focuses on earthwork, utilities, bridges, and concrete scopes, with primary responsibilities including bid prep, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor pricing, and risk assessment.

Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, as is proficiency in HCSS Heavy Bid and Primavera P6.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field or equivalent industry experience.
• Five+ years of heavy civil construction estimating experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of earthwork, underground utilities, bridge construction, and/or structural concrete.
• Proficiency with HCSS Heavy Bid and Microsoft Office; experience with AGTEK or similar software.
• Experience with Primavera P6 scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and bidding process for complex heavy civil projects.
• Review project plans, specifications, schedules, and contract documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop pricing for labor, equipment, materials, and subcontracted work.
• Prepare estimates for mass grading, sitework, highway cut-and-fill operations, and material import/export.
• Estimate underground utility scopes, including storm drainage, water, sewer, and related structures.
• Develop pricing for bridge and structural concrete construction.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Identify project risks, technical challenges, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Coordinate with operations, project management, engineering, and executive leadership during bidding.
• Support bid reviews, presentations, and project handoffs to the operations team.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field

Tools

HCSS Heavy Bid

Microsoft Office

AGTEK or similar earthwork estimating software

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Opportunity

For more than 60 years, our client has helped build the infrastructure that keeps America moving. As a full-service heavy civil and industrial contractor, the company delivers complex projects across the highway, bridge, mining, dam, rail, and infrastructure markets.

With a strong national reputation and $6.5 billion in backlog over the next three years, our client is seeking an experienced Heavy Civil Estimator to join its Charlotte, North Carolina, office.

Why Join Our Client?

• Top 75 ENR-ranked contractor
• Employee-owned through an ESOP since 2024
• 401(k) company match
• $6.5 billion in secured backlog
• Strong, team-oriented company culture
• Leadership training and professional-development opportunities
• Clear paths for long-term career advancement
• Opportunity to work on large, complex infrastructure projects

Position Overview

The Heavy Civil Estimator will develop and lead estimates for complex civil construction projects. This individual will evaluate plans, specifications, schedules, quantities, subcontractor pricing, and project risks to prepare accurate and competitive bids.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in earthwork, underground utilities, bridges, structural concrete, or similar heavy civil scopes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and bidding process for complex heavy civil projects
• Review project plans, specifications, schedules, and contract documents
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop pricing for labor, equipment, materials, and subcontracted work
• Prepare estimates for mass grading, sitework, highway cut-and-fill operations, and material import and export
• Estimate underground utility scopes, including storm drainage, water, sewer, and related structures
• Develop pricing for bridge and structural concrete construction
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals
• Identify project risks, technical challenges, and value-engineering opportunities
• Coordinate with operations, project management, engineering, and executive leadership throughout the bidding process
• Support bid reviews, presentations, and project handoffs to the operations team

Qualifications

• At least five years of heavy civil construction estimating experience
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead estimates and bids for complex heavy civil projects
• Strong knowledge of earthwork, underground utilities, bridge construction, and/or structural concrete
• Broad understanding of heavy civil trade scopes, specialty subcontractors, and market pricing
• Proficiency with HCSS Heavy Bid and Microsoft Office
• Experience with AGTEK or similar earthwork estimating software
• Experience using Primavera P6 scheduling software
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to review technical issues and develop timely, practical solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and comfortable working in a collaborative team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, subcontractors, vendors, clients, and leadership

Location and Travel

This position is based in the company’s Charlotte, North Carolina office. Occasional travel to project sites and regional offices will be required.

Working Conditions

The role includes extended periods of desk and computer work, with occasional standing, bending, reaching, and lifting of approximately 5–20 pounds. Jobsite visits may require standing, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, and working outdoors in varying weather and construction-site conditions.

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