Heavy Civil Estimator

Prospect Construction, Inc.; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil contracting firm in Missoula, MT, is seeking a Heavy Civil Estimator to lead the estimating strategy for complex bids across various markets. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in civil construction estimation, especially in water and infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include managing a team of estimators, developing estimating systems, and ensuring competitive and accurate bids. The role supports the expansion of capabilities in heavy civil construction, emphasizing teamwork and mentorship. Occasional travel to other offices may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Civil Construction Estimator.
• Proven experience leading estimating efforts on complex heavy civil projects.
• Demonstrated success managing or mentoring estimators.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of estimators responsible for heavy civil bids.
• Prepare competitive and complete estimates for heavy civil projects.
• Identify project risks and opportunities.

Skills

Heavy civil means and methods

Data analysis methods

Risk management and bid strategy

Labor, trucking, and material pricing models

Strong written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Education

BA in engineering, construction science or similar relevant field

Tools

HCSS

Timberline estimating software

Job description

Prospect Construction is a Heavy Civil Contractor that specializes in water and wastewater treatment plants, hydraulic structures/facilities, shoring systems, large concrete tanks, pump stations/process facilities, dewatering, major excavations, structural steel, process equipment, and mechanical systems. Prospect began as a General Contractor in 1998, with our first office location in Puyallup Washington. Over the last few decades, Prospect has coupled its expertise in complex projects with its vast level of self-performance to grow into one of the premier treatment plant contractors in the Northwest. This continued growth has allowed Prospect to bring our expertise into new geographical regions, with the establishment of our office in Missoula, Montana in the Fall of 2020 and the opening of our Sheridan, Wyoming Office in the Summer of 2023.

Why do we exist? Prospect Construction seeks to glorify God by providing opportunities for our employees to utilize their unique gifts through construction to benefit and serve our families, stakeholders, and community. What do we do? We construct unique, complex, and challenging projects for our clients throughout the west.

Description Summary:

The Heavy Civil Estimator is responsible for leading the company’s heavy civil estimating strategy, execution, and team development across all offices. This role will oversee a group of estimators operating from a centralized estimating location and will support bids for projects throughout the company’s footprint.

This position is a key leadership role in expanding the company’s heavy civil capabilities into new and existing markets including dams and water resource infrastructure, mass grading, mining support infrastructure, underground utilities, pipelines, and large-scale site development. The Chief Heavy Civil Estimator will produce accurate, complete, and competitive estimates and will build repeatable estimating systems that drive profitable growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Civil Estimator:

• Lead and manage a team of estimators responsible for heavy civil bids across all offices.
• Assign estimating responsibilities, coordinate workloads, and ensure bid schedules are met.
• Develop and mentor estimating staff through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Establish clear estimating workflows, standards, review processes, and deliverables.
• Lead preparation of competitive and complete estimates for heavy civil and large development pursuits.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, pricing, labor and equipment productions, and bid-leveling.
• Develop pricing strategies and collaborate with leadership to determine bid markups, general conditions, contingency, and schedule impacts.
• Coordinate bid reviews and executive-level presentations prior to submission.
• Support expansion into new heavy civil markets and project types including:
• Dams / levees / water infrastructure
• Mass grading / earthwork
• Mining and mine infrastructure
• Wet and dry utilities
• Large developments and site infrastructure
• Build estimating models, assemblies, means-and-methods assumptions, and productivity benchmarks for emerging work types.
• Identify equipment needs, subcontractor requirements, and labor production assumptions to support new civil capabilities.
• Ensure all estimates include complete scope coverage, clear assumptions, and appropriate risk allocation.
• Identify project risks and opportunities including logistics, access, production constraints, seasonal impacts, and design ambiguities.
• Support constructability reviews and sequencing concepts that align with execution strategies.
• Ensure the bid complies with owner requirements, bid forms, and proposal instructions.
• Solicit subcontractor pricing and scope input for specialty work (dewatering, drilling, blasting, shoring, etc.).
• Evaluate subcontractor quotes for completeness and accuracy; manage bid leveling and scope alignment.
• Assist in development of strategic partnerships for emerging markets and scopes.
• Maintain and improve a heavy civil cost database including labor, equipment, materials, trucking, and subcontractor benchmarks.
• Track estimate performance and contribute to lessons learned based on job cost results and field feedback.
• Coordinate with operations, project management, and field leadership to validate means/methods and production assumptions.
• Participate in turnover meetings and support transition from bid to execution.
• Assist operations in early project planning, budgeting, and buyout strategy as needed.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Civil Construction Estimator
• Proven experience leading estimating efforts on complex heavy civil projects
• Demonstrated success managing or mentoring estimators and leading bid teams.
• Strong understanding of:
• Heavy civil means and methods
• Equipment spreads and production rates
• Labor, trucking, and material pricing models
• Risk management and bid strategy
• Advanced understanding of data analysis methods
• Familiarity with civil estimating computer software
• Ability to interpret civil plans, specs, geotechnical reports, contract terms and design documents
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to present to senior leadership
• Highly organized, deadline-driven, and capable of managing multiple concurrent pursuits
• Critical-thinker and problem-solver
• BA in engineering, construction science or similar relevant field
• Experienced with HCSS and Timberline estimating software

Location:

• Missoula MT, other offices may be considered (Puyallup, WA or Sheridan, WY)