Heavy Civil Estimator Highway Construction

CMES Inc.; Norcross (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Professional development

Training

Collaborative team

Job summary

CMES, Inc. in Norcross, GA is seeking an experienced Heavy Civil Estimator to lead the bid process for DOT and GDOT projects.

The role focuses on preparing accurate estimates and competitive proposals for roadway, bridge, and utilities work, coordinating with operations and subcontractors to ensure bid viability. The ideal candidate has a strong background in GDOT/DOT and public infrastructure, with expertise in earthwork, roadways, utilities, and traffic control, to support successful project

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience in Heavy Civil or Highway Construction.
• Experience bidding DOT, GDOT, municipal, or other public infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of Earthwork, Roadway Construction, Utilities, Concrete, Bridges, Traffic Control.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process from bid review through project handoff.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and competitive bid proposals.
• Analyze bid risks, production rates, and project logistics.
• Coordinate with Operations, Project Management, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Track bid addenda and maintain bid packages and summaries.

Skills

Estimating

Heavy civil

DOT / GDOT knowledge

Bid preparation

Plan interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Experience in Heavy Civil or Highway Construction

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Bid2Win

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Scheduling software

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Heavy Civil Estimator (DOT / Highway Construction)

Location: Norcross, GA
Company: CMES, Inc.

Founded in 1996, CMES, Inc. is a privately held, Georgia-based heavy civil construction company specializing in highways, bridges, grading, underground utilities, concrete, and transportation infrastructure. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Heavy Civil Estimator with a strong background in GDOT, DOT, and public infrastructure projects.

This position is ideal for an estimator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has experience developing competitive bids for roadway, bridge, earthwork, utility, and transportation projects.

Position Summary

The Heavy Civil Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating process from initial bid review through project handoff. This role prepares accurate cost estimates, develops competitive bid proposals, analyzes project risks, and collaborates closely with operations, project management, subcontractors, and suppliers.

The ideal candidate has experience estimating DOT roadway and heavy civil projects using industry-standard estimating software and understands the unique requirements of public infrastructure construction.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Preparation

• Review plans, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to evaluate project conditions.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for:
  • Earthwork & Grading
  • Roadway Construction
  • Drainage & Utilities
  • Concrete
  • Structures
  • Traffic Control
  • Erosion Control
• Develop accurate labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing.
• Analyze bid risks, production rates, and project logistics.
• Track bid addenda and incorporate changes into estimates.
• Prepare complete bid packages and bid summary reports.
• Submit bids within required deadlines.

Preconstruction

• Participate in constructability reviews and value engineering.
• Identify project risks and opportunities during preconstruction.
• Coordinate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Prepare preliminary budgets, schedules, and project cost summaries.
• Lead project turnover meetings with Operations and Project Management following award.

Cost Analysis

• Maintain historical cost data and unit pricing databases.
• Compare estimated versus actual project costs.
• Assist with budgeting, change orders, and cost forecasting.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating processes.

Vendor & Subcontractor Management

• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
• Identify new qualified subcontractors to strengthen bidding capabilities.
• Verify subcontractor qualifications and compliance requirements.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Project Managers, Superintendents, and Project Engineers.
• Support estimating best practices and process improvements.
• Stay current on GDOT specifications, industry trends, and construction methods.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of estimating experience in Heavy Civil or Highway Construction
• Experience bidding DOT, GDOT, municipal, or other public infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of:
  • Earthwork
  • Roadway Construction
  • Utilities
  • Concrete
  • Bridges
  • Traffic Control
• Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• Experience using:
  • HCSS HeavyBid
  • Bid2Win
  • Bluebeam
  • AGTEK
  • Microsoft Office
  • Scheduling software
• Knowledge of GDOT specifications, standards, and bidding procedures

Why CMES?

At CMES, you'll join a team that builds some of Georgia's most important transportation infrastructure. We value integrity, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement while providing opportunities for professional growth and long-term career advancement.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development & Training
• Collaborative Team Environment

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience estimating the following project types are strongly encouraged to apply:

• GDOT Highway Projects
• Roadway Reconstruction
• Bridge Construction
• Site Development
• Mass Grading
• Earthwork
• Underground Utilities (Storm, Sewer & Water)
• Concrete Structures
• Transportation Infrastructure

Commercial building, residential construction, and vertical construction estimating experience alone is not sufficient for this position. Heavy Civil/DOT estimating experience is strongly preferred.