Heavy Civil Estimator (Underground Utilities)

Harper Brothers Construction LLC; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid holidays

401(k) program

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Job summary

Harper Brothers Construction invites a Senior Estimator to lead complex utility infrastructure bids, including underground pipelines, water distribution, wastewater collection, and storm drainage projects. You will develop detailed cost estimates, evaluate risks, and mentor junior staff in a collaborative preconstruction environment.

The role focuses on accurate pricing, bid strategy, and working with project teams to secure profitable work across multiple states.

Qualifications

• 5+ years estimating experience in utility infrastructure or heavy civil construction.
• Proven success estimating public and private utility projects.
• Experience with underground utilities including water, sewer, and gas.

Responsibilities

• Lead bid lifecycle from opportunity review to proposal submission.
• Prepare detailed takeoffs and cost estimates for utility projects.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor cost models.
• Analyze plans, specs, and bid documents to determine requirements.
• Mentor junior estimators and share best practices.
• Support planning, budgeting, and project startup activities.

Skills

Estimating experience

Analytical thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Civil Engineering/Engineering Technology

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Viewpoint Vista/Spectrum

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Harper Brothers Construction - Heavy Civil Estimator (Underground Utilities)

HB Utilities (HBU): Built to Deliver

HB Utilities (HBU) is a world-class, turnkey provider of dry and wet utility construction services with more than 25 years of construction excellence through its predecessor and sister companies. HBU's predecessor company, Badeco, Inc., was acquired by Harper Brothers Construction in 2020 and has since been rebranded as HB Utilities.

We are committed to creating lifelong partnerships with our client-customers by delivering exceptional service, skilled personnel, and safe project execution. Safety is not simply a priority at HBU, it is a core value embedded in every aspect of our operations. Our teams are dedicated to meeting the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and performance on every project.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead estimating efforts for complex utility infrastructure and pipeline construction projects. This role is ideal for professionals with experience working for:

• Natural gas contractors
• Utility infrastructure contractors
• Underground pipeline contractors
• Water, sewer, and utility construction firms

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for underground utility, pipeline, water distribution, wastewater collection, storm drainage, and related civil infrastructure projects. This position plays a critical role in securing new work and supporting successful project execution through strong preconstruction planning and collaboration.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and comprehensive cost estimates for utility and pipeline construction projects.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and production cost models.
• Analyze plans, specifications, geotechnical information, and bid documents to determine project requirements.

Bid Management

• Lead the full bid lifecycle from opportunity review through final proposal submission.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Review bid packages for scope completeness, risks, and contractual obligations.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client discussions.
• Evaluate constructability challenges, project risks, and schedule constraints.
• Develop value engineering solutions and alternative construction approaches.
• Support project teams with budgeting, planning, and project startup activities.
• Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Operations leadership to validate means, methods, and production assumptions.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating best practices.
• Maintain historical cost databases and leverage past project data to improve estimate accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance estimating efficiency and bid success rates.

What You Bring

Experience

• 5+ years of estimating experience in utility infrastructure, underground construction, pipeline construction, natural gas distribution, water/wastewater, or heavy civil construction.
• Demonstrated success estimating public and private utility infrastructure projects.
• Experience with underground utility installations including water mains, sewer systems, storm drainage, and gas distribution pipelines.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of utility construction methods, trenching operations, excavation, grading, pipe installation, and restoration requirements.
• Ability to interpret civil engineering drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Knowledge of production rates, cost drivers, and risk management practices in utility construction.

Software Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency with estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid or similar platforms.
• Experience with construction management and job cost systems such as Viewpoint Vista/Spectrum.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent construction industry experience will be considered.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, results-oriented approach with strong business acumen.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Why Join Harper Brothers Construction?

• Be part of a company that puts people and safety first.
• Lead estimating efforts on critical utility and infrastructure projects.
• Work alongside experienced construction professionals in a collaborative environment.
• Gain exposure to major pipeline, utility, and civil construction opportunities across multiple states.
• Opportunities for leadership growth and career advancement.
• Competitive compensation and benefits including PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), medical, dental, vision, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harper Brothers Construction is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and prohibit discrimination based on any characteristic protected by applicable law.