Lead Estimator

Trueline; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage

401(k) plan with a company match

Flexibility in vacation and benefit arrangements

Company truck for commuting

Job summary

Trueline's client, a growing family-owned heavy civil contractor, is seeking a Senior Heavy Civil Estimator in Wichita, Kansas. You will lead bids for KDOT and municipal projects, preparing competitive estimates while maintaining strong local market relationships.

The ideal candidate has at least 7 years of experience in heavy civil estimating, strong knowledge in various civil scopes, and the ability to work closely with project management to ensure successful execution of bids. A family-oriented environment with various benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
• Experience with multiple civil scopes like concrete paving and bridges.
• Ability to interpret civil plans and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Prepare competitive estimates for KDOT and municipal projects.
• Analyze plans, specifications, and project risks.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes.

Skills

Estimating experience within heavy civil construction

Knowledge of civil plans and specifications

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in construction management or civil engineering

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

AGTEK

Bluebeam

Job description

Trueline's client, a growing, family-owned heavy civil contractor serving public infrastructure customers, is seeking a Senior Heavy Civil Estimator to join its team in Wichita, Kansas. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead KDOT and municipal bids, strengthen the estimating function, and help a well-capitalized contractor continue its rapid growth.

What You’ll Do as the Senior Heavy Civil Estimator

• Own heavy civil estimates from initial plan review and takeoff through final bid submission.
• Prepare competitive estimates for KDOT and municipal projects involving concrete paving, bridges, storm sewer, waterlines, utilities, roadway improvements, and related civil scopes.
• Analyze plans, specifications, schedules, quantities, labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor pricing, and project risks.
• Develop bid strategies, unit pricing, clarifications, alternates, and complete proposal packages.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes while maintaining strong local market relationships.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and post-bid discussions.
• Work closely with project management and field leadership to create a clear handoff from estimating to execution.
• Maintain historical cost information and help improve estimating processes as the company grows.
• Provide project management support when needed or take on a blended Estimator/Project Manager role based on experience and interest.

Must-Haves as the Senior Heavy Civil Estimator

• At least 7 years of estimating experience within heavy civil, heavy highway, roadway, utility, bridge, or municipal construction.
• Experience with multiple civil scopes, such as concrete paving, bridges, earthwork, storm sewer, waterlines, underground utilities, or roadway construction.
• Strong knowledge of quantity takeoffs, unit-price estimating, labor and equipment costing, subcontractor analysis, and bid preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret civil plans, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements.
• Understanding of how public agencies, engineering departments, and competitive bid processes operate.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, communication skills, and ownership of deadlines.
• Ability to work primarily from the Wichita office and attend occasional site or pre-bid meetings.

Nice-to-Haves as the Senior Heavy Civil Estimator

• Direct familiarity with KDOT, Wichita-area municipalities, and local engineering departments.
• Established relationships with regional subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and public-agency contacts.
• Experience working for a self-performing heavy civil contractor.
• A background that combines estimating and project management.
• Experience estimating projects across several civil disciplines rather than one narrow specialty.
• A degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, AGTEK, Bluebeam, or comparable estimating and takeoff software.

Our Client Offers

• Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage, including company-paid employee-only coverage.
• Family medical coverage with an employer contribution and additional flexibility for the right candidate.
• A 401(k) plan with a 3% company match.
• A company truck for commuting and job-related travel, based on role needs.
• Flexibility to match or improve vacation and benefit arrangements for a strong direct-competitor hire.
• A stable, family-owned environment where employees are trusted to manage their responsibilities without micromanagement.
• Initial support and guidance, followed by the autonomy to run the estimating process.
• A visible role in a growing contractor with the resources, equipment, and leadership commitment to pursue larger public infrastructure projects.

Trueline and its clients are unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.