Lead Heavy Civil Estimator - Bid Strategy & Mentorship

Fort Myer Construction; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Myer Construction Corporation seeks a Senior Estimator to own end-to-end bid development for heavy civil pursuits, including roadway, drainage, utilities and bridges. You will drive pricing strategy, schedule integration, and risk assessment while mentoring junior staff and supporting design-build pursuits.

This role requires a strong background in DDOT/VDOT projects, advanced Excel, and proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid and other takeoff tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred — equivalent field and estimating experience considered.
• Minimum 7+ years of estimating experience in heavy highway, civil, or infrastructure construction, required.
• Experience estimating DDOT, VDOT, FHWA, DC Water, or other DOT/utility agency-funded projects — required.
• Working knowledge of DDOT, VDOT, and FHWA standard specifications and bid item structures, required.
• Experience supporting Design-Build or Progressive Design-Build pursuits preferred.
• Prior experience with DBE/MBE/WBE subcontracting requirements and government bid compliance, required.
• Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid, required.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, AGTEK, or similar digital takeoff tools — required.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, ability to build and audit complex cost models and quantity spreadsheets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong working knowledge of CPM scheduling principles and the ability to coordinate pricing with project schedules.
• Working knowledge of construction means and methods, production rates, equipment operations, and crew compositions for heavy civil self-perform work.
• Ability to read and interpret civil engineering drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports with precision.
• Strong analytical skills, able to develop bid strategy independently, including unbalancing, mobilization positioning, and risk-adjusted pricing.
• Hly organized with strong attention to detail, able to manage multiple active bids simultaneously without missing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to present and defend estimates to senior leadership, owners, and design partners.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior estimating staff.
• Collaborative team player who works well with project managers, field supervisors, design partners, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for heavy highway, roadway, drainage, utility, bridge, and civil projects.
• Own bid end-to-end from kickoff through submission, including scope definition and pricing strategy.
• Develop preliminary CPM logic and tie pricing to durations on schedule-sensitive items.
• Verify agency quantities, flag discrepancies, and adjust bid strategy accordingly.
• Make self-perform vs subcontract decisions using FMCC crew compositions and production rates.
• Finalize labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and overhead costs with contingencies.
• Identify risks and constructability concerns; communicate findings to leadership.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes for scope coverage and pricing competitiveness.
• Coordinate bid invitations, addenda, and late quotes; manage bid week tasks.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers for pricing access.
• Lead pre-bid site visits, bid walks, and pre-construction meetings; translate field insights into pricing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Civil Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

AGTEK

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Fort Myer Construction Corporation seeks a Senior Estimator to own end-to-end bid development for heavy civil pursuits, including roadway, drainage, utilities and bridges. You will drive pricing strategy, schedule integration, and risk assessment while mentoring junior staff and supporting design-build pursuits.

This role requires a strong background in DDOT/VDOT projects, advanced Excel, and proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid and other takeoff tools.