Principal Estimator — Heavy Civil Infrastructure

E-Z Bel; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Paid PTO & holidays

Bonus program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

E-Z Bel Construction, LLC in San Antonio seeks a Principal Estimator to lead heavy civil bids from plan review to proposal submission. You will develop detailed takeoffs in Bluebeam and Excel, calibrate production rates in HeavyBid, and assemble competitive estimates for municipal, county, utility authority, and state-funded projects.

You will mentor junior estimators, validate constructability with project teams, and ensure DBE, HUB, and EEO participation requirements are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years estimating heavy civil scopes: roadway, underground utilities, drainage, and structural concrete.
• Proven track record on public infrastructure bids; TxDOT exposure preferred.
• Deep fluency in public agency bid structures and participation programs (DBE, HUB, EEO).

Responsibilities

• Translate plans and specs into accurate, compliant heavy civil estimates.
• Complete detailed takeoffs in Bluebeam and Excel for utilities, drainage, and concrete works.
• Develop estimates in HeavyBid using historical data and bid-item structures.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier scoping, align quotes, and handle clarifications.
• Mentor Estimators and ensure compliance with DBE/HUB/EEO requirements.

Skills

Heavy civil estimating

Public infrastructure bids

Bid strategy & proposal development

Leadership & mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk identification

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

HeavyBid

Bluebeam

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Step into a Lead Role Shaping Public Works WinsPicture your day as our Principal Estimator: you start by reviewing plans, standard specs, special provisions, geotechnical reports, and addenda for a mix of municipal, county, utility authority, state-funded, and private development pursuits. Bluebeam and Excel are open as you build meticulous takeoffs for roadway, drainage, storm sewer, water and sanitary utilities (wet and dry), concrete flatwork, and structural concrete. By midday, HeavyBid becomes your sandbox—calibrating production rates with crew performance data, historical cost trends, and owner-specific bid item structures to assemble a competitive estimate. The afternoon is all about alignment—scoping subcontractors and suppliers, tracking quotes, validating constructability with Project Managers and Superintendents, and ensuring DBE, HUB, EEO, and other participation program requirements are fully met. You close the day documenting assumptions, organizing bid logs and calendars, and mentoring teammates on estimating best practices.What You'll TackleTranslate plans, specs, provisions, geotechnical reports, and addenda into accurate, compliant, and competitive heavy civil estimates.Complete detailed quantity takeoffs in Bluebeam and Excel across roadway, drainage, storm sewer, water and sanitary utilities (wet and dry), concrete flatwork, and structural concrete.Develop comprehensive estimates in HeavyBid using production history, crew performance data, historical cost trends, and owner-specific bid item structures.Lead subcontractor and supplier scoping, align quotes, and manage clarifications for municipal, county, utility authority, state-funded, and private work.Own compliance with public agency programs (DBE, HUB, EEO) and similar participation requirements for each owner.Maintain pricing libraries for materials, equipment, and labor; update for market conditions and historical performance.Prepare complete proposal packages: itemized bid tabs, proposal forms, schedules of values, and all required submission documents.Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Division Leaders to test assumptions for production, constructability, risks, and schedule.Lead outreach with vendors and subcontractors for solicitations, scope alignment, and required compliance documentation.Keep impeccable records—estimating logs, proposal calendars, digital file structures, and all bid documentation.Elevate the function by refining SOPs, templates, workflows, and internal training resources.Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, owner conferences, and internal strategy sessions to sharpen win themes and positioning.Mentor Estimators and Junior Estimators to ensure accuracy, consistency, and competitiveness.Support budgets, negotiated work, and change order pricing as needed.Perform other duties as assigned to advance department goals.What You BringBachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.5+ years estimating heavy civil scopes: roadway, underground utilities, drainage, and structural concrete.Proven track record on public infrastructure bids for municipal, county, utility authority, or state-funded owners; TxDOT exposure preferred.Advanced proficiency with HeavyBid, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel.Deep fluency in public agency bid structures and participation programs (DBE, HUB, EEO) within competitive bidding environments.Demonstrated ability to analyze scope, perform detailed takeoffs, assemble complete proposals, and shape bid strategy.Clear, confident communication with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and public agency stakeholders.Highly organized, deadline-driven, and proactive about risk identification, system improvements, and institutional knowledge-building.Leadership experience mentoring or guiding junior estimators.Work Setting & Physical RequirementsPrimarily office-based role with extended computer work and standard office equipment use. Occasional site visits may include walking uneven terrain, climbing stairs, standing for periods, and exposure to outdoor weather. Ability to lift or carry up to 20 pounds may be required.Benefits & RewardsCompetitive medical, dental, and vision coverageCompany-paid basic dental, life insurance, and short- and long-term disabilityVoluntary benefits including life, accident, critical illness, and pet insurance401(k) retirement planQuarterly bonus programPaid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid winter company break (eligible roles)Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resourcesTuition reimbursement and continuing education supportScholarship program for dependents of eligible employeesCompany events, community engagement opportunities, and quarterly State of the Company meetingsCompliance and EligibilityE-Z Bel Construction, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.E-Z Bel Construction, LLC participates in E-Verify, a federal system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.