Travel: Approximately 20–40%, including project sites, client facilities, and pre-bid visits; overnight travel as required
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Estimator / Project Manager to support the growth and execution of heavy civil construction projects throughout the Ohio Valley region. This position offers the opportunity to manage the full project pursuit process, from developing client relationships and identifying opportunities to preparing estimates, developing proposals, negotiating projects, and supporting construction execution.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in heavy civil estimating, earthwork, construction scheduling, and project management. This individual will work closely with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and field leadership to develop practical, cost-effective construction plans that meet project requirements and schedules.
This role is primarily office-based in Gallipolis, Ohio, with regular travel to active construction sites and client facilities.
Key Responsibilities
Client Development and Business Development
- Build and maintain relationships with power generation facilities, utilities, and electrical transmission and distribution companies.
- Identify upcoming projects and develop new business opportunities within the heavy civil construction market.
- Review requests for proposals, construction drawings, and specifications to evaluate project scope and feasibility.
- Conduct site visits to assess existing conditions, access, haul routes, material sources, and subcontractor availability.
Estimating and Quantity Takeoffs
- Perform earthwork takeoffs by developing and comparing existing and proposed surfaces to calculate cut-and-fill quantities.
- Calculate quantities for all project work items using construction drawings and technical specifications.
- Estimate layered containment systems, including structural fill, recompacted clay, geomembranes, geotextiles, geocomposites, geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs), and drainage aggregate.
- Determine crew requirements, equipment needs, production rates, material costs, and subcontractor and supplier pricing.
- Identify value-engineering opportunities that reduce costs or improve schedules while meeting design requirements.
Construction Scheduling
- Develop critical path method (CPM) construction schedules, preferably using Primavera P6.
- Ensure schedules align with estimated production rates, project durations, and construction sequencing.
- Update schedules as project scope, conditions, and execution requirements change.
Proposal Development and Presentations
- Prepare detailed proposals, written work plans, construction schedules, and supporting exhibits.
- Develop project cross-sections, drawings, graphics, and other materials to communicate construction methods.
- Present proposed execution plans during pre-bid and post-bid meetings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Create professional presentations using PowerPoint and similar tools.
Project Execution Support
- Transition awarded projects to field leadership and remain involved throughout construction.
- Monitor crew productivity, material quantities, project schedules, and overall performance.
- Collaborate with superintendents and foremen to translate construction drawings and specifications into practical field direction.
- Maintain communication between office personnel, field teams, clients, and project stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- At least five years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, such as site development, mass earthwork, roadway construction, or drainage projects.
- Proficiency in earthwork takeoffs and surface modeling using AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, AGTEK, or comparable software.
- Working knowledge of geosynthetic liner and cap systems, including materials, installation, and quantity calculations.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, and design intent.
- Strong understanding of heavy civil construction methods, earthwork operations, and construction sequencing.
- Experience developing and maintaining CPM construction schedules.
- Experience preparing cost-based estimates using HeavyBid, B2W Estimate, or similar software.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong written, verbal, organizational, and technical communication skills.
- Valid driver's license and ability to meet applicable driving and insurance requirements.
Previous coal combustion residuals (CCR) or environmental construction experience is not required. Training will be provided in these specialized areas.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ten or more years of heavy civil estimating or project management experience.
- Experience with landfill construction, solid waste containment, CCR impoundment closure, or similar environmental projects.
- Experience with HeavyBid and Primavera P6.
- Ability to develop CAD renderings, proposal exhibits, and construction cross-sections.
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field.
- Professional certifications such as PMP or PE are beneficial but not required.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be an independent, detail-oriented problem solver who takes ownership of projects from initial opportunity through construction. This individual should be comfortable building client relationships, explaining complex construction plans in straightforward terms, and collaborating with experienced field personnel.
We are looking for someone who:
- Communicates clearly with clients, technical teams, and field personnel.
- Takes initiative and manages priorities with minimal supervision.
- Approaches challenging project conditions with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset.
- Looks for opportunities to improve construction methods, costs, and schedules.
- Maintains strong client relationships between projects and builds opportunities for repeat business.
- Values teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Work Environment and Travel
This position is primarily based in an office in Gallipolis, Ohio, with an estimated 20–40% travel requirement. Site visits may involve active construction sites and operating power plants, including walking on uneven terrain, slopes, and unpaved haul roads in varying weather conditions.
Required personal protective equipment includes a hard hat, safety-toe boots, high-visibility vest, and safety glasses, along with compliance with applicable site-specific safety requirements. Candidates must successfully complete applicable pre-employment screening and comply with workplace drug-testing policies.
Safety is a priority throughout estimating, planning, and construction. Employees are expected to identify hazards and stop work when unsafe conditions arise.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive base salary above industry averages, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Performance-based incentive and bonus potential.
- Group medical insurance, with a portion of premiums paid by the employer.
- Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Three weeks of paid time off, plus company holidays.
- Company-provided transportation for work-site visits.
- Company-provided computer, estimating software, and scheduling tools.