Senior Estimator

Smith Arnold Partners; Connecticut; On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Arnold Partners seeks a Senior Estimator to join a renowned heavy civil contractor in Connecticut. You will lead estimates for roadwork, sitework, paving, drainage, utilities, earthwork and concrete, with Primavera scheduling supporting pre-award and baseline timelines.

You will mentor junior staff while collaborating with leadership, operations and field teams, advancing toward a Chief Estimator role on a clear succession path.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of heavy civil estimating experience.
• Deep knowledge of roadwork, sitework, paving, drainage, utilities, earthwork and concrete.
• Ability to estimate from field production, not only historical prices.

Responsibilities

• Full estimates across roadwork, sitework, paving, drainage, utilities, earthwork, concrete and sub scopes.
• Quantity takeoffs from plans, cross sections, bid forms and specs.
• Primavera pre-award and baseline schedules - phasing, procurement, MOT, milestones.
• Subcontractor/vendor quote review for gaps, exclusions and schedule risk.
• Bid strategy sessions and handoff from estimating to operations.
• Mentoring junior estimators as you grow into leadership.

Skills

Estimating

Heavy civil

Roadwork

Sitework

Paving

Drainage

Utilities

Earthwork

Concrete

Primavera scheduling

Tools

Primavera

Job description

This isn\'t a job. It\'s a succession plan.

Our client, a well-established heavy civil contractor, is hiring a Senior Estimator to work alongside a 25-year veteran before retirement, absorbing decades of estimating expertise with a clear track to Chief Estimator.

What Employees Say About Working Here

• "Management trusts you to do your job while providing the support and resources you need to succeed. It's a team-oriented environment where everyone works toward the same goals."
• "The company genuinely invests in employee development. I've had opportunities to take on larger projects, learn from experienced leaders, and grow my career faster than I expected."
• "The culture sets this company apart. People are collaborative, approachable, and committed to helping each other succeed. It's a place where your contributions are recognized and appreciated."

Why Join This Company?

• Strong Pipeline & Stability – Join a well-established contractor with a consistent backlog of work, repeat clients, and a reputation for delivering quality projects across multiple market sectors.
• Career Growth Opportunities – The company is committed to developing its people through mentorship, leadership training, and clear advancement opportunities for high performers.
• People-First Culture – Leadership values collaboration, communication, and work-life balance, creating an environment where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Location: New Haven County, CT

What you\'ll do:

• Full estimates across roadwork, sitework, paving, drainage, utilities, earthwork, concrete and sub scopes
• Quantity takeoffs from plans, cross sections, bid forms and specs
• Primavera pre-award and baseline schedules - phasing, procurement, MOT, milestones
• Subcontractor/vendor quote review for gaps, exclusions and schedule risk
• Bid strategy sessions and the handoff from estimating to operations
• Mentoring junior estimators as you grow into leadership yourself

What you bring:

• 5-10 years of heavy civil estimating experience
• Deep knowledge of roadwork, sitework, paving, drainage, utilities, earthwork and concrete
• Ability to estimate from real field production - not just historical unit prices
• Hands-on Primavera scheduling (pre-award and baseline)
• Sharp plan reading, spec review and takeoff skills
• Calm judgment, high accountability, and the drive to learn how this team operates

Why this role is different:

• A true succession opportunity, not a short-term seat
• Direct mentorship from decades of estimating expertise
• Close collaboration with leadership, operations and field teams
• A clear, realistic path to Chief Estimator for the right person