Senior Estimator

Union Estimating; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Union Estimating in Houston, TX, is seeking a Senior Heavy Civil Estimator with extensive underground utilities experience. This in-office role requires strong knowledge of cost estimation, field operations, and project risk assessment.

You will prepare detailed takeoffs, review plans and geotechnical reports, solicit subcontractors, coordinate with project teams, and develop comprehensive bid packages. Remote work is not available; you will work from our office and meet tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction or underground utilities.
• Ability to obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify missing scope, discrepancies, and risks.
• Experience reviewing civil plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, bid forms, and addenda.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for heavy civil and underground utility projects.
• Review construction plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, bid forms, addenda, and other contract documents.
• Estimate labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, production rates, and crew costs.
• Develop complete estimates for dirt work/site development, concrete work, large-diameter water lines, sanitary/sewer systems, storm sewers, lift stations, and related underground utility work.
• Solicit and evaluate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Coordinate with project managers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal team members during bidding.
• Prepare bid summaries, pricing breakdowns, and supporting estimate documentation.
• Review project risks, site conditions, and construction requirements before bid submission.

Skills

Estimating experience

Attention to detail

Bid management

Coordination with teams

Job description

Senior Heavy Civil Estimator - Underground Utilities

Location: Houston, Texas

Employment Type: Full-Time, In-Office

Remote Work: Not Available

We are seeking an experienced Senior Heavy Civil Estimator with a strong background in underground utility and civil construction. This is a full-time, in-office position for an estimator who understands field operations, production rates, and complete project costs.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for heavy civil and underground utility projects.
• Review construction plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, bid forms, addenda, and other contract documents.
• Estimate labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, production rates, and crew costs.
• Develop complete estimates for:
• Dirt work and site development
• Concrete work
• Large-diameter water lines
• Sanitary sewer systems
• Storm sewer systems
• Lift stations
• Related underground utility work
• Solicit and evaluate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Compare proposals, verify coverage, and identify exclusions or scope gaps.
• Coordinate with project managers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal team members during the bidding process.
• Prepare clear bid summaries, pricing breakdowns, and supporting estimate documentation.
• Review project risks, site conditions, and construction requirements before bid submission.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction or underground utilities.
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, equipment utilization, crew composition, material costs, and construction methods.
• Proven ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and prepare complete project estimates.
• Experience reviewing civil plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, bid forms, and addenda.
• Ability to obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify missing scope, discrepancies, and potential project risks.
• Good communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and meet strict deadlines.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in the Houston or Texas heavy civil construction market.
• Knowledge of local subcontractors, suppliers, labor conditions, and construction practices.
• Experience estimating municipal, commercial, and private underground utility projects.

Important

This position is specifically for a heavy civil and underground utility estimator. We are not seeking a plumbing estimator.

Candidates must be available to work full-time from our office. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available.