Senior Estimator — Caltrans-Heavy Civil

Client Growth Resources, Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Client Growth Resources, Inc. is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead bids for major heavy civil projects in Southern California, including Caltrans work. The role emphasizes detailed quantity takeoffs, subcontractor coordination, and price development for high-profile infrastructure programs.

You will review Caltrans specs, develop crew-based rates, and coordinate with project teams to ensure competitive pricing and on-time bid delivery. Strong Caltrans experience is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil construction estimating experience.
• Proven experience estimating Caltrans highway and California public works projects.
• Strong knowledge of Caltrans specifications, plans, bid requirements, and construction standards.
• Extensive understanding of earthwork, grading, paving, structural concrete, underground utilities, and roadway construction.
• Airport/FAA infrastructure estimating experience is highly desirable.
• Experience developing production-based estimates using labor and equipment crews.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor bid leveling, scope coverage, and vendor pricing.
• Ability to analyze complex plans, specifications, schedules, and contract requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates while meeting strict public agency bid deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed estimates and competitive bids for large-scale heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Review Caltrans Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, Special Provisions, project drawings, and contract documents.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop pricing for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Estimate major scopes including: Mass Excavation & Earthwork; Grading & Subgrade Preparation; Asphalt Paving; Structural Concrete; Bridges & Civil Structures; Retaining Walls; Underground Utilities; Drainage & Stormwater Systems; Roadway Improvements; Traffic Control.
• Develop crew-based production rates for high-production grading, excavation, paving, and civil operations.
• Analyze construction sequencing, equipment requirements, site logistics, and means and methods when developing estimates.
• Review geotechnical information, earthwork quantities, haul requirements, and material balances.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure complete scope coverage and competitive pricing.
• Coordinate with DBE/UDBE subcontractors and vendors to meet applicable public works participation requirements.
• Identify bid risks, opportunities, constructability concerns, and value engineering alternatives.
• Develop preliminary schedules and coordinate estimating assumptions with Primavera P6 schedules when required.
• Maintain historical cost and production data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Monitor changes in labor, equipment, fuel, asphalt, concrete, aggregate, and other material costs.
• Participate in bid reviews and final pricing strategy with senior management.
• Coordinate successful project handoffs with Project Managers, Superintendents, and operations teams.
• Support change order pricing and project cost analysis as required.

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

InEight/Hard Dollar

Primavera P6

Microsoft Excel

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Office

Digital takeoff platforms

Job description

Client Growth Resources, Inc. is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead bids for major heavy civil projects in Southern California, including Caltrans work. The role emphasizes detailed quantity takeoffs, subcontractor coordination, and price development for high-profile infrastructure programs.

You will review Caltrans specs, develop crew-based rates, and coordinate with project teams to ensure competitive pricing and on-time bid delivery. Strong Caltrans experience is essential.