Senior Estimator – Caltrans Heavy Civil Leader

Your Talent Team; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Your Talent Team is seeking a Senior Estimator for heavy civil infrastructure projects in Southern California, focusing on Caltrans and public works bidding. You will develop estimates, manage bid strategies, and coordinate with operations to ensure successful handoffs.

The role requires extensive experience with earthwork, paving, structural concrete, and utilities, along with strong knowledge of Caltrans standards and subcontractor management.

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 specifications, plans, and contract documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors.
• Develop production-based estimates for grading, earthwork, paving, and utilities.
• Coordinate with project managers and operations for handoffs and bid reviews.
• Identify bid risks and opportunities and support value engineering.

Skills

Estimating experience

Caltrans experience

Public works bidding

Earthwork knowledge

Negotiation skills

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

InEight/Hard Dollar

Primavera P6

Excel

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Your Talent Team is seeking a Senior Estimator for heavy civil infrastructure projects in Southern California, focusing on Caltrans and public works bidding. You will develop estimates, manage bid strategies, and coordinate with operations to ensure successful handoffs.

The role requires extensive experience with earthwork, paving, structural concrete, and utilities, along with strong knowledge of Caltrans standards and subcontractor management.