Senior Estimator - Civil Projects

Ceres Environmental Services, Inc.; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead cost estimates for complex heavy civil, infrastructure, environmental, and disaster recovery projects. Location options include Sarasota, FL (relocation offered) or Houston, TX (in office, 5 days a week).

In this role you will drive pricing strategies and manage risk across multiple programs. The ideal candidate has 10–15 years in heavy civil estimating, a strong operations background, and proficiency with estimating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 10-15 years of heavy civil construction estimating experience.
• Strong track record leading estimates for complex projects.
• Advanced Excel and estimating software proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of detailed cost estimates, bid packages, pricing models, and proposals.
• Develop conceptual, budgetary, design-build, and negotiated estimates.
• Establish labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and indirect cost assumptions.
• Evaluate project risks and contingency strategies.
• Present estimates to senior leadership and support execution plans.
• Mentor estimators and promote estimating best practices.

Skills

Estimating

Cost estimating

Excel (advanced)

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management

PE / CCM / PMP or similar certification

Tools

HeavyBid

Bid2Win

Sage Estimating

Job description

Salary Range $135,000.00 - $175,000.00 Salary/year

Position Type Full Time Regular

Category Corporate

Description

Senior Estimator – Civil Projects

Department: Estimating

Location: Sarasota, FL (reloc offered) or Houston, TX (in office, 5 day/week)

Compensation Range: $140k – 175K base salary

Other Compensation: Eligible for annual performance bonus

Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and travel opportunities

The Ceres Commitment

Ceres Environmental Services is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Founded in 1976, Ceres has secured more than $3.4 billion in government-funded contracts, reflecting decades of trust in bringing hope during times of need.

We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by Peop le

At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Estimator to lead the development of strategic, competitive, and accurate estimates for complex heavy civil, infrastructure, environmental, power, and disaster recovery projects. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Estimating, this position serves as a key contributor to business growth and project success.

The ideal candidate will be based in Sarasota, FL office with relocation assistance offered. For highly qualified candidates, we will consider individuals located in Houston, TX who are willing to travel to Sarasota and work onsite approximately one week per month. In addition, the ability to travel to project site and offices is required as well.

What You Will Do

• Lead the development of detailed cost estimates, bid packages, pricing models, and technical proposals.
• Develop conceptual, budgetary, design-build, negotiated, and competitive bid estimates.
• Establish labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and indirect cost assumptions.
• Evaluate project risks and develop contingency strategies.
• Present estimate packages and pricing recommendations to senior leadership.
• Partner with operations teams to develop execution plans and staffing models.
• Mentor estimators and support estimating best practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in heavy civil construction estimating.
• Demonstrated success leading estimates and competitive pursuits for complex projects.
• Strong background in construction operations, project execution, and cost estimating.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and estimating software proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE, CPE, CCM, PMP, or similar certification.
• Experience with HeavyBid, Bid2Win, Sage Estimating, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of FEMA-funded programs and federal contracting.
• Experience supporting USACE, DOT, municipal, state, or federal projects.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

What to Expect

As a Senior Estimator, you will help drive the company growth strategy by leading the pursuit of complex and strategically important opportunities. You will work directly with executive leadership and operational teams to evaluate opportunities, identify risks, develop pricing strategies, and support critical business decisions.

Success in This Role

• Lead estimates for high-value and strategically important pursuits.
• Deliver accurate, competitive, and comprehensive estimates.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership.
• Contribute to enhancement of estimating processes and systems.

Physical Requirements and Environment

Ceres provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.

Why Join Ceres?

At Ceres, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.

We offer

A collaborative, mission-driven culture.

Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.

Ceres Environmental is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affi

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.