Senior Estimator - Earthwork

Tutor Perini Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Tutor Perini Corporation in Sylmar, CA is seeking a Senior Estimator – Earthwork to lead cost estimating for major earthwork and site development projects, including mass grading, excavation, embankment and related civil work.

The role requires deep experience bidding infrastructure projects, advanced knowledge of earthmoving, and the ability to drive bids from concept to submission while coordinating with engineers and subcontractors.

Qualifications

• BS in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• 10+ years of preconstruction, estimating, and/or operations experience on heavy civil projects.
• 5+ years estimating experience focused on earthwork, mass grading, excavation, embankment, and site development.
• Strong business math skills with the ability to develop and understand estimates, budgets, production rates, and cost models.
• Advanced knowledge of quantity takeoffs involving cut/fill analysis, earthwork balancing, haul calculations, and grading plans.
• Ability to read and interpret geotechnical reports, grading plans, and civil engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of earthmoving methodologies, equipment production, construction means and methods, and market pricing.
• Strong communication and teamwork capabilities for cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete and accurate cost estimates for earthwork and site development.
• Lead estimating and bid process from concept to final submission.
• Coordinate quantity takeoffs with takeoff engineers and mentor assigned engineers.
• Travel to jobsites and pre-bid meetings as required.
• Develop understanding of project plans, site conditions, grading requirements, and construction challenges.
• Solicit subcontractor, trucking, equipment, and material quotes and maintain bid documentation.
• Contribute to preliminary project schedules to determine durations and general conditions.
• Assemble bid packages and organize estimate files.
• Complete estimates in a timely manner with review time for Senior Management.
• Evaluate geotechnical reports, haul routes, borrow sources, and material quantities for pricing.
• Analyze production methods, equipment spreads, and sequencing to identify risks and cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Estimating

Earthwork

Mass grading

Bid management

Analytical skills

Communication

MS Excel

HCSS HeavyBid

Education

BS in Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Bluebeam

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Trimble

On-Screen Takeoff

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The expected salary range for this position is $175,000 - $250,000 depending on experience.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Tutor Perini Corporation is seeking a Senior Estimator - Earthwork to join our office Sylmar, CA.

About Tutor Perini Corporation

Extraordinary Projects, Exceptional Performance

The world relies on infrastructure — to ensure public safety, maintain a quality of life and support a healthy economy. For more than a century, Tutor Perini Corporation’s family of civil construction companies has supported the development and maintenance of infrastructure across our great nation.

We construct and rehabilitate highways, bridges, tunnels, mass-transit systems, and water management and wastewater treatment facilities. In short, we help our clients make “public works” work. Our corporate integrity, financial strength and outstanding record of performance makes us an attractive partner on large, sophisticated infrastructure projects.

From coast to coast, notable projects include The Purple Line (D Line) Extensions in Los Angeles, SR 99 Viaduct replacement tunnel in Seattle, East Side Access projects and the Hudson Yards Platform in New York, Central Subway Third Street Light Rail in San Francisco, and multiple airport expansions and bridge projects.

Extraordinary Projects Need Exceptional Talent

Description

As a Senior Estimator – Earthwork at Tutor Perini Corp., you will have the opportunity to be responsible for preparing complete and accurate cost estimates for major earthwork and site development projects, including mass grading, excavation, embankment construction, site preparation, soil stabilization, haul operations, and related heavy civil infrastructure work.

This role requires in-depth industry knowledge, strong analytical abilities, and the capability to lead the estimating and bid process from concept through final submission, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and competitiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of heavy civil construction projects with an emphasis on large-scale earthmoving operations, site development, grading, excavation, and related civil construction activities. At the present time, this estimating professional must have hands‑on experience bidding major infrastructure and earthwork projects.

• Acquire plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, historical bid files, and historical job cost information necessary to perform detailed estimates. Coordinate quantity takeoffs with takeoff engineers and mentor assigned engineers to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Travel to jobsites and pre-bid meetings as required.
• Develop a thorough understanding of project plans and specifications, including unique site conditions, grading requirements, excavation limits, and project-specific construction challenges.
• Solicit subcontractor, trucking, equipment, and material quotes as required and maintain documentation for all bid activities.
• Contribute to preliminary project schedules to determine durations and pricing for general conditions.
• Understand all aspects of bid proposals, including labor productivity, equipment production rates, earthwork balancing, haul distances, and project requirements.
• Prepare detailed estimates for mass excavation, embankment, grading, site development, erosion control, dewatering, soil improvement, and related earthwork activities.
• Assemble information for each bid into organized bid packages and estimate files.
• Complete estimates in a timely manner with sufficient review time for Senior Management.
• Evaluate geotechnical reports, haul routes, borrow sources, disposal sites, and material quantities to develop accurate earthwork pricing.
• Analyze production methods, equipment spreads, and sequencing to identify risks and cost‑saving opportunities.

Requirements

• BS in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• 10+ years of preconstruction, estimating, and/or operations experience on heavy civil construction projects.
• 5+ years of estimating experience focused on earthwork, mass grading, excavation, embankment construction, and site development projects.
• Strong business math skills with the ability to develop and understand estimates, budgets, production rates, and cost models.
• Advanced knowledge of quantity takeoffs involving cut/fill analysis, earthwork balancing, haul calculations, and grading plans.
• Ability to read and interpret geotechnical reports, grading plans, and civil engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of earthmoving methodologies, equipment production, construction means and methods, and market pricing.
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines concurrently.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with estimating software, bid management platforms, online plan rooms, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with industry‑standard software such as HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AGTEK, Trimble Business Center, On‑Screen Takeoff, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Resourceful and diligent in identifying solutions and adapting to changing project requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Knowledge of heavy civil construction, roadway construction, site development, and infrastructure projects is highly preferred.

OUR MISSION

We build critical infrastructure that creates a better world.

OUR VISION

We strive to be the preeminent full‑service civil, building, and specialty contractor by delivering innovative, transformative projects through world‑class execution. We are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, upholding the highest standards of safety and integrity, generating exceptional financial results and shareholder value, and fostering a culture where our employees thrive.

Tutor Perini builds extraordinary projects, which need exceptional talent. Join us to help build the critical infrastructure that creates a better world.

Equal Opportunity Employer