Senior Estimator for Earth and Utility

Elite Surface Infrastructure; Englewood, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Health Insurance

HSA

Vision Insurance

Employer paid Life/AD&D

Voluntary life/AD&D

PTO

Paid Sick Leave

Job summary

Elite Surface Infrastructure in Englewood, CO is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead cost estimation for heavy civil projects. You will review plans, prepare takeoffs, and build complete bid packages using HCSS HeavyBid, coordinating with Operations and Project Managers.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in earthwork and utilities estimating, strong attention to detail, and a proven ability to meet bid deadlines. This full-time role offers competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in earthwork & utilities estimating.
• Experience estimating heavy civil construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet strict bid deadlines.
• Experience pricing with subcontractors and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Review plans, specifications, addenda, contract documents, bid tabs, municipal requirements, and other project information.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for asphalt, concrete, earthwork, grading, underground utilities, and other scopes.
• Prepare complete estimates using estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Solicit competitive pricing from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Review, compare, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Identify long-lead materials and risks affecting pricing or schedule.
• Coordinate estimate reviews with leadership and project teams.

Skills

Detail-Oriented

Analytical

Organized

Communicative

Collaborative

Proactive

Creative Problem-Solving

Professional

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Bluebeam

Microsoft Excel

Job description

SENIOR ESTIMATOR

Department:Earthwork & Utilities / Project Services
Reports To: Department Director
Location: Englewood, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday; approximately 50 hours per week with occasional evenings, weekends, or overtime as needed
Pay: $125k to $150k

• 401(k) Retirement plan, 401(k) matching
• Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Vision Insurance
• Free Life Insurance/AD&D – Employer paid
• Voluntary Insurance: Accidental, Critical and additional Life Insurance/AD&D
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Leave (PSL)

Company Overview

Elite Surface Infrastructure (ESI), based in Englewood, CO, is a leading self-performing civil contractor serving Colorado since 1998. ESI specializes in Underground Utilities, Milling, Asphalt, Paving, Grading, Concrete, and Earthwork for commercial, municipal, and federal projects.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for heavy civil construction projects. This position reviews plans, specifications, contract documents, and project requirements to develop detailed quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and complete bid packages. The Senior Estimator works closely with Operations, Project Managers, subcontractors, suppliers, and other internal teams to develop realistic production rates, evaluate project risks and constructability, and establish competitive pricing. This position also supports projects through the transition from estimating to operations and assists with post-award activities and change order pricing. The ideal candidate has strong heavy civil construction knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to understand not only what a project costs, but how the work will actually be built.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review plans, specifications, addenda, contract documents, bid tabs, municipal requirements, and other project information.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for asphalt, concrete, earthwork, grading, underground utilities, and other applicable scopes.
• Prepare complete and accurate estimates using estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Apply appropriate unit costs and production rates based on project requirements and construction methods.
• Identify scope gaps, risks, challenges, and opportunities before bid submission.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the means, methods, sequencing, and logistics required to construct each project.
• Prepare complete bid packages and ensure all required scope items are included and properly priced.
• Solicit competitive pricing from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Review, compare, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Identify long-lead materials and items that may affect project pricing or schedule.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners.
• Track quotes and follow up with vendors and subcontractors as necessary.
• Coordinate site visits and scope clarifications with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, job walks, and project site inspections.
• Evaluate site conditions, access, logistics, constructability, and potential project challenges.
• Identify questions, discrepancies, and clarifications requiring additional information.
• Prepare and submit RFIs during the bidding process.
• Document pre-bid information and communicate relevant findings to the internal team.
• Work closely with Operations to develop realistic crew production rates, durations, and construction approaches.
• Coordinate estimate reviews with the Department Director, Project Managers, Operations, and other appropriate ESI team members.
• Seek input from Superintendents, Foremen, and field personnel regarding constructability and production strategies.
• Participate in reviews of substantial or complex projects.
• Identify alternative construction methods and opportunities that may improve ESI's competitiveness.
• Communicate estimating assumptions, risks, and pricing decisions clearly to internal teams.
• Ensure bids and proposals are complete, accurate, and submitted by required deadlines.
• Verify that all required bid forms, documents, bonds, certifications, and supporting information are included.
• Participate in final estimate and bid reviews.
• Submit bids through the required electronic or hard-copy channels.
• Track bid results and follow up on awards, pricing feedback, and competitiveness.
• Review awarded and unsuccessful bids to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in project handoff meetings with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Operations.
• Provide estimate backup, scope clarifications, pricing information, and assumptions to project teams.
• Assist with contract review and project buyout activities.
• Support vendor and subcontractor buyout as needed.
• Participate in project setup and mobilization planning following award.
• Answer questions from Operations regarding estimate assumptions, quantities, pricing, and production rates.
• Support a smooth transition from estimating to project execution.
• Assist Project Managers with change order pricing and negotiations.
• Develop cost estimates for changes in project scope.
• Review change order requests for accuracy and alignment with contract requirements.
• Provide pricing and estimating support to Operations throughout project execution.
• Apply lessons learned from completed projects to improve future estimates and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5 years of experience in the to earth & utility scopes (Required)
• Previous experience estimating heavy civil construction projects.
• Strong understanding of heavy civil construction methods, materials, means, and sequencing.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing complete project estimates.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet strict bid deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Operations and other departments.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor and supplier pricing and markets.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proficiency with estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid.
• Experience with Bluebeam or similar digital takeoff software preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, preferred.
• Ability to organize and maintain detailed estimating files and supporting documentation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Detail-Oriented: Thoroughly reviews plans, specifications, and project documents to identify scope requirements, risks, and potential gaps.

Analytical: Evaluates quantities, costs, production rates, construction methods, and project risks to develop accurate estimates.

Organized: Maintains organized estimate files, manages multiple bids, and consistently meets deadlines.

Communicative: Communicates clearly and promptly with Operations, management, subcontractors, suppliers, and other project stakeholders.

Collaborative: Works effectively with field and office teams to develop realistic and competitive estimates.

Proactive: Identifies potential issues early, asks questions, submits RFIs, and seeks clarification when necessary.

Creative & Solutions-Oriented: Looks for alternative construction methods and strategies that can improve project competitiveness and execution.

Professional: Represents ESI professionally when interacting with owners, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and other external stakeholders.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crawling, and material handling
• Lift 10-50 lbs. frequently; up to 100 lbs. occasionally
• Occasional climbing and overhead reaching
• Continuous physical activity throughout workday
• PPE required at all times on job sites
• Indoor and outdoor work with exposure to varying weather conditions
• Equal Opportunity and E-Verify participating employer
• Reasonable accommodation available as needed

Note: This job description outlines primary duties and expectations but is not exhaustive. ESI may revise or assign additional duties as needed. This is not a contract of employment.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources - Recruiting Department at

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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