Senior Estimator - Heavy Civil Construction

Southland Holdings; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southland Holdings in Burlington, NC seeks a Senior Estimator to lead cost estimates for heavy civil pipeline and underground utility projects. Focus on large-diameter water mains, sanitary sewer, and complex installations.

You will review drawings, specs, geotechnical reports, develop labor/material/equipment costs, and guide bid submissions. Leadership experience and proficiency with Excel and estimating software are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent in a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in heavy civil construction estimating.
• Experience in large-diameter pipeline or underground utility construction.
• Ability to independently develop and manage complex pipeline construction estimates.
• Strong understanding of pipeline construction means, methods, and cost development.
• Proficiency in Excel and construction estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed construction cost estimates for large-diameter water transmission pipelines and underground infrastructure.
• Review drawings, specs, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to evaluate scope and risks.
• Develop estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontracted work, and indirect costs.
• Establish construction means, crew compositions, equipment, production rates, and execution strategies.
• Evaluate pipeline construction activities including trenching, pipe installation, shoring, dewatering, backfill, and restoration.
• Develop estimates for complex underground construction including deep excavations, trenchless installations, tunneling, and pipe jacking.
• Solicit and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure competitive pricing.
• Identify constructability concerns, scope gaps, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Collaborate with operations, PMs, and leadership to validate strategies, schedules, and pricing.

Skills

Estimating

Excel

Project leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Sage

Estimating software

Job description

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Pipeline Construction

Southland Holdings | Burlington, NC | Full-Time

Position Overview

Southland Holdings is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Heavy Civil Estimating team in Burlington, NC, with a primary focus on large-diameter pipeline and underground utility construction. This position will support our Oscar Renda Contracting operations, specializing in water transmission mains, sanitary sewer pipelines, and complex underground infrastructure projects.

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for leading the development of detailed construction cost estimates, evaluating project requirements, developing construction strategies, and managing the estimating process from initial project review through bid submission. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in heavy civil pipeline construction, a strong understanding of construction means and methods, and the ability to independently develop competitive estimates for complex underground infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed construction cost estimates for large-diameter water transmission pipelines, sanitary sewer systems, force mains, and related underground infrastructure.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to evaluate project scope, requirements, and potential risks.
• Develop comprehensive estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontracted work, and project indirect costs.
• Establish construction means and methods, crew compositions, equipment requirements, production rates, and project execution strategies.
• Evaluate pipeline construction activities including trench excavation, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, shoring, dewatering, and surface restoration.
• Develop estimates for complex underground construction, including deep excavations, trenchless installations, tunneling, jack and bore, and other specialty construction methods.
• Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure complete and competitive pricing.
• Identify constructability concerns, scope gaps, project risks, and opportunities for value engineering or alternative construction approaches.
• Collaborate with operations personnel, project managers, and company leadership to validate construction strategies, schedules, and pricing assumptions.
• Lead estimate reviews, participate in bid strategy discussions, and present estimate findings and recommendations to management.
• Independently manage assigned bids, including estimate development, subcontractor coverage, bid schedules, and final pricing preparation.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimators and estimators, including review of quantity takeoffs, production assumptions, and cost development.
• Support proposal preparation, bid clarifications, and project handoffs to operations following award.
• Maintain and utilize historical cost data, production rates, and lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in heavy civil construction estimating, with significant experience in large-diameter pipeline or underground utility construction.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop and manage complex pipeline construction estimates from initial review through bid submission.
• Strong understanding of pipeline construction means and methods, crew productivity, equipment utilization, and project cost development.
• Experience estimating excavation, pipe installation, shoring, dewatering, backfill, and associated underground construction activities.
• Ability to interpret complex construction drawings, technical specifications, geotechnical information, and contract requirements.
• Experience evaluating subcontractor and supplier pricing and coordinating multiple construction disciplines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits and bid deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to present estimates, assumptions, and recommendations to company leadership.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of independently leading estimating efforts while collaborating with a broader team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct estimating experience with large-diameter water transmission mains, sanitary sewer interceptors, force mains, and municipal pipeline infrastructure.
• Experience with trenchless construction methods, including microtunneling, auger boring, pipe jacking, and tunneling.
• Familiarity with deep excavations, complex shoring systems, groundwater control, and challenging subsurface conditions.
• Experience estimating ductile iron, steel, concrete pressure pipe, fiberglass, and other large-diameter piping systems.
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid, Sage, or similar estimating platforms.
• Experience with municipal utility projects, public infrastructure bidding, and alternative project delivery methods.
• Previous field engineering, project management, or construction operations experience on major pipeline projects.
• Experience leading estimating teams or mentoring less experienced estimators.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Relocation assistance, where applicable.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• The opportunity to lead estimates for complex, high-value infrastructure projects across the United States.

About Southland Holdings

For more than 100 years, Southland Holdings and its family of companies have delivered critical infrastructure projects across the United States. Our work spans transportation, bridges, water resources, marine construction, and other major civil infrastructure.

Our family of companies includes Johnson Bros. Corporation, Oscar Renda Contracting, American Bridge, Southland Contracting, and Mole Constructors.