Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Infrastructure

Keystone Distinction Group; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead bidding for major heavy civil infrastructure projects in Southern California, including Caltrans highway, grading, paving, and airport work. The role emphasizes production-based estimates, risk evaluation, and coordination with DBE/UDBE requirements.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Caltrans standards, strong estimating methods, and the ability to develop competitive bids for complex public works contracts.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience.
• Strong knowledge of Caltrans specs and bid requirements.
• Experience with subcontractor pricing and value engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed estimates and bids for large-scale heavy civil projects.
• Interpret Caltrans plans, specs, and contract documents.
• Develop production rates and pricing for labor, equipment, materials, and subs.
• Coordinate with project teams for handoffs and change order pricing.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Bid strategy

Risk analysis

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

InEight/Hard Dollar

Primavera P6

Microsoft Excel

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Office

Digital takeoff tools

Job description

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Infrastructure (Caltrans)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead estimating and bid preparation for major heavy civil, highway, roadway, grading, paving, structural concrete, and airport infrastructure projects throughout Southern California.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience bidding Caltrans and California public works projects, with a strong understanding of agency requirements, heavy civil means and methods, production-based estimating, and subcontractor/vendor markets.

This position will play a key role in developing competitive estimates, evaluating project risk, establishing construction strategies, and transitioning successful bids to project operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed estimates and competitive bids for large-scale heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Review and interpret Caltrans Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, Special Provisions, project drawings, and contract documents.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop pricing for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Estimate major scopes including:
  • Mass Excavation & Earthwork
  • Grading & Subgrade Preparation
  • Asphalt Paving
  • Structural Concrete
  • Bridges & Civil Structures
  • Retaining Walls
  • Underground Utilities
  • Drainage & Stormwater Systems
  • Roadway Improvements
  • Traffic Control
• Develop crew-based production rates for high-production grading, excavation, paving, and civil operations.
• Analyze construction sequencing, equipment requirements, site logistics, and means and methods when developing estimates.
• Review geotechnical information, earthwork quantities, haul requirements, and material balances.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure complete scope coverage and competitive pricing.
• Coordinate with DBE/UDBE subcontractors and vendors to meet applicable public works participation requirements.
• Identify bid risks, opportunities, constructability concerns, and value engineering alternatives.
• Develop preliminary schedules and coordinate estimating assumptions with Primavera P6 schedules when required.
• Maintain historical cost and production data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Monitor changes in labor, equipment, fuel, asphalt, concrete, aggregate, and other material costs.
• Participate in bid reviews and final pricing strategy with senior management.
• Coordinate successful project handoffs with Project Managers, Superintendents, and operations teams.
• Support change order pricing and project cost analysis as required.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates with estimating experience in the following areas are highly preferred:

• Caltrans Projects
• Heavy Highway Construction
• Interstate & Freeway Improvements
• Roadway Reconstruction
• Mass Grading & Earthwork
• Asphalt Paving
• Structural Concrete
• Bridges & Structures
• Retaining Walls
• Underground Utilities
• Drainage Infrastructure
• Airport & Airfield Construction
• Runways & Taxiways
• Public Works Infrastructure
• Design-Build & Alternative Delivery Projects

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 heavy civil construction means and methods.
• Strong knowledge 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.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with the following is preferred:

• HCSS HeavyBid
• InEight / Hard Dollar
• Primavera P6
• Microsoft Excel
• Bluebeam Revu
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Digital takeoff and estimating platforms

Location & Compensation

Location: Southern California – San Diego County

Salary: $140,000 – $190,000+ base salary, depending on experience.

Additional compensation and benefits may include performance bonuses, vehicle allowance, health benefits, retirement plans, paid time off, and other company benefits.

Why Join Us?

Join an established heavy civil construction team pursuing some of Southern California's most significant transportation and infrastructure projects. This is an opportunity to take a senior role in estimating complex Caltrans, highway, grading, paving, structural, and airport projects while working closely with experienced operations and executive leadership.