Heavy Civil Estimator (Wastewater Pipeline/Utilities)

Harper Brothers Construction LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Holidays

401k

Medical

Vision

Dental

Job summary

Harper Brothers Construction LLC is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead estimating efforts for water and wastewater pipeline projects. This onsite role focuses on preparing complete hard-bid and negotiated estimates, leveraging HeavyBid, Viewpoint, CSP, and Primavera P6 to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.

You will own the full bid lifecycle, collaborate with operations and engineering, and drive cost-effective execution from opportunity to submission.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience in water/wastewater projects.
• Experience leading bid processes and cost development.
• Strong ability to read civil plans and DOT specs.
• Familiarity with CSP procurement and Primavera P6 is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end bid efforts for water/sewer pipeline projects.
• Build and calibrate cost models for labor, equipment, and materials.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, and project management teams.
• Prepare bid packages and supporting documentation for submissions.
• Handoff awarded projects to project teams and ensure cost tracking alignment.

Skills

Estimating experience

Water/wastewater pipeline

Interpret civil plans

Cost modeling

Bid management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Civil Engineering

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Viewpoint (Vista/Spectrum)

Job description

Harper Brothers Construction - Estimator (Pipeline and Utilities)

Ideal location- Houston, TX but open to Austin, DFW, and San Antonio, TX

100% Onsite role

Company Summary: Built to Deliver

Harper Brothers Construction isn't just building infrastructure - we're building what matters most: people, partnerships, and lasting impact. Founded in 2014 by second-generation builders, we bring grit, innovation, and proven expertise to every project we take on.

With operations across Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, our mobile crews and powerful fleet allow us to go where the work is - and deliver safely, efficiently, and without compromise. At HBC, safety isn't a priority - it's our culture, driving everything we do from the ground up.

About the Role

We're seeking a highly experienced Estimator to lead estimating efforts for water/wastewater pipeline projects. The Pipeline & Underground Utilities Estimator prepares complete hard-bid and negotiated cost estimates for both public and private civil infrastructure projects, including water mains, sanitary sewers, storm drainage systems, gas distribution lines, and complex trenching systems. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and project management teams to identify project risks, constructability challenges, and opportunities for cost-effective execution.

In this role, you will own the full bid lifecycle, from identifying opportunities through final proposal submission, ensuring estimates are accurate, competitive, and profitable. You will leverage HCSS HeavyBid for cost development and analysis and support seamless project handoff through Viewpoint integration. Familiarity with Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) procurement methods and Primavera P6 project scheduling is highly desirable. Ideal candidate would have experience with C200 Steel Water pipelines or FRP Sewer line projects.

What You’ll Do

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop resource-loaded estimates for earthwork, grading, underground utilities, and paving
• Build accurate cost models using HCSS HeavyBid for labor, equipment, and materials
• Ensure estimates reflect realistic production rates and field execution strategies
• Leverage HeavyBid production history tools to analyze past performance
• Calibrate production rates and cost assumptions using historical data to improve accuracy and predictability

Bid Management

• Lead the end-to-end bidding process, from project review through final submission
• Solicit, level, and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotes to ensure full scope coverage
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, and risk exposures prior to submission
• Evaluate project risks, constructability concerns, and cost drivers
• Develop value engineering alternatives and cost-saving strategies to strengthen bid competitiveness
• Ensure alignment between estimating assumptions and field execution plans

System Integration & Handoff

• Prepare complete bid packages including summaries, clarifications, and supporting documentation
• Successfully transition awarded projects into Viewpoint (Vista/Spectrum) by loading budgets, cost codes, and scopes
• Support project teams during startup to ensure accurate cost tracking and execution alignment
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and post-bid reviews
• Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, and operations teams to validate assumptions and productivity expectations
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and databases

What You Bring

Experience

• 5+ years of estimating experience in water/wastewater pipeline

C200 Welded Steel Pipe, Bar Wrapped Pipe, Ductile Iron Pipe, HDPE, PVC, FRP,

Diameters: 24\" to 120\"

Ground Conditions: Silty Sands, Sandy Clay, Limestone Rock, Shale, Marl

Software Proficiency

• Expert-level proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid (cost modeling, bid build-up, database management)
• Working knowledge of Viewpoint (Vista or Spectrum) for construction accounting and job cost integration

Technical Skills

• Strong ability to read and interpret civil plans, DOT specifications, and contract documents
• Deep understanding of construction methods, production rates, and cost drivers in civil construction
• Experience with quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, and risk evaluation

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (highly preferred)

Core Competencies

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy under tight deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Results-driven mindset with ownership of bid outcomes

Why Join Harper Brothers Construction?

• Lead estimating efforts on impactful civil infrastructure projects
• Be part of a high-performance, safety-first culture
• Collaborate with experienced field and operations teams
• Opportunities for advancement into Estimating Manager or Preconstruction leadership roles
• Competitive compensation and benefits including PTO, holidays, 401k, medical, vision, and dental

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harper Brothers Construction is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and prohibit discrimination based on any protected characteristic under applicable law.