Senior Estimator — Private Site Development

Watson Civil Construction, Inc.; Angel Run (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Watson Civil Construction in Tampa, FL seeks a Chief Estimator to lead private site development estimating across commercial, residential, industrial, and mixed-use projects. You will manage the estimating team, develop standards, and support business development.

Responsibilities include overseeing cost proposals, bid strategy, and coordinating with operations and leadership to ensure accurate handoff, risk review, and competitive pricing.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in private site development construction estimating.
• Experience with commercial, multifamily, residential, industrial, and mixed-use site development.
• Strong understanding of earthwork, underground utilities, storm drainage, paving, and site infrastructure.
• Proficient in estimating software: HCSS or similar, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, Primavera P6, Agtek, AutoCAD.
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Building Construction, or related field preferred.
• Ten or more years of experience in civil/site development construction estimating.
• Experience leading an estimating team is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical abilities.
• Detail-oriented with ability to identify discrepancies and evaluate project risk.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and team-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department for private site development projects.
• Identify and pursue bidding opportunities within core private market sectors.
• Review and analyze project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, surveys, and other contract documents.
• Prepare and oversee detailed cost estimates using HCSS or similar estimating software.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for earthwork, utilities, paving, concrete, and site infrastructure scopes.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate supplier and subcontractor proposals.
• Develop conceptual budgets, hard bids, negotiated proposals, and value engineering recommendations.
• Prepare and review project schedules using Primavera P6 or similar scheduling software.
• Evaluate project risks, constructability concerns, and logistical challenges during preconstruction.
• Coordinate closely with operations, project management, and executive leadership to ensure accurate project handoff.
• Mentor, train, and develop estimating staff and promote consistency across estimating processes.
• Develop and maintain estimating databases, production rates, and historical cost information.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, owners, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Participate in client meetings, preconstruction services, and strategic planning efforts.
• Support business development initiatives and help expand the company's presence in the private development market.

Skills

Leadership

Bid strategy

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

HCSS

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Primavera P6

Agtek

AutoCAD

Job description

Watson Civil Construction in Tampa, FL seeks a Chief Estimator to lead private site development estimating across commercial, residential, industrial, and mixed-use projects. You will manage the estimating team, develop standards, and support business development.

Responsibilities include overseeing cost proposals, bid strategy, and coordinating with operations and leadership to ensure accurate handoff, risk review, and competitive pricing.