Senior Estimator - Underground Wet Utilities

Top Echelon LLC; California (MO); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon LLC is seeking a Senior Estimator – Underground Utilities in California to lead bid preparation for major heavy civil projects. You will oversee quantity takeoffs for underground water, sewer, and storm systems and develop complete cost packages.

The role requires 10+ years in heavy civil estimating and 5+ years in underground utilities, with proficiency in bid management and relevant software. Strong reading of plans and geotechnical reports is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating, preconstruction, or operations experience.
• 5+ years of underground utility estimating experience (water, sewer, storm).
• Experience bidding major heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of wet utilities, pipeline construction, excavation, shoring, trenching, backfill, restoration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for underground utility and heavy civil projects.
• Perform and oversee quantity takeoffs for water, sewer, storm drain, and related infrastructure.
• Develop detailed labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor costs.
• Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, addenda, and historical cost information.
• Develop crew compositions, production rates, and construction means and methods.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and project site visits.
• Identify project risks, constructability issues, and unusual bid requirements.
• Assist with preliminary schedules and general conditions pricing.
• Organize bid packages and supporting estimate documentation.
• Lead estimate reviews with senior management.
• Mentor and coordinate estimating/takeoff engineers.
• Manage multiple estimates and bid deadlines simultaneously.

Skills

Heavy civil estimating

Underground utility estimating

Bid management

Plan reading

Cost estimation

Estimating software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Microsoft Excel

Bid Management & Plan Room Software

Job description

Senior Estimator – Underground Utilities

Location: San Fernando Valley / Los Angeles County, California
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $175,000–$200,000 per year

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator – Underground Utilities to lead estimating and bid preparation for major heavy civil infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate will have extensive estimating experience with underground wet utilities, including water, sanitary sewer, storm drain, and large-diameter pipeline systems, along with a strong understanding of heavy civil construction means and methods.

This is a hands‑on estimating position for someone currently involved in bidding major infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for underground utility and heavy civil projects.
• Perform and oversee quantity takeoffs for water, sewer, storm drain, and related infrastructure.
• Develop detailed labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor costs.
• Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, addenda, and historical cost information.
• Develop crew compositions, production rates, and construction means and methods.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and project site visits.
• Identify project risks, constructability issues, and unusual bid requirements.
• Assist with preliminary schedules and general conditions pricing.
• Organize bid packages and supporting estimate documentation.
• Lead estimate reviews with senior management.
• Mentor and coordinate estimating/takeoff engineers.
• Manage multiple estimates and bid deadlines simultaneously.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating, preconstruction, or operations experience.
• 5+ years of underground utility estimating experience, including water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain.
• Strong experience bidding major heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of wet utilities, pipeline construction, excavation, shoring, trenching, backfill, and restoration.
• Ability to read plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports.
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, equipment, crew compositions, quantities, and unit costs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Underground Wet Utilities
• Water Distribution & Transmission
• Sanitary Sewer
• Storm Drain
• Large-Diameter Pipelines
• Deep Utilities
• Trenching & Excavation
• Shoring & Dewatering
• Heavy Civil Infrastructure
• Earthwork
• Public Works
• Major Municipal Infrastructure Projects

Experience with microtunneling, jack-and-bore, pipe jacking, or other trenchless construction methods is a plus.

Software

Experience with estimating and construction software such as:

HCSS HeavyBid | Bluebeam | On-Screen Takeoff | AutoCAD Civil 3D | Microsoft Excel | Bid Management & Plan Room Software

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $175,000–$200,000, depending on experience.