Senior Estimator (Wet Utilities Division)

Software Placement Group; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Profit-sharing

Company vehicle

Gas card

Job summary

Software Placement Group is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the full estimating process for water, sewer, and storm drain projects in a self-performing heavy civil contractor environment. You will price complex urban utility work and ensure a smooth transition from winning bids to field execution.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of wet utility estimating, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with industry estimating tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience estimating wet utility projects (water, sewer, storm drain)
• Strong knowledge of underground utility construction, paving, and concrete work related to utilities
• Experience working for a self-performing general engineering contractor performing at-risk work
• Experience with urban street projects with existing utilities and traffic conditions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for wet utility projects including water, sewer, and storm drain systems
• Develop cost estimates from concept through completion, including transitioning winning bids to operations
• Analyze project plans, specifications, and requirements to determine scope and cost
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for accuracy and completeness
• Incorporate field input and historical data to refine estimates and construction methodologies
• Support operations with change order pricing, value engineering, and alternative method analysis
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and project partners
• Ensure estimates are compliant with company standards and reflect realistic execution strategies

Skills

Analytical skills

Independent worker

Communication

Tools

Hard Dollar

HeavyBid

HCSS estimating

Bluebeam

Primavera P6

AutoCAD

Job description

Location: Long Beach, CA (Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire) | Schedule: Full-Time | Compensation: Commensurate with Experience

Overview

A self-performing heavy civil contractor specializing in underground wet utility construction is seeking a Senior Estimator to manage the full estimating process for water, sewer, and storm drain projects. This role is critical to accurately pricing complex urban utility work and ensuring a smooth transition from winning bids to field execution.

What you'll do

• Prepare detailed estimates for wet utility projects including water, sewer, and storm drain systems
• Develop cost estimates from concept through completion, including transitioning winning bids to operations
• Analyze project plans, specifications, and requirements to determine scope and cost
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Incorporate field input and historical data to refine estimates and construction methodologies
• Support operations with change order pricing, value engineering, and alternative method analysis
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and project partners
• Ensure all estimates are compliant with company standards and reflect realistic project execution strategies

Required qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience estimating wet utility projects (water, sewer, storm drain)
• Strong knowledge of underground utility construction, paving, and concrete work as related to utility installations
• Must have worked for a self-performing general engineering contractor performing at-risk work (not CM or government-only estimating)
• Experience working on urban street projects with existing utilities and traffic conditions
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with operations teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with Hard Dollar, HeavyBid, or HCSS estimating software
• Experience with Bluebeam (PDF markup & takeoff)
• Experience with Primavera P6 or other scheduling software
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar design review tools

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• 100% employer-paid Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance for employee
• Health insurance coverage for employee and family
• Company vehicle and gas card provided
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Profit-sharing plan

Why this role

This position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits including fully employer-paid insurance coverage, a company vehicle and gas card, 401(k), and profit-sharing.