Senior Hydrovac Estimator: Bids, Costs & Risk

LoJac; Lebanon (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

LoJac is seeking a Senior Project Estimator to lead bidding and cost-estimation for hydrovac, industrial vacuum, and utility locating projects. You will evaluate RFP/RFQ packages, conduct site assessments, and build competitive pricing models considering crew sizes, water sourcing, transit, and disposal fees.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of construction estimating, with hydrovac/underground utility experience, and proficiency in B2W/HCSS/Bluebeam.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field, or equivalent intensive field-to-office experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of construction estimating experience, with 2–3 years focused on hydrovac, underground utility construction, directional drilling, or heavy civil excavation.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with estimating software (B2W, HCSS HeavyBid, or Bluebeam) and digital quantity take-offs.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of underground damage prevention guidelines, OSHA safety protocols, and regional utility-locating standards.
• Communication: Strong negotiation and presentation skills for interacting with municipal engineers, general contractors, and private developers.
• Travel: Willingness to travel regionally for mandatory pre-bid meetings and site walkthroughs.

Responsibilities

• Bid & Estimate Preparation: Develop comprehensive, multi-tiered cost estimates from blueprints, utility maps, SUE plans, and RFPs.
• Hydrovac Specific Cost Modeling: Account for hydro-excavation variables, soil composition, water access points, disposal fees, and tooling.
• Risk Assessment & Constructability: Review project footprints for hazards, contingencies, and environmental restrictions.
• Vendor & Subcontractor Management: Solicit, review, and negotiate quotes for costs like traffic control and safety gear.
• Site Inspections: Conduct pre-bid site visits to evaluate conditions and access for heavy hydrovac trucks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Project Managers and Field Supervisors during handoffs to align bids with execution.
• Historical Data Retention: Track and benchmark post-project costs against original estimates to improve pricing database.

Skills

Estimating

Bid management

Risk assessment

Communication

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

B2W

HCSS HeavyBid

Bluebeam

Job description

LoJac is seeking a Senior Project Estimator to lead bidding and cost-estimation for hydrovac, industrial vacuum, and utility locating projects. You will evaluate RFP/RFQ packages, conduct site assessments, and build competitive pricing models considering crew sizes, water sourcing, transit, and disposal fees.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of construction estimating, with hydrovac/underground utility experience, and proficiency in B2W/HCSS/Bluebeam.