Senior Lead Estimator: Heavy Civil & Underground Utilities

Tidewater Utility Construction Inc; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Tidewater Utility Construction, Inc. in Suffolk, VA is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead detailed cost takeoffs and prepare accurate bids for heavy civil and underground utility projects.

You will review plans, quantify labor, materials, and equipment, analyze subcontractor quotes, and collaborate with the bid team to deliver competitive, reliable estimates while meeting deadlines and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience as an Estimator, with 2 years in heavy civil or underground utility construction.
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of underground utility construction materials, methods, equipment, labor, and production rates.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, bid documents, and contract requirements and develop accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet bid deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, bid documents, addenda, and contract requirements to determine scope and identify conflicts, risks, and opportunities.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for underground utility and heavy civil projects (water, sewer, storm drainage, excavation, backfill, structures, paving, site work).
• Develop accurate project estimates by determining labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and production costs.
• Review and compare pricing from material suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors for complete bid coverage.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to evaluate conditions and factors affecting project cost.
• Maintain historical cost and production data to improve future estimates.
• Collaborate with team during estimate handoff to ensure smooth transition to project management and field operations.
• Adhere to company procedures, safety requirements, and applicable construction standards.

Skills

Estimator experience

Heavy civil

Underground utilities

Communication

Reading plans

Job description

Tidewater Utility Construction, Inc. in Suffolk, VA is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead detailed cost takeoffs and prepare accurate bids for heavy civil and underground utility projects.

You will review plans, quantify labor, materials, and equipment, analyze subcontractor quotes, and collaborate with the bid team to deliver competitive, reliable estimates while meeting deadlines and safety standards.