Sr. Estimator

Marks Clearing and Grading Inc.; Wendell (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Marks Clearing & Grading Inc. seeks an experienced Senior Estimator to lead the development of accurate, competitive site-development and heavy civil estimates.

You will manage major pursuits from initial evaluation through final bid and turnover, coordinating with leadership, operations, and field teams. The role requires 7–10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience, proficiency in AGTEK/HCSS, and strong knowledge of earthwork, utilities, and concrete.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related field (significant experience may substitute).
• 7–10+ years of progressive heavy civil/site-development construction experience with estimating responsibility.
• Proven ability to independently lead estimates for large/complex sites.
• Strong knowledge of mass grading, earthwork, utilities, drainage, erosion control, paving, and concrete.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of complete estimates for complex site-development and heavy civil projects.
• Manage pursuits from bid evaluation through final proposal and turnover.
• Review plans, specs, geotechnical reports, contracts, addenda, schedules, and bid documents.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for civil scopes and earthwork.
• Develop earthwork strategies, haul plans, material-management approaches, and site logistics.
• Establish means/methods, crew configurations, equipment needs, production rates, durations, and costs.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier solicitation and evaluate quotations.
• Identify constructability risks and scope gaps; assess schedule and cost impacts.
• Develop value-engineering ideas and innovative approaches for competitiveness.
• Conduct site visits, pre-bid/owner meetings, and subcontractor discussions.
• Develop bid strategies with leadership, operations, and exec management.
• Lead bid review meetings and clearly communicate pricing, risks, and contingencies.
• Prepare final proposals, qualifications, and scope narratives.
• Lead project handoff with management and field operations.

Skills

Heavy civil

Estimating

Takeoffs

Bid management

Cost analysis

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

AGTEK

HCSS HeavyBid

Digital takeoff tools

Excel

Job description

Marks Clearing & Grading is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our preconstruction and estimating team. This is a key position responsible for leading the development of accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for complex site-development and heavy civil construction projects.

The Senior Estimator will manage major pursuits from initial opportunity evaluation through final bid and turnover to operations. This individual will work closely with executive leadership, estimating, project management, and field operations to evaluate risk, develop construction strategies, identify competitive advantages and develop junior team members.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Up to 3 team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead preparation of complete estimates for complex site-development and heavy civil construction projects.
• Manage assigned pursuits from initial bid/no-bid evaluation through final proposal and project turnover.
• Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, contracts, addenda, schedules, and other bid documents to fully understand project requirements.
• Perform and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs for clearing, earthwork, erosion control, storm drainage, water, sewer, aggregate base, concrete, paving, and related civil scopes.
• Develop earthwork strategies, cut/fill balances, haul plans, material-management approaches, and site logistics.
• Establish construction means and methods, crew configurations, equipment requirements, production rates, durations, and associated costs.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier solicitation efforts and evaluate quotations for scope completeness, competitiveness, and risk.
• Identify constructability issues, scope gaps, contractual risks, schedule constraints, and other factors affecting project cost and execution.
• Develop value-engineering alternatives and innovative construction approaches that provide competitive advantages.
• Conduct site visits and participate in pre-bid meetings, owner meetings, and subcontractor discussions.
• Develop bid strategies in collaboration with estimating leadership, operations, and executive management.
• Lead estimate review meetings and clearly communicate pricing strategy, assumptions, risks, opportunities, and recommended contingencies.
• Prepare and review final proposals, qualifications, clarifications, exclusions, and scope narratives.
• Lead project handoff meetings with project management and field operations for awarded projects.
• Monitor estimated versus actual production and cost performance and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
• Maintain and improve historical cost databases, production-rate information, subcontractor pricing, and estimating standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other industry partners.
• Mentor and develop Estimators and Junior Estimators.
• Assist estimating leadership with workload planning, bid assignments, process improvement, and development of estimating standards.
• Support business development by identifying opportunities and providing technical and pricing insight during early project discussions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related discipline; significant relevant heavy civil experience may substitute for formal education.
• 7–10+ years of progressive heavy civil/site-development construction experience, with substantial estimating responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading estimates for large and/or complex site-development projects.
• Strong knowledge of mass grading, earthwork, underground utilities, storm drainage, erosion control, aggregate base, paving, concrete, and related civil construction.
• Advanced understanding of construction means and methods, equipment capabilities, crew configurations, production rates, scheduling, and site logistics.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, project risk, subcontractor scopes, and commercial terms.
• Advanced ability to interpret civil plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents.
• Proficiency with estimating, digital takeoff, earthwork modeling, scheduling, and construction-management software including AGTEK and HCSS HeavyBid..
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex pursuits and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop less-experienced estimating professionals.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to spend time on job sites as needed.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods when working on estimates.