Structures Estimator (Heavy Civil)

True North Consultants, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

True North Consultants, Inc. in Orange County, California is seeking a Structures Estimator for heavy civil work.

You will prepare estimates for bridges, concrete structures, water/wastewater facilities, and transportation-related projects, coordinating with operations to ensure successful bid execution. The role covers full-cycle takeoffs to bid submission, reviewing plans and specs, and applying value engineering to reduce costs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years estimating experience in heavy civil or structural construction.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specs, and drawings.
• Experience with takeoff and estimating software (Bluebeam, HCSS, HeavyBid).

Responsibilities

• Full-cycle estimating from takeoff to bid submission.
• Quantity takeoffs and cost analyses for labor, materials, equipment, and production rates.
• Bid analysis with subcontractors and vendors, including leveling and risk assessment.
• Coordinate with project managers and field teams to ensure bid viability and clear handoffs.
• Review plans, specs, geotechnical reports, and project risks; support value engineering.

Skills

Estimating experience

Plan reading

Bid coordination

Tools

Bluebeam

HCSS

HeavyBid

Job description

Structures Estimator - Heavy Civil

Orange County, California

Overview

We are looking for a Structures Estimator with strong experience in heavy civil construction. This role focuses on estimating complex structural scopes including bridges, concrete structures, water/wastewater facilities, and transportation-related infrastructure.

You will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive bids and working closely with operations to ensure successful project execution.

What You’ll Be Estimating

• Cast-in-place concrete structures
• Bridges, retaining walls, and structural foundations
• Water and wastewater treatment structures (tanks, basins, pump stations)
• Box culverts, vaults, and underground structures
• Transportation-related structures (rail, highway, grade separations)

What You’ll Own

• Full-cycle estimating from takeoff to bid submission
• Quantity takeoffs (concrete, rebar, formwork, excavation, etc.)
• Subcontractor and vendor outreach, leveling, and bid analysis
• Cost analysis for labor, materials, equipment, and production rates
• Review of plans, specs, geotechnical reports, and project risks
• Value engineering and cost-saving strategies
• Bid packaging and proposal preparation
• Coordination with project managers and field teams

What You Need

• 5+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil or structural construction
• Strong background in concrete structures and public works projects
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specs, and structural drawings
• Experience with takeoff and estimating software (Bluebeam, HCSS, HeavyBid, or similar)
• Solid understanding of production rates, means & methods, and cost drivers
• Experience working on DOT / public agency projects is a strong plus

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience with bridges, water/wastewater, or large structural scopes
• Background with Caltrans, municipal, or public works projects
• Ability to handle multiple bids and deadlines without missing details
• Strong communication with subs, vendors, and internal teams

Important

• Local candidates only
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship)
• Must have U.S. construction experience aligned with the role

Compensation

Competitive base salary + bonus, based on experience