Structures Estimator (Heavy Civil)

Software Placement Group, SPG; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

N/A in California is seeking a Structures Estimator to lead estimating efforts for complex structural scopes across bridges, water/wastewater facilities, and transportation infrastructure.

This role requires coordinating with operations to ensure accurate bids and successful project execution, with full-cycle estimating from takeoff through bid submission. 5+ years of heavy civil estimating experience and strong plan-reading skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil or structural construction.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and structural drawings.
• Experience with takeoff and estimating software such as Bluebeam, HCSS, HeavyBid, or similar.
• Knowledge of production rates, means and methods, and cost drivers.
• Local candidates only

Responsibilities

• Estimate cast-in-place concrete structures, bridges, retaining walls, and structural foundations
• Prepare estimates for water and wastewater treatment structures including tanks, basins, and pump stations
• Estimate box culverts, vaults, and underground structures
• Estimate transportation-related structures including rail, highway, and grade separations
• Manage full-cycle estimating from takeoff to bid submission
• Perform quantity takeoffs for concrete, rebar, formwork, excavation, and related scopes
• Conduct subcontractor and vendor outreach, bid leveling, and bid analysis
• Analyze costs for labor, materials, equipment, and production rates
• Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and project risks
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving strategies
• Prepare bid packages and proposals
• Coordinate with project managers and field teams

Skills

Estimating experience (heavy civil/40k

Reading plans and drawings

Takeoffs and bid preparation

Vendor/subcontractor coordination

Tools

Bluebeam

HCSS

HeavyBid

Job description

Location: Orange County, CA | Schedule: Full-time, on-site | Compensation: Competitive base salary + bonus, based on experience

Overview

A heavy civil construction firm is seeking a Structures Estimator to lead estimating efforts for complex structural scopes such as bridges, concrete structures, water/wastewater facilities, and transportation infrastructure. This role is critical to preparing accurate, competitive bids and ensuring successful project execution through close collaboration with operations.

What you'll do

• Estimate cast-in-place concrete structures, bridges, retaining walls, and structural foundations


• Prepare estimates for water and wastewater treatment structures including tanks, basins, and pump stations


• Estimate box culverts, vaults, and underground structures


• Estimate transportation-related structures including rail, highway, and grade separations


• Manage full-cycle estimating from takeoff to bid submission


• Perform quantity takeoffs for concrete, rebar, formwork, excavation, and related scopes


• Conduct subcontractor and vendor outreach, bid leveling, and bid analysis


• Analyze costs for labor, materials, equipment, and production rates


• Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and project risks


• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving strategies


• Prepare bid packages and proposals


• Coordinate with project managers and field teams

Required qualifications

• 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, specifications, and structural drawings


• Experience with takeoff and estimating software such as Bluebeam, HCSS, HeavyBid, or similar


• Solid understanding of production rates, means and methods, and cost drivers


• Local candidates only


• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship)


• Must have U.S. construction experience aligned with the role

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working on DOT / public agency projects is a strong plus


• 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

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive base salary plus bonus, based on experience

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to lead full-cycle estimating on complex structural and heavy civil projects while working closely with operations to drive successful project outcomes.