Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Infrastructure
Job TypeDirect Hire
Compensation$140000 - $190000 / yr
Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Infrastructure (Caltrans Specialist)
A premier infrastructure contractor is seeking a Senior Estimator to manage cost projections, bid preparations, and contract negotiations for major highway, roadway, and airfield construction projects with a heavy focus on public works and state transportation agency compliance.
Salary Range: $140,000 – $190,000 per year (Base salary, dependent on experience)
Location: Southern California (Primary operations out of the San Diego County)
Core Responsibilities
- Caltrans & Public Agency Bidding: Review and interpret Caltrans Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, and Special Provisions to assemble fully compliant, high-production public works bids.
- Highway & Roadway Estimation: Compute detailed expenses for heavy highway infrastructure, including mass excavation, structural backfill, precision asphalt paving, concrete structures, and subgrade preparation.
- Airfield & Airport Infrastructure: Estimate specialized deliverables for airport construction, such as FAA-compliant runways, taxiways, apron paving, and high-spec underground utilities.
- Bid Management & Takeoffs: Lead the assembly of accurate quantity takeoffs, analyze structural plans, and meet strict agency tender deadlines for competitive public bidding.
- Crew & Resource Pricing: Apply strong crew-based estimating techniques to calculate precise labor, high-production heavy equipment, and logistical costs for linear paving and grading operations.
- Subcontractor Coordination: Engage with DBE/UDBE subcontractors and material vendors to secure competitive pricing while ensuring compliance with Caltrans and FAA contract goals (e.g., traffic control, striping, quality control).
- Project Tracking: Interpret historical cost data, monitor material price fluctuations, and collaborate with project managers through post-bid transitions.
Job Requirements
- Experience: 10+ years of heavy civil estimating and project management experience, with a proven track record in Caltrans highway and airport infrastructure projects.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep, working familiarity with Caltrans specifications, FAA regulations, heavy grading, and California public works bidding procedures.
- Software Skills: Proficiency in specialized civil estimating software (such as Hard Dollar or HCSS HeavyBid), Primavera P6 scheduling, and Microsoft Excel.
- Screening: Successful clearance of a physical ability test and pre-employment drug/alcohol screening.