Senior Estimator (Earthwork & Underground Utilities)

Job Title: Senior Estimator – Earthwork & Underground Utilities
Location: Michigan
Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $200k Salary based on Skill/Knowledge
Relocation: $ Lump Sum Package

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator will lead the development and preparation of detailed and competitive bid proposals for heavy civil and utility construction projects, with an emphasis on directional, and open-cut installation. This individual will oversee the estimating process from initial inquiry through bid submission, working closely with project managers, field teams, and clients. The role also includes mentorship of junior estimators and project engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bid preparation efforts for open-cut and directional underground utility projects.
• Perform detailed earthwork and utility takeoffs, including shrink/swell calculations, site balancing, and trench/backfill evaluations.
• Develop comprehensive cost models using software to be chosen to backload Foundation financial module, and maintain accurate databases for labor, equipment, and production rates.
• Analyze and model material sources, haul routes, and equipment spreads for maximum cost-efficiency.
• Review construction drawings, specs, and addenda to determine scope and risks.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing, ensuring competitive and complete coverage.
• Recommend value engineering opportunities or alternative means and methods to improve cost and constructability.
• Coordinate bid reviews with operations, survey, and engineering.
• Attend pre-bid, pre-construction, and job progress meetings.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators and interns, sharing best practices and lessons learned.
• Assist in transitioning successful bids to operations teams for project execution.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in estimating and/or project management for heavy civil, earthwork, or underground utility projects.
• Expertise in reading civil construction drawings and understanding municipal requirements.
• Deep knowledge of grading, trenching, pipe installation, dewatering, and site balancing.
• Proficiency with any HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, Trimble software packages and scheduling tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical data.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with Trimble Business Center, Primavera P6, or MS Project.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• OSHA 30-hour certification.
• Familiarity with alternative project delivery methods (design-build, CMAR, etc.).

Work Environment & Travel

• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits and travel (up to 10%) to client meetings, pre-bid walks, and job sites.
• Fast-paced estimating environment requiring focus, accuracy, and attention to detail under tight deadlines.