Experienced Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction
Location: Hamilton, NJ 08691
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: On-site / In-Office
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
About the Opportunity
An established heavy civil and transportation infrastructure construction contractor in New Jersey is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its growing team.
The company specializes in complex infrastructure projects, including bridge construction, highway improvements, structural steel erection, and transportation-related civil construction.
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in public-sector construction estimating, a strong understanding of construction means and methods, and the ability to develop accurate, competitive bids for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Position Summary
The Experienced Estimator will be responsible for preparing comprehensive cost estimates for heavy highway, bridge, transportation, and civil infrastructure projects. This role requires the ability to independently review project plans and specifications, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing, and develop competitive bid strategies.
The successful candidate will work closely with estimating, operations, project management, and field teams to ensure accurate pricing, sound construction approaches, and successful project execution.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare detailed and competitive estimates from initial bid review through final submission, including labor, materials, equipment, trucking, subcontractors, and other project costs.
Review plans, specifications, contract documents, and addenda to identify scope gaps, risks, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop realistic production rates based on project conditions, historical costs, and construction experience.
Develop construction approaches and estimating strategies based on practical knowledge of construction means and methods.
Solicit, review, and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive pricing and complete scope coverage.
Assess project staging, traffic control, scheduling, utility conflicts, site access constraints, and constructability considerations.
Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, internal bid reviews, final pricing discussions, and proposal submissions.
Review prevailing wage requirements, bonding, insurance, DBE/SBE, EEO, and applicable public-agency bid requirements.
Coordinate with operations and project management teams on bid strategy and project turnover following award.
Maintain organized estimating files, bid results, historical pricing data, and production records.
Assist with change-order pricing and other project-related estimating activities as required.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of 5 years of estimating experience in heavy civil, highway, bridge, transportation, or infrastructure construction.
Experience estimating large-scale public construction projects.
Experience with NJDOT, NJ Turnpike Authority, PennDOT, PANYNJ, or similar public agencies is highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of roadway and bridge construction, rehabilitation, concrete work, excavation, drainage, utilities, and related civil construction activities.
Ability to independently interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
Demonstrated expertise in quantity takeoffs and comprehensive cost estimate development.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, Viewpoint/Vista, or similar estimating software is a plus.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple bids and meet strict submission deadlines.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.
Equivalent relevant construction estimating experience will also be considered.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and experienced estimator who understands how heavy civil construction projects are executed in the field. This individual should be capable of identifying constructability challenges, anticipating cost and project risks, validating assumptions, and taking ownership of assigned bids from initial review through final submission.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Retirement savings plan.
Paid time off.
Company holidays.
Professional growth and development opportunities.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply.