Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator – Underground Utilities

Reports To: Owner / Director or Estimating

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator – Underground Utilities is responsible for leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates for underground utility construction projects. This role requires extensive experience with water, sewer, storm drain, and related civil infrastructure projects, including the ability to analyze plans and specifications, assess risk, coordinate with operations, and mentor junior estimators.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process for underground utility projects including water, wastewater, storm drainage, and dry utilities

• Review and interpret plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and bid documents

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors

• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes

• Develop comprehensive bid proposals, including scopes, clarifications, and exclusions

• Identify project risks, constructability issues, and cost-saving opportunities

• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and operations staff during preconstruction

• Participate in bid reviews and handoff meetings after award

• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost data, and pricing benchmarks

• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, local regulations, and safety standards

• Mentor and support junior estimators and estimating staff

• Assist with value engineering and alternative construction methods

• Support change order pricing and cost analysis as needed

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 + years of estimating experience in underground utilities or heavy civil construction

• Proven experience estimating water, sewer, storm drain, and related utility infrastructure projects

• Strong knowledge of excavation, shoring, dewatering, trench safety, and utility installation methods

• Ability to read and interpret complex construction drawings and specifications

• Proficiency in estimating software (HeavyBid, B2W, HCSS, or similar)

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and leadership abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• Experience with municipal, state, or DOT projects

• Knowledge of local codes, permitting requirements, and agency standards

• Experience with design-build or alternative delivery methods

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods

• Ability to travel to project sites and pre-bid meetings as required

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary $150K

• $20K Signing Bonus

• Company Fleet Vehicle

• 2% bonus on all bids won

• Cell phone Cypin

• 2 weeks of PTO

• 9 Holidays

• Sick time

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

• 401(K) company matches 3%

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $130, $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 3% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• subcontractor bidding: 10 years (Required)
• Construction estimating: 10 years (Required)

Location:

• Denton, TX Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Denton, TX Required)

Work Location: In person