Senior Estimator

Trueline

$75K — $95K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 6+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction and related fields.
  • Proven success with DOT and municipal project estimations.
  • Knowledge of multiple civil scopes including concrete, bridges, and utilities.
  • Skilled in quantity takeoffs and unit-price estimating methodologies.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex civil plans and specifications.
  • Understanding of public bid processes and agency operations.
  • Strong attention to detail and effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the heavy civil estimating process from plan review to bid submission.
  • Create competitive estimates for various public works projects.
  • Conduct detailed analysis of project plans, specifications, and risks.
  • Develop comprehensive bid strategies and proposal packages.
  • Engage with vendors and subcontractors to obtain quotes and maintain relationships.
  • Participate in pre-bid meetings and scope reviews for project clarity.
  • Collaborate with project management to ensure smooth project execution.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage, with company-funded employee-only plans.
  • Employer-contributed family medical coverage and flexibility offered to right candidates.
  • 401(k) plan with a generous 3% employer match.
  • Access to a company truck for commuting and travel as needed.
  • A supportive family-owned work culture that values independence.
  • Supportive onboarding with eventual autonomy in the estimating process.
  • A significant role in a growing contractor’s public infrastructure projects.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a SeniorHeavy Civil Estimator to join its team in Wichita, Kansas. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead KDOT and municipal bids, strengthen the estimating function, and help a well-capitalized contractor continue its rapid growth.

What You'll Do as the Senior Heavy Civil Estimator:
  • Own heavy civil estimates from initial plan review and takeoff through final bid submission.
  • Prepare competitive estimates for KDOT and municipal projects involving concrete paving, bridges, storm sewer, waterlines, utilities, roadway improvements, and related civil scopes.
  • Analyze plans, specifications, schedules, quantities, labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor pricing, and project risks.
  • Develop bid strategies, unit pricing, clarifications, alternates, and complete proposal packages.
  • Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes while maintaining strong local market relationships.
  • Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and post-bid discussions.
  • Work closely with project management and field leadership to create a clear handoff from estimating to execution.
  • Maintain historical cost information and help improve estimating processes as the company grows.
  • Provide project management support when needed or take on a blended Estimator/Project Manager role based on experience and interest.

Must-Haves as the Senior Heavy Civil Estimator:
  • At least 6 years of estimating experience within heavy civil, heavy highway, roadway, utility, bridge, or municipal construction.
  • A successful track record estimating DOT or municipal projects.
  • Experience with multiple civil scopes, such as concrete paving, bridges, earthwork, storm sewer, waterlines, underground utilities, or roadway construction.
  • Strong knowledge of quantity takeoffs, unit-price estimating, labor and equipment costing, subcontractor analysis, and bid preparation.
  • Ability to read and interpret civil plans, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements.
  • Understanding of how public agencies, engineering departments, and competitive bid processes operate.
  • Strong judgment, attention to detail, communication skills, and ownership of deadlines.
  • Ability to work primarily from the Wichita office and attend occasional site or pre-bid meetings.

Nice-to-Haves as the Senior Heavy Civil Estimator:
  • Direct familiarity with KDOT, Wichita-area municipalities, and local engineering departments.
  • Established relationships with regional subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and public-agency contacts.
  • Experience working for a self-performing heavy civil contractor.
  • A background that combines estimating and project management.
  • Experience estimating projects across several civil disciplines rather than one narrow specialty.
  • A degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, AGTEK, Bluebeam, or comparable estimating and takeoff software.

Benefits Offered:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage, including company-paid employee-only coverage.
  • Family medical coverage with an employer contribution and additional flexibility for the right candidate.
  • A 401(k) plan with a 3% company match.
  • A company truck for commuting and job-related travel, based on role needs.
  • A stable, family-owned environment where employees are trusted to manage their responsibilities without micromanagement.
  • Initial support and guidance, followed by the autonomy to run the estimating process.
  • A visible role in a growing contractor with the resources, equipment, and leadership commitment to pursue larger public infrastructure projects.

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