About the role
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Project Estimator will lead the bidding and cost-estimation process for large-scale hydrovac, industrial vacuum, and utility locating projects. This individual evaluates RFP/RFQ packages, conducts comprehensive site assessments, and builds competitive pricing models factoring in crew sizes, water sourcing, transit, and environmental disposal fees. The ideal candidate combines technical civil construction knowledge with sharp financial acumen to maximize project profitability while mitigating operational risks
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Bid & Estimate Preparation
Develop comprehensive, multi-tiered cost estimates from blueprints, utility maps, SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) plans, and RFP documents
Hydrovac Specific Cost Modeling
Formulate accurate pricing that explicitly accounts for hydro-excavation variables: soil composition (e.g., clay vs. frost), water access points, dump-site/tipping fees, slurry disposal logistics, and specialized tooling
Risk Assessment & Constructability
Review project footprints for high-risk hazards such as high-voltage utility lines, tight urban footprints, or environmental restrictions, factoring contingency margins into proposals
Vendor & Subcontractor Management
Solicit, review, and negotiate quotes for ancillary project costs, including traffic control, restoration/backfill materials, and specialized safety gear (e.g., shoring)
Site Inspections
Conduct pre-bid site visits to evaluate physical job conditions, travel logistics, and potential access constraints for heavy hydrovac trucks.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Project Managers and Field Superintendents during project handoffs to ensure accurate operational execution aligns with bid assumptions
Historical Data Retention
Track, analyze, and benchmark actual post-project costs against original estimates to continuously refine the company's proprietary pricing database
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent intensive field-to-office experience.
Experience
Minimum of 5+ years of construction estimating experience, with at least 2–3 years focused specifically on hydrovac, underground utility construction, directional drilling, or heavy civil excavation.
Technical Skills
Proficiency with industry-standard estimating software (e.g., B2W, HCSS HeavyBid, or Bluebeam) and digital quantity take-offs.
Industry Knowledge
Deep comprehension of underground damage prevention guidelines, OSHA safety protocols, and regional utility-locating standards (e.g., Common Ground Alliance regulations).
Communication
Exceptional negotiation and presentation skills for interacting with municipal engineers, general contractors, and private developers.
Travel
Willingness to travel regionally for mandatory pre-bid meetings and physical site walkthroughs
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Success in the Senior Project Estimator role is defined by a balance of bidding accuracy, risk mitigation, and strong partnership with field operations. A successful estimator doesn’t just win bids; they secure highly profitable contracts that can be executed safely and smoothly by the field crews.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & OPPORTUNITY
We offer a dynamic environment that bridges corporate strategy and active field operations, splitting your time between a collaborative office and hands-on site visits. You will work closely with project managers and field crews in a supportive, safety-first culture where real-world operational feedback is highly valued to continuously refine our bidding accuracy. Because underground utility infrastructure is expanding rapidly, your high-impact work will have direct visibility among senior executives.