Senior Estimator / Chief Estimator - Heavy Civil $175k-$225kLocation: Farmingdale, NJAbout the Company An established heavy construction and site development contractor with a strong reputation for delivering quality projects throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region is seeking to expand its estimating team. The company has a long-standing history in the industry and specializes in mass earthwork and grading, underground utilities, stormwater management, wastewater pumping stations, concrete construction, bridges, and infrastructure improvements. With experienced field teams, modern equipment, advanced estimating technology, and a strong commitment to quality project delivery, the company continues to grow its presence across the region.
The Opportunity:
The company is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator or Chief Estimator to join its estimating team in Farmingdale, NJ. The level of appointment will depend on the candidate’s experience, technical expertise, and ability to lead estimating operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an estimator with a background in heavy civil construction, site development, or infrastructure to play a key role in securing new work, developing competitive bids, and contributing to the company's continued growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates across a range of heavy construction projects while working closely with operations, project management, subcontractors, and suppliers to develop effective bidding strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
Prepare detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, and competitive bids for heavy civil and site development projects.
Review civil drawings, specifications, contract documents, geotechnical reports, and project requirements.
Develop accurate pricing for earthwork, excavation, grading, underground utilities, storm drainage, water and sewer systems, concrete, and related infrastructure scopes.
Analyze labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor pricing, production rates, and project logistics.
Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure complete and competitive bid coverage.
Identify project risks, site constraints, constructability challenges, and opportunities for value engineering.
Develop bid strategies, cost breakdowns, and detailed estimates in line with project specifications and company objectives.
Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and operations personnel to validate production assumptions and construction methodologies.
Attend pre-bid meetings, conduct site visits, and communicate with clients, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
Maintain organized estimating records, bid documentation, and historical cost data to improve future estimating accuracy.
Additional Responsibilities:
Chief Estimator
For candidates appointed at the Chief Estimator level, responsibilities may also include:
Lead and coordinate the estimating function, establishing consistent procedures and bid review processes.
Oversee the preparation and review of estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
Develop bidding strategies in partnership with senior management and operations leadership.
Mentor and support estimators, helping develop the team’s technical capabilities and estimating standards.
Monitor market conditions, subcontractor pricing, material costs, and industry trends to identify new opportunities.
Contribute to business development by evaluating bid opportunities, workload, and project profitability.
Candidate Requirements:
Significant estimating experience within heavy civil construction, site development, infrastructure, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of earthwork, excavation, grading, underground utilities, drainage, and associated civil construction scopes.
Ability to interpret civil engineering plans, specifications, and geotechnical information.
Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analyses, and competitive construction bids.
Familiarity with labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
Ability to work collaboratively with field operations, project management, vendors, and clients.
Candidates with experience in concrete structures, wastewater systems, pump stations, bridge construction, or heavy highway projects will also be of interest.
What’s on Offer
Salary:
$175k-$225kOpportunity to join an established, family-founded heavy construction business. Senior-level position with the opportunity to influence bidding strategy and project selection. Career progression and the potential to take ownership of the estimating function. Competitive salary based on experience and level of appointment. Premium medical and dental benefits.401(k) with company match. Paid time off. Apply NowThis is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Estimator or Chief Estimator looking to take the next step with an established heavy civil contractor and play a significant role in the company's continued growth.
