What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimator position at Actalent?
The Civil Estimator will play a key role in supporting bidding efforts across earthwork, site development, utilities, and heavy civil projects. This role is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive estimates by analyzing project plans, specifications, and requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge of excavation and civil construction, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Responsibilities- Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and addenda to determine scope and required work.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for earthwork, utilities, grading, demolition, and sitework.
- Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor cost estimates using historical data and production rates.
- Prepare complete bid packages, including pricing, clarifications, and value-engineering options.
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes to ensure competitive and accurate pricing.
- Conduct pre-bid site walks to assess conditions, constraints, and potential risks.
- Collaborate closely with project managers, field leadership, and company leadership to align estimates with production capabilities.
- Identify constructability issues, schedule impacts, and cost risks.
- Maintain organized estimate files, historical cost data, and bid logs.
- 3 years of experience in civil construction estimating, preferably in excavation, earthwork, or site development.
- Strong understanding of heavy equipment production, soil types, cut/fill balancing, and utility installation.
- Proficiency with estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid, Agtek, Bluebeam, or similar.
- Ability to read and interpret civil plans, grading sheets, and utility drawings.
- Strong math, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
- Valid driver’s license for site visits.
- Experience with estimation and construction processes.
- Familiarity with bidding and construction estimating.
- Knowledge of working with excavators.
Work will be conducted at client job sites and in the office located in KCK. There will be no overnight travel required, and a company vehicle will be provided. This role offers a high level of autonomy within a smaller company, with opportunities for overtime. The company plans to expand the team by adding an additional estimator once the first is fully operational.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kansas City, KS.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $43.27 - $50.48/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Kansas City,KS.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Salary : $43 - $50