Construction Estimator / Project Manager

The Construction Estimator / Project Manager will play a key role in the continued growth of American Custom Excavation (ACE), managing projects from initial opportunity and preconstruction through bidding, award, active construction, and project closeout.

Reporting directly to the Company Owner, this position combines detailed construction estimating with hands-on project management. We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated professional who can independently review plans and specifications, perform accurate takeoffs, develop complete estimates and proposals, coordinate suppliers and subcontractors, submit competitive bids, and help manage awarded projects through successful completion.

The ideal candidate understands how excavation, civil, concrete, and site construction work is actually performed in the field and can translate plans, specifications, quantities, labor, equipment, materials, and production requirements into accurate and profitable project estimates.

Responsibilities

• Review construction plans, specifications, engineering documents, bid packages, and project requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop accurate project estimates.
• Estimate labor, equipment, materials, production rates, subcontractor costs, and other project expenses.
• Contact suppliers and subcontractors to solicit pricing, evaluate quotes, and incorporate costs into project estimates.
• Identify scope gaps, project risks, constructability concerns, exclusions, and potential cost impacts before submitting bids.
• Prepare professional proposals, scopes of work, bid packages, and supporting documentation.
• Submit bids and maintain organized records of active and completed estimates.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct local site visits to evaluate existing conditions and project requirements.
• Communicate professionally with clients, general contractors, engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Assist with contract and scope review following project award.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and coordinate materials, equipment, subcontractors, and field activities.
• Monitor project budgets, costs, quantities, production, and overall financial performance.
• Prepare, price, document, and track change orders and additional work.
• Coordinate with field personnel to ensure project requirements and estimated production align with actual field conditions.
• Identify project issues early and work with ownership and field personnel to develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Track project progress, required documentation, billing-related information, and closeout requirements through completion.
• Help improve ACE's estimating procedures, cost databases, supplier and subcontractor relationships, and project management systems.
• Assist ownership in identifying and pursuing new opportunities that support the company's continued growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of construction estimating and/or project management experience preferred.
• Experience in excavation, civil/site work, underground utilities, concrete, earthwork, or related construction strongly preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, engineering drawings, and scopes of work.
• Demonstrated experience performing quantity takeoffs and developing complete construction estimates.
• Working knowledge of labor, equipment, materials, production rates, subcontractor pricing, scheduling, and cost control.
• Experience preparing proposals, managing contracts, and pricing and processing change orders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates and active projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable communicating directly with clients, general contractors, engineers, suppliers, subcontractors, and field personnel.
• Proficient with computers, spreadsheets, digital plans, and construction estimating or project management software.
• Willing and able to conduct regular local jobsite visits.
• Self-motivated, accountable, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize potential project issues before they become costly field problems.

This position is ideal for an experienced construction professional who wants more than a traditional estimating role. We are looking for someone who wants to take ownership of their work, contribute directly to company growth, and become an important long-term member of American Custom Excavation.

We are a growing construction company entering an exciting phase of expansion. As our capabilities, project volume, and market presence continue to grow, we offer employees the opportunity to take on greater responsibility, advance professionally, and play a meaningful role in the company's long-term success.