What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimator position at Hays?
Utility Estimator – Central Texas
A rapidly growing civil contractor in the Central Texas region is seeking an experienced Utility Estimator to support ongoing expansion. This position is responsible for developing accurate pricing and competitive proposals for site development and underground utility projects, including water, wastewater, and storm drainage systems.
Role Overview
The Utility Estimator will be a key contributor to the preconstruction process, collaborating closely with leadership, operations, and field teams to prepare detailed, market‑competitive bids for both public and private sector work.
Responsibilities
Preconstruction & Estimating
- Review civil drawings, specifications, and bid documents to fully understand project scope
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for underground utility systems
- Build comprehensive cost models covering labor, equipment, materials, trucking, and subcontractor work
- Solicit, analyze, and compare supplier and subcontractor pricing
- Prepare complete bid proposals, including assumptions, clarifications, and supporting documentation
- Identify constructability issues, scope gaps, and potential risks early in the estimating process
- Establish production rates and pricing strategies aligned with current market conditions
Bid Coordination
- Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits as needed
- Coordinate internal bid reviews and approvals
- Track bid schedules, deadlines, and active pursuits
- Support value engineering efforts and alternative pricing options
Project Transition & Support
- Prepare estimate summaries and participate in project turnover meetings
- Provide pricing logic, backup, and detailed breakdowns to project management teams after award
- Maintain historical cost data and contribute to improving estimating tools, templates, and databases
Qualifications
- 5–10 years of estimating experience in civil construction, utilities, or site development
- Strong understanding of underground utility construction (water, sewer, storm)
- Ability to read and interpret civil plans, profiles, and technical specifications
- Proficiency in Excel and construction estimating software
- Strong communication skills and exceptional attention to detail
Preferred Skills
- Experience bidding municipal, developer, or infrastructure projects
- Familiarity with Agtek, HCSS, PlanSwift, or Bluebeam
- Knowledge of production rates and heavy civil equipment operations
- Experience working in the Texas civil construction market
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, performance‑based bonus potential, health insurance, paid time off, and company holidays.
Salary : $90,000 - $160,000