What are the responsibilities and job description for the Civil/DOT Estimator position at KCI Construction Company?
About KCI Construction
At KCI Construction, we’re not just building roads and bridges — we’re building futures. As a self-performing, 100% employee-owned company with more than a century of experience, we take pride in doing things the right way — with integrity, teamwork, and craftsmanship. Our hands-on approach allows us to control quality, drive innovation, and deliver results that stand the test of time. You’ll join a collaborative, people-focused environment where hard work is recognized, voices are heard, and growth is encouraged.
Why You'll Love Working Here
As a Civil/DOT Estimator, you’ll help build the infrastructure that keeps communities connected. In this role, you’ll translate plans into execution by developing production-driven estimates that directly impact how projects are built, staffed, and delivered.
What You’ll Do
At KCI Construction, we’re not just building roads and bridges — we’re building futures. As a self-performing, 100% employee-owned company with more than a century of experience, we take pride in doing things the right way — with integrity, teamwork, and craftsmanship. Our hands-on approach allows us to control quality, drive innovation, and deliver results that stand the test of time. You’ll join a collaborative, people-focused environment where hard work is recognized, voices are heard, and growth is encouraged.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Competitive Benefits: Competitive Pay, ESOP participation, 401(k), bonuses and 100% paid health coverage.
- Work-Life Balance: Unlimited PTO and flexibility that supports your well-being.
- Great Team: Work alongside talented builders, problem-solvers, and employees who take pride in their craft.
- Community Impact: Join a company that actively gives back through volunteerism and partnerships.
- Safety First: We live by our safety standards-every day on every site.
As a Civil/DOT Estimator, you’ll help build the infrastructure that keeps communities connected. In this role, you’ll translate plans into execution by developing production-driven estimates that directly impact how projects are built, staffed, and delivered.
What You’ll Do
- Analyze plans, specifications, and bid documents to define scope, risk, and execution strategy.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop production-based cost estimates for self-performed work (earthwork, utilities, structures, concrete, and water/wastewater systems).
- Build accurate, competitive bids aligned with field operations and project sequencing.
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes.
- Collaborate with operations to validate means, methods, crew sizes, and production rates.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and support post-award buyout and handoff to operations.
- Support DBE/MBE/WBE participation and ensure compliance with DOT, municipal, and water/wastewater authority requirements.
- Continuously improve estimating practices using tools such as HCSS HeavyBid, historical cost data, and production tracking.
- Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and accountability.
- Thinks like a builder—understands how work gets done in the field across civil and wastewater environments.
- Organized and self-driven, able to manage multiple bids and deadlines.
- Strong communicator who builds trust with field teams, partners, and leadership.
- Analytical and production-focused—turns data into actionable, competitive estimates.
- Adaptable and steady under pressure in a fast-paced bid environment.
- Lives out KCI’s GRiT values—Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Teamwork.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred).
- 3 years of estimating experience in heavy civil, highway, or water/wastewater construction.
- Proven experience estimating self-performed work in heavy civil.
- Strong familiarity with DOT, municipal, and water/wastewater authority standards preferred.
- Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid or similar estimating software.
- Working knowledge of production rates, crew composition, and equipment utilization.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with a team-first mindset.