What are the responsibilities and job description for the Civil Estimator - Heavy Construction position at Outback Contactors Inc.?
Outback Contractors, Inc. is seeking an experienced civil construction estimator to take ownership of preparing, coordinating, reviewing, and submitting estimates for heavy civil projects throughout California and other select states. We are looking for someone to fill our salaried, full-time position, who excels in estimating theory with advanced expertise in civil construction means and methods, understanding labor union agreements and prevailing wage requirements, and knowledge of supplier markets. Our estimators play a key role in supporting business development, meeting revenue goals, and securing profitable work to support our most valuable asset – our people.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESOwn the preparation of assigned detailed cost estimates for heavy civil construction work spanning utility, renewable, and infrastructure projects.Develop labor units, crew structures, and production models primarily in alignment with IBEW Outside Line Construction Agreement classifications and jurisdictional rules.Apply prevailing wage assessments and adjustments as applicable according to State, Federal, IRA, and similar requirements.Review and interpret project plans, geotechnical documentation, specifications, standards, design drawings, addenda, and contract requirements.Perform accurate quantity and volume-based takeoffs and pricing of labor, equipment, and materials.Solicit and secure subcontractor and supplier bids for scope, cost effectiveness, compliance, and risk.Develop work breakdown structures aligned to customer RFP/contracts and create project schedules for estimates.Conduct detailed pre-bid reviews with Operations, Safety, and Project Management to confirm constructability and compliance with IBEW and client standards.Develop, maintain, and utilize production rates in collaboration with construction operation management teams.Coordinate with construction operation management and project management teams to lay out awarded projects and provide change order proposal and knowledge support throughout the project lifecycle.Attend pre-bid meetings, project walkdowns, and other bid/project related meetings and events.Identify cost-saving opportunities, alternative construction methods, and value engineering options.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market pricing, union labor rates, and industry best practices.Mentor and provide technical guidance to other estimators and personnel as applicable.Create holistic bid submission packages to include both company and customer required documentation.Assess and document cash flow, risk management, contingency, and margin strategies.Present estimate overview and details in reviews with construction operations teams and in senior management review/approval meetings.SKILLS & COMPETENCIESSkilled in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Office 365.Must be able to work under pressure, respond to changing priorities, multi-task, and meet deadlines.Excellent customer service and relationship building skills; ability to interact professionally and knowledgeable with a wide variety of individuals.Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.Enthusiastic collaborator who is adaptable in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.Considered a knowledgeable and resourceful functional expert within the estimating discipline.Strategic thinker with an operational execution focus.Operate autonomously with a self-driven approach to responsibilities.Work extended and/or non-standard hours as needed to meet large-scale utility RFP deadlines.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEDegree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field or commensurate field construction/management experience.5 years of progressive estimating experience in heavy civil, renewable, or utility construction, including at least 2 years in a senior or lead estimator role.Strong knowledge of Caltrans, city, county, and public works specifications.Proficiency with estimating software HCSS Heavy Bid and MS Excel – experience with other similar estimating software considered based on level of experience.Experience with Viewpoint Vista or similar ERP/construction management programs. Company DescriptionAt Outback Contractors, Inc. and Basin Enterprises, Inc., we are proud to be family-owned companies built on trust, hard work, and long-term relationships. With decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for safety, quality, and reliability—delivering expertise in heavy civil construction, utility support, substation, renewables, T&D line work, and traffic control. By combining the agility of specialized crews with the resources of an established enterprise, we provide the capabilities and confidence on which our customers can rely. Our culture reflects our family values: collaboration, accountability, and care for our people. We believe in empowering our teams, fostering growth, and building lasting partnerships rooted in respect and integrity. Guided by our mission – “We Solve, We Build, We Deliver – One Handshake at a Time.” – we go beyond building infrastructure. We build trust, strengthen communities, and deliver results that stand the test of time.Our projects are regulated by federal and state laws which require all employees to successfully pass criminal background checks, MVR, and drug tests (pre-employment and random testing).
Salary : $100,000 - $155,000