Project Estimator

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Estimator with a strong background in asphalt paving and civil construction to prepare accurate, competitive, and profitable bids for commercial, municipal, and roadway projects. This individual will play a critical role in evaluating project opportunities, developing detailed cost estimates, and collaborating with operations to ensure projects are set up for success from preconstruction through handoff.

The ideal candidate has hands-on estimating experience within the asphalt paving industry and understands how field operations, production rates, equipment utilization, and material costs directly impact project profitability.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who brings more than a general understanding of estimating. The right candidate will have proven experience with:

• Preparing complete asphalt paving estimates from plans and specifications.
• Performing accurate quantity takeoffs for paving, milling, grading, drainage, base materials, striping, trucking, and related civil work.
• Reviewing construction drawings and identifying scope gaps, risks, and constructability concerns before bid submission.
• Developing labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing based on realistic production rates.
• Evaluating subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure competitive and complete bids.
• Understanding asphalt paving operations and how field production impacts estimating accuracy and project profitability.
• Working closely with project managers and operations teams to ensure smooth project handoffs after award.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Preparation

• Review project plans, specifications, and bid documents to prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for asphalt paving, milling, grading, drainage, striping, trucking, and site development activities.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor cost estimates using current production rates and market pricing.
• Solicit, review, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Identify project risks, constructability challenges, and potential cost impacts.
• Prepare complete bid proposals and supporting documentation while meeting strict deadlines.
• Maintain current knowledge of material pricing, labor rates, fuel costs, and industry trends.

Project Evaluation & Client Support

• Visit project sites to assess existing conditions, measurements, drainage, and access.
• Meet with customers, contractors, and project stakeholders to clarify project scope.
• Recommend cost-effective paving and construction solutions.

Collaboration & Project Handoff

• Partner with operations and project management to ensure estimates reflect realistic production capabilities.
• Participate in project handoff meetings after contract award.
• Support contract review, scheduling, and resource planning efforts.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain estimating databases, historical pricing, and bid records.
• Analyze bid results to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.
• Utilize estimating software, digital takeoff tools, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office throughout the estimating process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).
• 3 years of estimating experience specifically within asphalt paving, heavy civil construction, or site development.
• Strong understanding of asphalt paving methods, construction materials, production rates, and heavy equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Experience evaluating subcontractor proposals and supplier pricing.
• Proficiency with estimating software, digital takeoff platforms, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.
• Ability to successfully pass required background screenings.

Preferred Experience

Candidates will stand out if they can demonstrate experience in:

• Asphalt paving production planning and scheduling.
• Field-driven estimating and constructability analysis.
• Complex quantity takeoffs from civil plans.
• Municipal roadway, commercial paving, or DOT-related projects.
• Historical cost analysis and estimating database management.
• Collaborating directly with field operations to improve bid accuracy and project execution.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is a seasoned asphalt paving estimator who understands that successful estimating goes beyond producing numbers. They bring a strong grasp of field operations, production planning, plan interpretation, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor evaluation, and pricing strategy to consistently deliver accurate, competitive, and profitable bids. Candidates with only general estimating knowledge but limited experience in asphalt paving operations, field-driven estimating, and comprehensive bid development are unlikely to be successful in this role.