Project Estimator

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates for asphalt paving projects. This role evaluates project plans, specifications, and site conditions to determine material quantities, labor needs, equipment requirements, subcontractor costs, and production rates. The Estimator works closely with operations, project managers, and customers to ensure proposals are aligned with company standards, profitability goals, and field capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Proposal Development

• Review project plans and ensure all estimates align with TxDOT Standard Specifications for Construction, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Prepare estimates for dirt work, such as flex base, subgrade stabilization, and regrading.
• Perform quantity take-offs for asphalt paving, aggregates, milling, base materials, trucking, grading, drainage, striping, and related scope items.
• Develop accurate labor, equipment, and material cost calculations based on TxDOT pay item structure, ensuring accurate quantity measurement and unit pricing.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes for accuracy, scope alignment, and competitiveness.
• Identify project risks, constructability issues, engineering opportunities, potential utility conflicts and include risk allowances or coordination costs in estimates.
• Include cost estimation for traffic control, phasing, and work zone safety in accordance with TxDOT standards.
• Prepare and submit proposals, bid packages, and pricing sheets within required deadlines.
• Stay current with market pricing, materials costs (asphalt, aggregates, fuel), and labor rates.

Site Evaluation & Customer Interaction

• Conduct site visits to assess conditions, measurements, drainage, access, and potential challenges.
• Meet with customers, property managers, and general contractors to clarify scope and expectations.
• Provide recommendations on pavement design, repair options, and long‑term maintenance strategies.

Collaboration & Internal Coordination

• Work with operations and project management to ensure estimates reflect realistic production capabilities and accurate pricing.
• Participate in handoff meetings to transition awarded projects to field teams.
• Assist with contract negotiations and project handoffs to operations upon award.
• Support scheduling and planning by providing accurate job durations and resource needs.

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Maintain estimating records, pricing databases, and historical cost information to support audit review, bid validation, and compliance with TxDOT requirements.
• Track bid results, win/loss ratios, and market trends to support continuous improvement.
• Analyze historical data and production rates to improve estimate accuracy.
• Use estimating software, spreadsheets, and digital takeoff tools to produce consistent, accurate bids.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management or equivalent combinations of technical training, and experience in asphalt paving, civil construction, or sitework estimating (preferred 3 years).
• Strong understanding of asphalt materials, paving processes, production rates, and equipment.
• Good knowledge of fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations and calculate mathematical extensions. In addition, good knowledge of geometric formulas and equations are required to calculate area, volume, etc. in performing take-offs.
• General understanding of estimating techniques, cost control and material pricing.
• Ability to read and interpret civil plans, specifications, technical documents, and a basic understanding of survey principles is a plus.
• Knowledge of Estimating & Scheduling software (B2W preferred); Internet and Project Management software; Spreadsheet and Word Processing software, digital takeoff tools, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong math, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and customer‑service skills.
• Pass criminal and driving background checks
• Valid driver’s license and ability to conduct site visits.