Estimator - Construction (Grading, Paving, & Concrete)

Estimator – Construction (Grading, Paving & Concrete)

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing complete and competitive cost estimates for grading, paving, and concrete construction projects for various public owners and private sector clients. This role involves analyzing plans, specifications, and bid documents; performing accurate quantity takeoffs; soliciting subcontractor and vendor pricing; and assisting with bid strategies to ensure profitable and compliant proposals.

The Estimator works closely with project managers, engineers, and operations teams to transition awarded projects from bid through preconstruction.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Bid & Estimating

• Review project plans, specifications, addenda, and proposal requirements to determine scope of work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for earthwork, asphalt paving, base, and concrete scopes using digital takeoff software.
• Analyze and develop quality estimates using accurate data and cost history for labor, materials, equipment, trucking, and subcontracted work to ensure precise and timely estimates.
• Recognize, identify and communicate risk areas, constructability issues, and value engineering opportunities during bid review.
• Analyze competition and communicate with owners, subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitiveness. Develop win strategies and alternative construction methods to improve attractiveness of the bid.
• Maintain and update unit cost databases and production rates based on historical job data.
• Prepare bid summaries and cost breakdowns for management review and submission.
• Ensure compliance with public works, prevailing wage, union requirements, and DBE/SBE participation goals.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Verify scope alignment between drawings, specs, and subcontractor bids.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractor partners that will lead to an increase of bid opportunities in target markets.

Bid Management & Proposal Preparation

• Attend pre-bid meetings, job walks, and site visits to assess project conditions.
• Prepare RFIs and clarifications to address discrepancies in bid documents.
• Assemble final bid proposals, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and compliance with bid requirements.
• Support senior management in developing bid strategies and markups.
• Assist in preparing post-bid presentations and follow-up with clients.

Post-Bid / Preconstruction Support

• Participate in project handoff meetings to communicate scope, assumptions, and budget to project management teams.
• Provide cost data and production feedback to support ongoing estimating improvements.
• Assist with change order pricing, budget updates, and cost forecasting on active projects as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent field experience).
• Minimum 3–7 years of estimating experience in grading, paving, or concrete construction.
• Experience estimating public works, Caltrans, municipal, and private site development projects preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of earthwork, paving, and concrete construction methods, materials, and equipment.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting civil, structural, and geotechnical plans and specifications.
• Understanding of unit pricing, production rates, and job cost analysis.
• Excellent math, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project. Proficiency in B2W and RSMeans a plus.
• Familiarity with prevailing wages, union labor rates, and certified payroll compliance is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinking & Accuracy
• Cost Estimating & Bid Strategy
• Technical Construction Knowledge
• Communication & Team Collaboration
• Deadline Management
• Integrity & Confidentiality
• Attention to Detail

Physical Requirements

• Regularly works in an office environment with occasional site visits and job walks.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and use computer equipment for extended periods.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for site visits.

Employment Classification

Exempt, Full-Time – Salaried position

$100,000-$150,000 annually DOE

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Medical & Dental insurance with 100% employer paid premiums for employee coverage and for family
• Voluntary Vision insurance
• Group Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-Term disability
• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% employer match
• Time off, including paid holidays, paid vacation time and paid sick time.

Romero General Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment on every job site. Applicants with disabilities who may need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process are encouraged to contact us.