What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Estimator position at SkyView Excavation & Grading, Inc.?
Job Summary
SkyView Excavation & Grading is looking for an experienced Excavation Estimator to support our growing backlog of heavy civil and sitework projects. This role is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive estimates for excavation, earthwork, grading, and utility scopes, and supporting projects from bid through handoff.
- Review project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and bid documents
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for:
- Excavation & embankment
- Grading & sitework
- Utilities (storm, sewer, water)
- Trenching, backfill, and restoration
- Develop labor, equipment, material, trucking, disposal, and subcontractor pricing
- Solicit and analyze vendor and subcontractor quotes
- Build bid schedules, cost breakdowns, and risk assessments
- Identify constructability issues, site constraints, and scope gaps before bid
- Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks as needed
- Support project managers and superintendents during handoff after award
- Assist with change order pricing and budget revisions when required
- Maintain estimating databases, cost histories, and pricing updates
- 3–5 years of estimating experience in excavation, earthwork, or heavy civil construction
- Strong understanding of excavation methods, equipment, and production rates
- Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, grading plans, and specifications
- Experience with quantity takeoffs and bid preparation
- Strong math skills, attention to detail, and organization
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with DOT, municipal, or utility projects
- Familiarity with estimating software (HeavyBid, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, Excel, or similar)
- Field experience in excavation or sitework
- Knowledge of local soil conditions and construction practices
- Combination of office-based estimating and occasional site visits
- Active construction environments during site walks
- Collaboration with estimating, operations, field crews, and management