What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sitework Estimator/Project Manager position at Visser Brothers, Inc. General Contractors?
Industry: Commercial Construction
Reports To: Company Executives / Ownership
Position Summary
The Sitework Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates for our self-perform commercial sitework scopes, including earthwork, utilities, paving, and site improvements. This role works closely with ownership, project management, and field operations to evaluate project feasibility, develop budgets, and support successful project execution from concept through award.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for commercial, residential and public road work excavation projects, including:
- Earthwork, grading, and excavation
- Sanitary, storm, and water utilities
- Erosion control and restoration
- Prepare bids per bid documents and bid forms
- Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and civil plans to identify scope requirements, risks, and opportunities.
- Solicit, evaluate, and level supplier bids.
- Develop conceptual, schematic, and final bid estimates.
- Identify constructability issues, scope gaps, and value-engineering opportunities.
- Collaborate with project managers and field operations to align estimates with field means and methods.
- Assist with bid strategy, pricing reviews, and proposal development.
- Track historical cost data and maintain an estimating database.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and post-bid reviews.
- Support project handoff meetings to ensure estimate assumptions are communicated to field operations.
- Apply for all local and State of Michigan Soil Erosion permitting.
- Apply for all Sanitary, Water and Stormwater permitting.
- Apply, maintain and monitor all MissDig tickets.
- Snowplowing estimating and management.
- Excavation estimating and management of contaminated sites.
- Coordinate set up of GPS files for machine grading
- Bid, secure and mange schedules to ensure proper amount of projects are available for the work year.
- Meet with excavation foreman and discuss upcoming workload and schedules.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience estimating commercial sitework or heavy civil projects.
- Strong understanding of civil/site means and methods.
- Proficient in estimating software, ideal experience with Insite.
Skills & Attributes
- Highly self-motivated and capable of self-managing workload and priorities.
- Organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Knowledge and connections to the local market conditions, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Practical, field-driven estimating approach.
- Ability to identify risk and think proactively.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
Work Environment
- Office-based role within a commercial construction company.
- Regular interaction with ownership, project managers, and field leadership.
Experience:
- sitework estimating: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (Required)
Work Location: In person