What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grading / Earthwork Estimator position at X Contracting?
About Us:
X Contracting is a fast-growing underground utility construction company specializing in wet and dry utilities, site development, and infrastructure projects throughout Arizona. We are expanding our Underground Utilities division and are seeking an experienced Grading / Earthwork Estimator to lead and drive performance.
Position Overview
This position is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates for grading and earthwork projects, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, evaluating project costs, and working closely with project managers and operations to ensure successful project execution.
We are looking for someone who understands field operations, production rates, equipment utilization, and the financial components of civil construction estimating.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial, industrial, and civil grading projects.
- Perform accurate earthwork quantity takeoffs using Trimble Business Center (TBC).
- Develop comprehensive estimates and bid proposals.
- Analyze grading plans, civil drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and project requirements.
- Calculate cut-and-fill quantities, import/export requirements, excavation volumes, and material quantities.
- Develop detailed labor, equipment, material, trucking, and subcontractor cost estimates.
- Evaluate equipment production rates, crew productivity, and project schedules.
- Prepare and review bid packages, scopes of work, and subcontractor/vendor pricing.
- Identify potential project risks, site constraints, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and project turnover meetings.
- Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, and field operations to validate estimating assumptions.
- Maintain accurate estimating records, bid documentation, and historical cost data.
- Assist with value engineering, change order pricing, and project budget development.
- Conduct post-bid and post-project reviews to improve estimating accuracy and profitability.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of experience in grading, earthwork, or heavy civil construction estimating.
- Hands-on experience with Estimate is required.
- Hands-on experience with Trimble Business Center (TBC) is required.
- Strong knowledge of mass grading, site preparation, excavation, backfill, and earthwork operations.
- Ability to perform detailed digital terrain modeling and earthwork quantity calculations.
- Experience interpreting civil engineering drawings, grading plans, and construction specifications.
- Strong understanding of equipment production, labor costs, trucking, and material pricing.
- Experience preparing competitive bids for commercial and industrial site development projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction estimating applications.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and meet strict deadlines.
- Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with operations and management.
- Experience estimating large-scale commercial, industrial, and data center site development projects.
- Experience with underground utilities, paving, and related civil construction scopes.
- Experience with bid leveling, project buyout, and cost analysis.
- Knowledge of Arizona construction practices, soil conditions, and local market pricing.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (DOE)
- Performance-based bonus structure
- Medical benefits
- PTO & Paid Holidays
- Career growth opportunities
- Fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Grading / Earthwork Estimator: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Glendale, AZ 85305 (Required)
- Work Location: In person