Job Description
ABOUT HAL HAYS
CONSTRUCTION, INC.. Hal Hays Construction is a family-owned, award-winning heavy civil contractor with a long history of self-performed work across the western United States, supporting high-profile clients across Utility Agencies, Military and Federal work, Municipalities, Public Works, and Water Agencies. Our work spans Facility Modernization, New Construction, Heavy Civil & Industrial projects, Dry & Wet Utilities, Roads & Highways, Energy Solutions, Aerospace, Aviation & Transit Infrastructure, and Security Enhancements. POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior Heavy Civil Estimator to lead our estimating team in Riverside, CA. This is a high-impact role responsible for bid strategy, cost analysis, subcontractor coordination, and mentoring junior estimators and estimating coordinators. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in self-perform heavy civil operations including earthwork, underground utilities, grading, paving, structural concrete, and railroad & roadway improvements This is not a bid-collector position. You will be estimating self-performed heavy civil work, using owned equipment, in-house crews, and real production rates. Our work ranges from small, fast-turnaround jobs ($50K) to large, highly technical projects ($20M+), often with incomplete scopes, short bid windows, and client-driven constraints. Some bids are well-defined and organized. Others are chaotic by nature. Successful estimators here know how to qualify scope, document assumptions, and protect the number when answers are limited. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Preparing detailed, defensible estimates for heavy civil projects Building estimates based on self-performed crews, equipment, and production rates Independently reviewing plans and specifications and identifying scope gaps and risk Developing and documenting assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications Collaborating with operations, superintendents, and ownership on means and methods Supporting job walks and pre-bid field investigations (travel required, approximately every 1-2 weeks depending on workload) Delivering estimates that operations trusts and can build from Maintain estimating databases and historical cost records Assist with project handoff to operations team after award Provides improvement recommendations to cost estimating procedures to reduce future discrepancies between estimated and actual costs Analyze project plans and specifications to identify potential cost-saving opportunities, areas of risk, and develop strategies to mitigate them. Stay updated on industry trends, materials costs, and market conditions to provide accurate and competitive estimates. Regular, reliable attendance is an essential function This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role; employees may be required to perform other related functions as assigned What "Good" Looks Like Here After 12 months, success looks like: Estimates that are accurate, well-documented, and defensible, even on chaotic pursuits Strong trust between estimating and operations Clean handoffs with minimal friction and fewer surprises in the field Winning work matters, but protecting the company always comes first. This Role Is NOT a Fit If You:
Require perfect scopes and complete answers before you can price a job Prefer subcontract-heavy estimating over self-performed work Are uncomfortable qualifying bids or writing assumptions to protect risk Qualifications & Experience 5+ years as an estimator working on Heavy Civil and/or Construction projects Strong Excel proficiency. You must be able to build estimates from scratch Knowledge of site grading, asphalt, concrete, underground utilities. Experience with bridges, pile driving, crane work a plus BS Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering is a big plus, but not mandatory HARD BID
Estimating and Negotiated Bid Experience Decision-making skills and ability to work in a high production environment Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with others Comfort pricing work when scopes are incomplete and deadlines are tight Willingness to work in an in-office environment in Southern California and travel for job walks as needed Must have a Valid Driver's License Must be able to pass pre-employment physical/drug test/background check Additional Work Environment & Physical Requirements Combination of office and active construction site work Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, heavy equipment, noise, dust, and fumes Required use of PPE on job sites (hard hat, safety vest, hearing protection, etc.) Prolonged periods of computer and screen use Occasional lifting of materials up to 20-25 lbs Movement between offices and job sites as needed Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law. Disclaimer - A qualified individual must be able to perform the essential functions & duties listed above with or without reasonable accommodation. The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive of every job duty, responsibility, or qualification required by an employee assigned to this job. While employed in this position, an employee may be required to perform other assignments not listed on this job description. Hal Hays Construction, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer - The Company does not discriminate against employees or applicants on race, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, religion, marital status, military service/veteran status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, including genetic characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. Nothing in this job posting constitutes a promise or contract of employment. Employment with Hal Hays Construction, Inc. is at-will, meaning it may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Please provide examples of heavy civil project estimates Experience:
Heavy Civil/Rail Estimating:
5 years (Required) License/Certification:
driver's license (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Preferred) Work Location:
In person
