Find & Apply For Estimator Jobs in River Falls, Wisconsin

Total Excavating and Grading is a family-owned business that has been in operation for nearly 30 years. We employ approximately 60 individuals and operate with six field crews. We perform earthwork and utility work, focusing on public and private utilities, residential subdivisions, and commercial buildings.

Position:

Senior Estimator Pay Range:

Hourly position; starting pay based on experience. Pay range is $50 to $60 per hour. This position will include overtime hours; typically between 600 to 800 over a years' time. Open to discussing this being a salaried position, if preferred by the applicant. Health benefits, 401k match and employer paid life insurance policy. PTO and paid holidays.

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Typically, a total of 600 to 800 overtime hours are worked over a years' time.

Location:

This position is based entirely at our office, which is located in

River Falls, WI Position Overview:

The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating and preconstruction process for complex, high-value, and strategically important excavation and earthmoving projects. This position plays a key role in developing accurate, competitive, and profitable bids while helping the company make informed decisions about which projects to pursue. The Senior Estimator works closely with ownership, project management, field operations, subcontractors, suppliers, and customers to understand project requirements, develop accurate estimates, identify risks, and establish projects for successful execution. In addition to completing estimates, the Senior Estimator serves as a resource and mentor to other estimators and project managers and helps continuously improve the company's estimating processes, systems, and profitability.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Estimating & Preconstruction Review and interpret project plans, specifications, bid documents, site conditions, and contract requirements. Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for excavation, grading, utilities, sitework, earthwork, demolition, and related scopes. Develop complete and accurate cost estimates, including labor, equipment, materials, trucking, subcontractors, disposal, and other project costs. Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing. Develop project-specific production assumptions and determine appropriate equipment, crew, and resource requirements. Evaluate project schedules and identify potential impacts to production, equipment utilization, labor, and overall project cost. Identify project risks, exclusions, clarifications, and scope gaps before bids are submitted. Prepare competitive bids while maintaining the company's required margins and profitability objectives. Review estimates for accuracy and completeness prior to submission. Participate in bid reviews with ownership and project leadership for significant or high-risk projects. Assist with value engineering and alternative construction approaches when appropriate. Maintain organized and accurate estimating documentation. Project Development & Handoff Develop a thorough understanding of projects prior to award and communicate key estimating assumptions and risks to the project team. Participate in project turnover meetings with project managers, superintendents, and field operations. Clearly communicate scope, quantities, production assumptions, pricing, exclusions, and anticipated challenges. Assist project managers with resolving estimating-related questions after project award. Compare estimated costs and production assumptions with actual project performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Help maintain historical cost and production data to improve future estimates. Leadership & Team Development Serve as a senior resource to estimators and project managers. Review and provide feedback on estimates prepared by less-experienced team members. Assist in training and developing estimating staff. Help establish consistent estimating standards, procedures, and expectations across the company. Share knowledge of production rates, equipment capabilities, market conditions, subcontractor pricing, and construction practices. Promote collaboration between estimating, project management, and field operations. Help identify opportunities to improve communication and reduce gaps between estimating and project execution. Business Development & Customer Relationships Work with ownership and project leadership to identify and pursue strategic project opportunities. Develop and maintain professional relationships with general contractors, developers, municipalities, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and customer meetings. Assist with negotiating scope, pricing, and contract terms when appropriate. Represent the company professionally and help strengthen relationships with key customers and industry partners. Operational & Strategic Responsibilities Monitor market conditions, material pricing, labor costs, equipment costs, and subcontractor pricing. Identify trends that may impact project profitability. Help establish and maintain company estimating databases, cost histories, production rates, and benchmarks. Provide ownership with insight into market opportunities, project risks, and competitive conditions. Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating and preconstruction systems. Support company goals related to safety, profitability, customer satisfaction, employee development, and operational excellence.

Job Qualifications:

Required

• Willingness to embrace and advocate for company core values: Valued employees, serving others, quality work and impact 7+ years of experience in construction estimating, project management, or a related field, preferably within excavation, earthmoving, sitework, utilities, or heavy civil construction. Strong understanding of excavation and earthwork means and methods. Ability to accurately interpret civil construction plans and specifications. Strong knowledge of construction costs, production rates, equipment, materials, and subcontractor pricing. Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and profitable estimates. Strong mathematical and analytical skills. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously. Strong attention to detail. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with project and field teams. Preferred Experience estimating projects involving mass excavation, grading, underground utilities, site development, demolition, or other heavy civil scopes. Experience with GPS/machine control data and technology. Experience with estimating software and digital takeoff tools. Experience mentoring or supervising other estimators. Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, business, or a related field is preferred but not required. Strong understanding of Wisconsin and Minnesota construction practices and market conditions. Key Performance Expectations Success in this position will be measured by the Senior Estimator's ability to: Produce accurate, complete, and competitive estimates. Consistently identify project risks before they become costly problems. Protect company margins while remaining competitive in the marketplace. Improve estimating accuracy through comparison of estimated versus actual project performance. Develop strong relationships with customers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Successfully transition awarded projects to project management and field operations. Help develop the skills and capabilities of other estimating team members. Contribute to continuous improvement of the company's estimating systems and processes. Demonstrate sound judgment about which projects represent good opportunities for the company. Core Competencies Estimating & Cost Analysis Construction Knowledge Financial & Business Acumen Risk Identification Project Planning Leadership & Mentorship Communication Negotiation Problem Solving Decision Making Attention to Detail Customer Relationship Management Collaboration Accountability Physical & Work Requirements Ability to work in an office environment for extended periods. Ability to visit active construction sites as needed. Ability to safely navigate active construction sites and uneven terrain. Ability to attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, customer meetings, and project meetings. Must comply with all company safety policies and applicable jobsite requirements.

Pay:

$50.00 - $60.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 - 55.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person