Estimator

Job Title:

Civil Estimator Job Description The Civil Estimator plays a critical role in accurately estimating project costs, preparing competitive bids, and supporting the successful delivery of civil construction and land development projects. This position focuses on detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and bid preparation for projects such as highways, bridges, and earth-moving work. The ideal candidate brings 5 to 10 years of estimating experience in civil construction, strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and a collaborative approach to working with project teams. Responsibilities Perform accurate quantity takeoffs from project plans and specifications, including detailed analysis of construction drawings to identify required materials and quantities. Develop comprehensive cost estimates that include labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs for civil construction and land development projects. Prepare, write, and submit competitive bids for construction projects, ensuring that all project requirements and specifications are fully addressed. Use Microsoft Excel to create, maintain, and update estimating spreadsheets, organize project data, calculate costs, and generate clear and accurate reports. Leverage Excel functions and formulas to streamline the estimating process and improve accuracy and efficiency in bid preparation. Conduct cost analysis and feasibility studies to assess the financial viability of projects, including evaluation of project scope, material pricing, labor costs, overhead, and profit margins. Analyze project requirements and specifications to ensure estimates and bids are complete, compliant, and aligned with client expectations. Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to gather project requirements, clarify specifications, and address cost-related questions. Participate in pre-bid meetings and discussions to understand project scope, constraints, and opportunities that impact pricing and bid strategy. Negotiate pricing with vendors and subcontractors to obtain competitive quotes and support profitable bid development. Stay current on industry trends, market conditions, and pricing fluctuations for construction materials and services to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness. Monitor and analyze historical cost data and industry benchmarks to refine estimating assumptions and methodologies. Create bids and proposals using Excel, ensuring that all required documentation, calculations, and supporting information are accurate and well-organized. Utilize Microsoft Project, as applicable, to support scheduling-related aspects of the estimating and bidding process. Maintain strong organizational practices to manage multiple bids and deadlines, ensuring that all submissions are timely and complete. Contribute to a collaborative estimating team environment by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and participating in ongoing training and development. Essential Skills 5 to 10 years of experience as a Civil Estimator or in a closely related estimating role within civil construction or land development; candidates with at least 3 years of strong relevant experience may be considered. Demonstrated experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs from civil construction plans and specifications. Proven background in civil construction and land development, including work related to highways, bridges, and earth-moving projects. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for creating, maintaining, and using complex estimating spreadsheets, including formulas and functions. Experience creating bids and proposals directly from Excel-based estimating tools. Ability to conduct thorough cost analysis and feasibility studies, including evaluation of labor, materials, equipment, overhead, and profit margins. Experience preparing and submitting competitive bids for construction projects. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and bid submissions simultaneously. Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and clients. Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in estimating and documentation. Additional Skills & Qualifications Nice-to-have experience bidding jobs up to $5 million in value. Degree in civil engineering, building science, or a related field is preferred but not required when supported by strong relevant experience. Familiarity with Microsoft Project to support scheduling considerations within the estimating process. Experience in highways, bridges, and earth-moving projects within civil construction and land development. Ability to interpret complex construction drawings and specifications and translate them into accurate estimates. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess project risks and opportunities within bids. Capability to stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and pricing changes and apply this knowledge to improve estimating accuracy. Work Environment This role is primarily office-based, with occasional site visits to better understand project conditions and requirements. The typical schedule runs approximately from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility to accommodate project and bid deadlines. You will work as part of a smaller, tight-knit team with a strong culture focused on training, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The estimator works closely with an established estimating team on a daily basis, leveraging shared tools and processes. The work environment supports the use of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project as core tools for estimating and scheduling, and emphasizes professional development, knowledge sharing, and teamwork. Benefits include company-paid health insurance and benefits, participation in profit sharing, and a truck allowance with a gas card, reflecting a supportive and rewarding workplace. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Vestavia, AL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $130000.00/yr. Fully paid employee benefits. Full suite of benefits; Health, Dental, Vision. Profit Sharing is available Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Vestavia,AL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.