The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive bids for heavy highway and infrastructure projects where the company serves as the General/Prime Contractor. This role requires a strong construction background, attention to detail, and the ability to analyze project data to develop cost-effective, compliant, and winning proposals. The Estimator will work closely with project managers, engineers, field staff, subcontractors, and senior leadership to position the company for success in both state and federal markets. Success in this role requires a competitive mindset with a drive to “win the work,” balancing attention to detail with an aggressive approach to bidding. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Pre-Bid Administration
• Monitor and track advertised projects; assemble and maintain bid folders.
• Coordinate bonding, insurance, and railroad protection requirements.
• Attend and document pre-bid meetings and site visits to assess project risks and opportunities.
• Estimating & Takeoffs
• Analyze plans, specifications, and contract documents to understand scope, risks, and cost drivers.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, preparing labor, equipment, material, and unit-price estimates to develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability.
• Incorporate constructability, resources, productivity, and scheduling considerations to ensure estimates are accurate and executable.
• Subcontractor & Vendor Management
• Prepare clear scopes of work for subcontractors and suppliers.
• Solicit, track, and evaluate proposals/quotes to secure reliable coverage of all bid items.
• Document acknowledgements and ensure coverage of all contract requirements, including DBE/MBE/WBE participation.
• Bid Preparation & Addenda Management
• Assemble and submit complete bid packages using estimating systems (HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob and related tools).
• Track and incorporate addenda, clarifications, and revisions into estimates.
• Support post-bid activities including cost-code setup, agency reporting, and documentation.
• Compliance
• Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and agency requirements, including:
• Prevailing wage compliance
• DBE/MBE/WBE documentation and reporting
• Bonding, insurance, and other contract requirements
• Data & Systems Management
• Maintain and update estimating data resources, including:
• Cost history and unit pricing databases
• Bid-tab analyses and takeoff libraries
• Vendor and subcontractor databases
• Support continuous improvement by analyzing historical performance and bid outcomes.
• Collaboration & Project Handoff
• Work with operations staff to ensure seamless transfer of estimating assumptions and requirements following award.
• Provide support to project teams to align budgets, schedules, and productivity expectations with awarded scope.

Winning Work and Profitability:

• Ensure all estimates and bid submissions reflect the company’s commitment to safety, quality, profitability, and long-term client relationships.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve estimating practices and strengthen the company’s competitive position.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the Chief Estimator, including occasional travel to projects and after-hours bid support (10-15 times a year to meet project deadlines).

• 3+ years of practical construction experience in estimating, field operations, or project management; heavy highway and PennDOT experience. A degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field is a plus but not required.
• Demonstrated estimating ability with strong math, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret cost history, productivity data, and bid tab analyses to support accurate, competitive pricing.
• Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid, HeavyJob, and Microsoft Office Suite, or the ability to quickly learn these systems.
• Knowledge of construction means, methods, and sequencing for highway, bridge, and infrastructure projects.
• Strong organizational skills and willingness to perform administrative tasks necessary to support the estimating function.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with team members, subcontractors, and agency representatives.
• Competitive mindset with a drive to “win the work,” able to balance attention to detail with an aggressive approach to bidding.
• Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and ethical bidding practices.

About HDJ & Associates, Inc.

HDJ + Associates is consistently named one of the top recruiting firms in the Pittsburgh area. We are a professional employment and search solutions company focused on recruiting the best possible talent available in today’s demanding market place. Our clients often tell us that finding the right candidates to join their company is one of the most difficult tasks on their already overburdened task list. Likewise, our candidates often tell us that finding the right position in today’s crowded market place is frustrating and overwhelming. Let HDJ + Associates take the pressure out of the recruiting process for both candidates and employers. We will hit the employment bullseye each time streamlining the recruiting process to success.

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