Civil Estimator
Job Information: Immediate opening for an Estimator in La Grange or Lexington, NC. Client is willing to provide relocation assistance.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the estimating process for civil construction and cell tower drilling projects ranging from $50K to $2M+
Conduct detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and site assessments
Develop comprehensive cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and markup
Build and maintain estimating databases including unit costs, production rates, and historical data
Price foundation drilling (caisson, auger-cast, drilled piers), concrete work, site preparation, and utility installation
Prepare professional proposals, scopes of work, and bid submissions
Review subcontractor quotes and incorporate into overall pricing strategy
Analyze risk factors including soil conditions, access constraints, and schedule requirements; build appropriate contingencies
Present proposals to clients and negotiate scope, pricing, and contract terms
Business Development & Client Management
Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities in target markets
Build relationships with telecommunications carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), tower companies (American Tower, Crown Castle, SBA), and general contractors
Conduct sales calls, attend networking events, and leverage industry relationships to generate leads
Respond to RFPs, bid invitations, and informal quote requests
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and scope clarification discussions
Maintain CRM pipeline and track opportunities through sales cycle
Serve as primary point of contact for estimating and pre-construction inquiries
Develop strategic partnerships with repeat clients and preferred vendor relationships
Represent Hightower at industry events and professional associations
Site Assessment & Preconstruction Planning
Visit prospective job sites to assess conditions, constraints, and logistics
Identify site-specific challenges including access, soil conditions, utilities, and environmental factors
Coordinate with engineers, architects, and client representatives during preconstruction phase
Develop preliminary work plans and schedules for awarded projects
Facilitate smooth handoff to Project Superintendent with detailed scope review and estimate walk-through
Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement
Monitor market rates, competitor pricing, and industry trends
Analyze win/loss ratios and adjust pricing strategies accordingly
Track actual costs versus estimated costs on completed projects to improve accuracy
Work with Project Superintendent to document lessons learned and refine estimating assumptions
Identify new service offerings or market opportunities for business growth
Stay current on telecommunications infrastructure trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements
Collaboration & Reporting
Coordinate with Project Superintendent on resource availability and project scheduling
Provide regular reporting to ownership on pipeline, win rates, pricing trends, and market intelligence
Support change order pricing and scope modifications on active projects
Maintain organized estimating files, proposal archives, and historical cost databases
Participate in weekly leadership meetings to align on strategic priorities and capacity planning
Qualifications:
7+ years experience in construction estimating with focus on civil, sitework, or heavy construction
Proven track record pricing and winning work in competitive bid environments
Deep understanding of civil construction means, methods, and materials
Experience estimating foundation drilling, concrete work, earthwork, and utility installation
Strong technical skills including quantity takeoffs, cost databases, and proposal development
Proficiency with estimating software (HeavyBid, HCSS, or similar) and Microsoft Excel (advanced)
Excellent communication and presentation skills for client-facing interactions
Business development orientation and comfort with consultative sales activities
Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, geotechnical reports, and specifications
Valid driver's license for site visits and client meetings
Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously
Preferred:
Experience with telecommunications infrastructure projects including cell towers, fiber deployment, and small cell installations
Established relationships with telecom carriers, tower companies, or major general contractors in the Southeast region
Understanding of prevailing wage requirements and public works bidding processes
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
Professional certifications such as CPE (Certified Professional Estimator) or similar credentials
Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar) and sales pipeline management
COMPETENCIES
Analytical thinking with exceptional attention to detail
Business development and consultative selling skills
Strategic pricing and risk assessment capabilities
Relationship building and client service orientation
Organized and systematic approach to complex estimating tasks
Strong sense of urgency and competitive drive to win work
Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with operations team
Continuous improvement orientation and willingness to learn from outcomes
Professional presence and ability to represent company with clients and partners
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office-based work (60-70%) with regular field time for site visits and client meetings (30-40%)
Ability to visit job sites, walk uneven terrain, and assess field conditions
Regular travel to client offices, project sites, and industry events within service area
Occasional evening or weekend work for proposal deadlines or client needs
Valid driver's license and ability to operate company vehicle or receive vehicle allowance
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Highly competitive compensation package designed to reward both estimating excellence and business development success:
Compensation Structure:
Base salary range: $75,000 - $100,000 (based on experience, existing relationships, and market)
Performance-based incentives tied to: contract value awarded, gross profit margins achieved, win rate metrics, and pipeline development
Alternative structure available: competitive base + commission on gross profit of awarded contracts
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
Professional development, continuing education, and industry memberships
PTO and paid holidays