Senior Estimator - Heavy Civil Construction

Southland Holdings is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Heavy Civil Estimating team in Burlington, NC, with a primary focus on large-diameter pipeline and underground utility construction. This position will support our Oscar Renda Contracting operations, specializing in water transmission mains, sanitary sewer pipelines, and complex underground infrastructure projects.

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for leading the development of detailed construction cost estimates, evaluating project requirements, developing construction strategies, and managing the estimating process from initial project review through bid submission. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in heavy civil pipeline construction, a strong understanding of construction means and methods, and the ability to independently develop competitive estimates for complex underground infrastructure projects.

• Lead the preparation of detailed construction cost estimates for large-diameter water transmission pipelines, sanitary sewer systems, force mains, and related underground infrastructure.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to evaluate project scope, requirements, and potential risks.
• Develop comprehensive estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontracted work, and project indirect costs.
• Establish construction means and methods, crew compositions, equipment requirements, production rates, and project execution strategies.
• Evaluate pipeline construction activities including trench excavation, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, shoring, dewatering, and surface restoration.
• Develop estimates for complex underground construction, including deep excavations, trenchless installations, tunneling, jack and bore, and other specialty construction methods.
• Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure complete and competitive pricing.
• Identify constructability concerns, scope gaps, project risks, and opportunities for value engineering or alternative construction approaches.
• Collaborate with operations personnel, project managers, and company leadership to validate construction strategies, schedules, and pricing assumptions.
• Lead estimate reviews, participate in bid strategy discussions, and present estimate findings and recommendations to management.
• Independently manage assigned bids, including estimate development, subcontractor coverage, bid schedules, and final pricing preparation.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimators and estimators, including review of quantity takeoffs, production assumptions, and cost development.
• Support proposal preparation, bid clarifications, and project handoffs to operations following award.
• Maintain and utilize historical cost data, production rates, and lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in heavy civil construction estimating, with significant experience in large-diameter pipeline or underground utility construction.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop and manage complex pipeline construction estimates from initial review through bid submission.
• Strong understanding of pipeline construction means and methods, crew productivity, equipment utilization, and project cost development.
• Experience estimating excavation, pipe installation, shoring, dewatering, backfill, and associated underground construction activities.
• Ability to interpret complex construction drawings, technical specifications, geotechnical information, and contract requirements.
• Experience evaluating subcontractor and supplier pricing and coordinating multiple construction disciplines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits and bid deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to present estimates, assumptions, and recommendations to company leadership.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of independently leading estimating efforts while collaborating with a broader team.

• Direct estimating experience with…