Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Job Title:

Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator plays a key role in developing accurate cost estimates, takeoffs, and competitive bid proposals for excavation and sitework projects, with a strong focus on heavy civil and infrastructure work. This position supports the full preconstruction process by reviewing plans and specifications, collaborating closely with project teams, and helping ensure projects are both constructible and aligned with budget expectations.

Responsibilities

+ Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, and bid proposals for excavation, sitework, and related heavy civil projects.

+ Review plans, specifications, and engineering reports to define project scope, pricing strategies, and potential risk factors.

+ Solicit, analyze, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing to ensure competitive and comprehensive bids.

+ Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering options while maintaining project quality and safety standards.

+ Collaborate with project teams to confirm constructability, clarify scope, and align estimates with project budgets and schedules.

+ Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to gather critical project information and validate site conditions.

+ Support bid tracking, data management, and documentation to maintain organized and accurate estimating records.

+ Assist with project handoff by clearly communicating estimate assumptions, scope details, and pricing breakdowns to project management and field teams.

Essential Skills

+ Minimum of 3 years of experience in construction estimating, with a focus on heavy civil and infrastructure projects.

+ Demonstrated experience preparing bids, performing quantity takeoffs, and working in preconstruction environments.

+ Proficiency in estimating software such as HCSS, Heavy Bid, and Bluebeam.

+ Strong skills in Microsoft Excel for detailed cost analysis, data organization, and reporting.

+ Solid understanding of construction methods, excavation and sitework operations, and project documentation including blueprints and specifications.

+ Ability to interpret and review blueprints, plans, and technical documents accurately.

+ Effective project management and organizational skills to handle multiple bids and deadlines.

+ Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.

+ Clear and professional communication skills for collaborating with internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

+ Experience working on environmental and commercial excavation projects is a plus.

+ Familiarity with value engineering practices and cost-saving strategies in heavy civil construction.

+ Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and project stakeholders.

+ Motivation to contribute to a team recognized for professionalism, responsiveness, and delivering high-quality work under tight schedules.

Work Environment

This is a primarily in-office position with occasional site visits to active or prospective project locations. The role involves regular use of estimating software such as HCSS, Heavy Bid, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel in a professional office setting. Site visits may include exposure to outdoor conditions, active construction areas, and varying terrain, requiring appropriate field attire and adherence to standard construction safety practices.

The work environment emphasizes collaboration, professionalism, and responsiveness, supporting a culture focused on delivering high-quality heavy civil, environmental, and commercial excavation projects, even under demanding schedules.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Carlisle, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Competitive Wages:
Offered across all positions. Healthcare Benefits:
Available after a 90-day trial period Health Insurance Plan:
Includes options like the Capital Blue Cross PPO

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Carlisle,PA.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 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…