Estimator - Heavy Civil Construction

Work Setting: Primarily onsite in the Cookeville office. A short-term remote or flexible arrangement may be considered during relocation for the right candidate, but this is not a permanent remote or hybrid position.

Travel: Approximately once per month for pre-bid meetings, site visits, and occasional business development activities. Most travel is regional day trips with occasional overnight stays.

Compensation: $100,000–$140,000 base salary, depending on experience, plus annual discretionary bonus and participation in a project performance/profit sharing program

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, company vehicle or vehicle allowance (where applicable), fuel card, company-paid lodging, per diem, and reimbursed travel expenses

A well-established and growing heavy civil contractor is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its preconstruction team in Cookeville, Tennessee.

This position offers far more than traditional estimating responsibilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing competitive bids for heavy civil, water, wastewater, underground utility, and infrastructure projects while positioning themselves for future leadership within the estimating and preconstruction department.

The organization is making this strategic hire as part of its long-term succession planning. You'll work alongside experienced estimating professionals, contribute immediately to complex infrastructure projects, and have the opportunity to grow into a leadership role as the department continues to expand.

If you're looking for a company that values long‑term career development, collaboration, and continuous improvement, this is an outstanding opportunity.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for heavy civil, water, wastewater, underground utility, excavation, grading, and infrastructure projects
• Review plans, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements to develop accurate and competitive proposals
• Prepare estimates for projects ranging from approximately $1 million to $50 million, with most projects falling between $10 million and $25 million
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop pricing using Excel‑based estimating tools
• Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Attend pre‑bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs as needed
• Identify project risks, scope gaps, scheduling challenges, and cost drivers during the estimating process
• Collaborate with operations, project management, and field leadership to ensure estimates reflect practical execution strategies
• Support continuous improvement of estimating processes, templates, and preconstruction systems
• Build strong relationships with clients, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders
• Represent the company professionally during client meetings and industry events
• Assist with strategic bid planning and contribute to profitable project execution

• Minimum of 5 years of construction estimating experience
• Experience estimating heavy civil, underground utilities, water, wastewater, excavation, grading, or related infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of construction estimating principles and bid preparation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact confidently with clients and project teams
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously
• Desire and ability to grow into a leadership role within the estimating department

• Direct estimating experience with water and wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, or utility infrastructure
• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field (preferred but not required)
• Experience developing process improvements and estimating best practices
• Familiarity with public infrastructure bidding and municipal construction projects

The ideal candidate is a collaborative estimator who combines strong technical estimating abilities with excellent…