Senior Estimator- Heavy Civil​/Highway

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil/Highway

Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction (RLW) is a proven leader in heavy civil construction with over five decades of experience delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure projects across the western United States.

RLW offers opportunities within the Sterling Infrastructure family, pairing the resources of a national organization with the agility of a trusted regional builder.

Denver, CO

Salary range: $120,000 - $180,000 per year, plus bonus and perks.

• Competitive Package
  :
  Total compensation including bonus and perks.
• Impactful Work
  :
  Prepare winning estimates for large-scale infrastructure projects that serve millions.
• Career Growth
  :
  Clear pathways to leadership within preconstruction and estimating teams.
• Collaborative Culture
  :
  Supportive environment where expertise is valued and your voice is heard.
• Long-Term Vision
  : 50+ years of success with a forward-looking leadership team committed to innovation.

• Lead the Estimating Process
  :
  Analyze proposal specifications, drawings, and related documents, and participate in pre-bid meetings to define the full scope of work and develop a comprehensive estimating plan.
• Leverage Data-Driven Insights
  :
  Review and interpret historical cost reports, production data, and records to establish accurate unit costs and man-hour estimates.
• Develop Comprehensive Estimates
  :
  Prepare complete, detailed estimates for assigned projects, incorporating takeoffs, subcontracting strategies, and full compliance with proposal requirements.
• Ensure Accuracy & Documentation
  :
  Maintain organized electronic and paper files as complete backup for all estimate figures and assumptions.
• Stay at the Forefront of the Industry
  :
  Maintain professional and technical expertise through continued education, industry publications, networking, and active participation in professional associations.
• Engage with Senior Leadership
  :
  Confidently present estimates and strategies in senior-level meetings, including agenda preparation, minute-taking, and distribution of supporting materials.
• Mentor the Next Generation
  :
  Guide and develop junior estimators, sharing expertise and best practices to strengthen the overall estimating team.

• Proven Expertise
  : 10+ years of heavy civil/highway estimating experience—preferably with underground utility work—and a history of winning $50-100 million projects through bottom-up estimating strategies.
• Educational Foundation
  :
  Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management preferred; extensive technical training and proven field experience considered in lieu of degree.
• Master of the Tools
  :
  Bid2
  
  Win expertise, with a track record of creating accurate, well-structured estimates from the first takeoff to the final bid submission.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Takeoff software such as AgTEK, Bluebeam, or Planswift
• Scheduling software such as Primavera
• HCSS Heavy Bid or Hard Dollar EOS experience a plus
• Strategic Estimating Skills
  :
  Known for building estimates from scratch—analyzing labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor inputs in detail—while still keeping the overall bid competitive and profitable.
• Project Delivery Savvy
  :
  Familiarity with CMAR, CMGC, and Design-Build approaches to adapt estimates to various delivery models.
• Influential Communicator
  :
  Confident, clear, and persuasive—able to present to senior leadership, negotiate with subcontractors, and collaborate effectively with field teams.
• Mentor & Leader
  :
  Dedicated to developing the next generation of estimators, sharing proven techniques, and fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and winning bids.

We are an equal opportunity employer:
We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.