Construction Estimator

Estimator – Heavy Civil & Underground Utilities

Spiniello is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our Southern California team and play a critical role in securing complex underground utility and heavy civil infrastructure projects throughout the region.

This position offers the opportunity to lead the estimating process from initial bid review through final proposal submission while collaborating with operations, project managers, subcontractors, and vendors to develop accurate, competitive estimates. The Estimator will play a key role in identifying project opportunities, managing risk, and supporting the continued growth of our California operations.

Reporting directly to the Chief Estimator, this individual will be responsible for preparing detailed quantity takeoffs, developing cost estimates, evaluating subcontractor pricing, analyzing project risks, and ensuring bids comply with California public agency requirements.

Spiniello Companies is a nationally recognized infrastructure contractor with more than a century of experience delivering complex underground utility, water, wastewater, and heavy civil construction projects throughout the United States.

Founded in 1922, Spiniello is one of the few contractors that self-performs all aspects of open-cut construction and specialty pipe rehabilitation. Our California operations continue to expand by delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions for municipalities, utility districts, and public agencies across the state.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for experienced estimating professionals who are passionate about building the infrastructure that serves California's communities.

This role is designed for a highly analytical construction professional who thrives in a deadline-driven environment and enjoys developing winning strategies for complex public infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate has experience estimating underground utility, water, wastewater, sewer, pipeline rehabilitation, or heavy civil construction projects within California and understands the unique requirements associated with public works bidding, prevailing wage regulations, and agency procurement processes.

Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple bids while collaborating with project teams and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs from plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports.
• Develop accurate cost estimates for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and self-performed work.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Analyze project risks, constructability concerns, and value engineering opportunities.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost information, and unit pricing.

Bid Management

• Prepare complete bid packages in compliance with California public agency requirements.
• Review prevailing wage (DIR), bonding, insurance, and DBE/SBE participation requirements.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits.
• Prepare bid summaries and present final pricing recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support project handoff following contract award.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with operations, Project Managers, and field personnel to validate production rates and construction methods.
• Develop production rates and equipment spreads based on field conditions.
• Provide estimating support for change orders and additional work throughout project execution.
• Build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and public agencies while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of estimating experience in heavy civil, underground utility, or infrastructure construction.
• Experience estimating water, wastewater, sewer, pipeline, or underground utility projects.
• Experience bidding California public works projects.
• Strong understanding of production rates, field operations, and construction means and methods.
• Experience using Heavy Bid estimating software.
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with Caltrans, municipal, utility district, or local agency bidding procedures.
• Familiarity with City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD), or other Southern California public agencies.
• Previous Project Management or Business Development experience.
• Working knowledge of prevailing wage (DIR) requirements and alternative delivery methods.

Every successful infrastructure project begins with a well-developed estimate and a strategy built on experience, precision, and collaboration.

At Spiniello, our Estimators are trusted advisors who help shape the company's growth by identifying opportunities, developing…