Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Title:

Estimator

Reports to:

Division Manager

Welcome to Herman Weissker, Inc. where we've been building the backbone of the West's infrastructure since 1959! Headquartered in Riverside, CA, we're a proudly minority-owned, family-oriented company with deep roots in utility engineering, underground construction, telecommunications, and pipeline services.

At HWI, we're more than just a contractor, we're a team of passionate problem-solvers, skilled builders, and committed professionals who believe in doing things the right way. We work with some of the biggest names in the industry including Southern California Edison, PG&E, SoCal Gas, AT&T, and Verizon and we're trusted to deliver high-stakes projects that keep communities connected, powered, and safe.

HWI is seeking a hands-on Lead Estimator/Project Manager to drive both competitive estimates and full-lifecycle project delivery for underground electric distribution and gas distribution projects. This role owns the pursuit strategy (takeoffs, pricing, vendor strategy, risk) and post-award execution (schedule, cost control, change management, client relations, and closeout). You'll lead cross-functional teams and serve as the main point of contact for utility clients and key subcontractors.

• Lead takeoffs, production analysis, and unit pricing for UG electric (primary/secondary, duct banks, manholes/vaults, joint trench) and gas (mains, services, tie-ins) scopes.
• Build detailed estimates using historical data, crew rates, equipment spreads, and productivity assumptions.
• Develop bid strategies, preliminary schedules, logistics plans, and risk registers.
• Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor/supplier quotes; negotiate pricing and terms.
• Prepare proposal narratives, clarifications/exclusions, and value engineering options.
• Conduct site walks, utility markouts/USA 811 coordination, and constructability reviews.
• Lead project kickoff and execution planning; finalize WBS, budget, and baseline schedule.
• Manage submittals, RFIs, permits, traffic control plans, and environmental compliance.
• Oversee field operations coordination (trenching & shoring, HDD, paving/restoration, inspections).
• Track costs (labor, equipment, materials), productivity, and AR/AP; issue monthly cost reports and forecasts (earned value, margin at complete).
• Lead change management (T&M tickets, CEAs, COs), claims documentation, and client negotiations.
• Ensure quality, safety, and compliance with owner standards and Cal/OSHA; conduct regular site visits.
• Build strong relationships with utility owners, inspectors, and AHJs to ensure schedule adherence and acceptance.

• Mentor junior estimators/PMs; standardize estimate assemblies and production norms.
• Improve templates (bid tabs, cost reports, change logs) and drive process discipline.
• Partner with Safety to reinforce a zero-incident culture and pre-task planning.

• 4-7+ years of experience estimating and managing underground utility projects (electric distribution and/or gas distribution) for utility owners or prime contractors.
• Proven wins on competitive bids and successful delivery of self-perform crews and subcontractors.
• Solid command of trenching & shoring, duct bank construction, manholes/vaults, joint trench coordination, gas tie-ins, paving & restoration, traffic control, HDD/microtrench (nice to have).
• Working knowledge of relevant standards and regulations (e.g., utility owner specifications, USA 811/One Call, Cal/OSHA; CPUC guidance helpful).
• Strong financial acumen: job cost structure, cost-plus/T&M, earned value, forecasting, and change management.
• Excellent client-facing communication and negotiation skills; clear and concise writing.
• Software:
  Proficiency with estimating tools (e.g., HCSS Heavy Bid, B2W, or equivalent), Bluebeam, InEight, MS Excel, MS Project or Primavera P6; ERP exposure (e.g., Spectrum) is a plus.
• Education:
  
  BS in Construction Management, Civil/Construction Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Licenses/Certs:
  Valid CA driver's license. OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR preferred. Gas OQ and ATSSA Traffic Control a plus.
• Field walkdowns, work in active…