Heavy Civil Senior Estimator

Gillett Excavating • Port Huron, MI

2d • $130,000 - $175,000

About The Position

Gillett Excavating is seeking a Heavy Civil Senior Estimator to lead key preconstruction work and help address the company’s estimating backlog. The role handles plan reviews, quantity takeoffs, and submittal tracking to enable more accurate and consistent bids for commercial and subdivision projects ranging from $500,000 to $6 million.

The estimator generates mass earthwork, utility, and paving quantities using civil estimating and takeoff software; reviews plans and specifications for conflicts, discrepancies, and constructability issues; and manages project files, document control, addenda, and submittal reviews. The role also assembles bid packages and reports in collaboration with company ownership, follows up after bids, and participates in operational debriefs to compare field production with estimating assumptions.

The successful candidate has practical civil construction knowledge across the full site package, can translate plans into reliable quantities, and is organized and self-directed. The role is part of a team that values accountability, transparent communication, learning, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Practical civil construction experience across erosion control, demolition, mass grading, utilities, paving, and restoration.
• Understanding of how earthwork is performed in the field and ability to produce practical, accurate quantities and takeoffs.
• Hands-on experience with civil estimating and takeoff software such as InSite, PlanSwift, or Bluebeam.
• Ability to read civil plans and review project specifications, identifying utility conflicts and constructability issues.
• Organized, self-driven, and able to independently complete takeoffs and specification reviews.
• Ability to translate project plans into accurate quantities that field crews and project managers can rely on.

Nice To Haves

• Formal degree in Construction Management or Engineering.
• Field background as a superintendent, foreman, or equipment operator.
• Direct experience with B2W, InSite Elevation Pro, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or the company’s other listed software.
• Existing relationships with local Michigan material suppliers and civil excavation subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Generate mass earthwork, utility, and paving quantities using InSite, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, and related tools.
• Use estimating and takeoff software, including B2W, PlanSwift, and InSite, to prepare bids for commercial and subdivision projects ranging from $500,000 to $6 million.
• Review civil plans and specifications for utility conflicts, design discrepancies, and constructability issues.
• Manage project file organization, document control, addenda tracking, and submittal reviews.
• Compile supported bid packages and reports, collaborate with ownership to review estimates and finalize pricing, and meet submission deadlines.
• Conduct post-bid follow-ups and participate in operational debriefs to compare field production data with estimating assumptions.

Benefits

• Company vehicle or allowance.
• Performance bonus program tied to company and individual performance.
• Semi-flexible hours and days off with year-round work.
• 401(k) with a 4% company match.
• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, and 50% coverage for family.
• Two weeks of paid time off.
• Modern estimating and project management tools, high-end computers, and software.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed