Senior Estimator

Clark Construction Group•McLean, VA

About The Position

The Senior Estimator oversees and prepares complete cost estimates for specialty geostructural projects, including Support of Excavation (SOE), deep foundations such as caissons, micropiles, and ACIP, and ground improvement. The role uses technical expertise and HCSS HeavyBid to develop competitive bids and budgets for private- and public-sector clients, promote creative construction solutions, and help secure profitable work. The position involves preparing estimates from initial takeoff through final bid submission for hard bid, negotiated, and design-build delivery methods. The Senior Estimator works with Operations and Engineering to develop cost-effective construction sequences and equipment spreads, assesses project risks, and presents estimates and risks to executive leadership and clients. The role also maintains historical cost data, solicits and evaluates supplier and service quotes, and may mentor junior estimating staff. The primary workspace is a professional office, with occasional travel to locations including active construction sites. The work includes prolonged desk-based focused work and detailed computer and document review, as well as movement around the office and construction sites. Site visits may involve outdoor weather, louder noise, and moving equipment. The role requires following Clark Construction safety policies and applicable laws. It is a demanding, high-performance position that may require extended hours during critical project phases or client deadlines and responsiveness to time-sensitive matters or emergencies outside regular working hours. Clark promotes a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment and random quarterly drug fitness-for-duty screenings are required. Base salary is listed as $85,000–$185,000, with potential variation based on education, experience, and skills. The company describes a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of estimating experience in the heavy civil or specialty foundation industry.
Expert-level knowledge of HCSS HeavyBid.
Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong understanding of deep foundation and earth retention elements.
Ability to clearly present estimated findings and project risks to executive leadership and clients.
Detail-oriented, technically sound, with good communication skills.
Knowledge of local and regional market conditions for foundation materials and labor.
Ability to mentor junior estimating staff and oversee the quality control of their work.
Ability to work prolonged periods at a desk and perform focused computer and document-review work with effective communication and sharp visual acuity.
Ability to move actively throughout an office and travel occasionally to locations including construction sites.
Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Willingness and ability to work extended hours during critical project phases or client deadlines and respond to time-sensitive matters or emergencies outside regular working hours.
Compliance with pre-employment and random quarterly drug fitness-for-duty screenings.
Alignment with Clark Standards of Excellence: self-motivated, results-oriented, adaptable, a team player, accountable, ethical, innovative, resilient, builds relationships, builds people/teams and followership, sets direction, and executes.

Nice To Haves

Prior operations experience in geostructural construction.

Responsibilities

Maintain professional and ethical conduct when representing the Company.
Lead preparation of comprehensive estimates from initial takeoff to final bid submission for hard bid, negotiated, and design-build delivery methods.
Review and interpret geotechnical reports, boring logs, and structural drawings to determine drilling methods and shoring systems.
Build and manage cost estimates in HCSS HeavyBid, accurately allocating labor, equipment, and material resources.
Maintain historical cost data and production rates based on actual field performance to improve bid accuracy.
Solicit and evaluate quotes for specialty materials, including steel H-piles, casing, and concrete, and for third-party services.
Collaborate with Operations and Engineering to identify cost-effective construction sequences and equipment spreads.
Identify project risks, including soil conditions, water table, and site access, and quantify their effects on project budgets.
Present estimated findings and project risks to executive leadership and clients.
Mentor junior estimating staff and oversee the quality control of their work.
Follow Clark Construction safety policies and applicable laws at all locations.
Monitor and respond to communications as needed for time-sensitive business needs or emergencies.