Senior Estimator

Ames Construction•Denver, CO

1d•$150,000 - $190,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ames Construction is hiring a Senior Estimator for its Denver, Colorado office. The role supports bidding for heavy civil construction projects and is responsible for understanding bid documents, preparing and managing estimates, coordinating estimating staff and trade partners, assessing risk, and developing strategies and proposals to win work. The Senior Estimator works with clients, subcontractors, vendors, procurement, senior management, and the Chief Estimator. Travel to project locations and Area Offices is expected as needed. The position involves extensive desk and computer work, with some standing, bending, stooping, and reaching, and occasionally lifting 5–20 pounds. At construction sites, the role requires standing, walking, crawling, bending, reaching, and climbing, with exposure to the elements and project site conditions. The salary range is $150,000–$190,000 per year, depending on factors including experience, skills, and knowledge. The role is eligible for a discretionary bonus and includes retirement benefits with ESOP participation and a 401(k) match, medical, dental, and vision coverage, voluntary benefits, company holidays, and paid time off.

Requirements

At least 10 years of heavy civil construction experience, including 7 years as an Estimator with progressive responsibility to Senior Estimator qualifications.
Bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or construction management, or equivalent experience.
Ability to work in a team environment and be self-motivated.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people at all levels, internally and externally.
Proficiency with HCSS Heavy Bid and Microsoft Office software.
Experience with AGTEK or similar earthwork programs.
Experience with Primavera P6 Scheduling.
Demonstrated ability to lead estimates and bid heavy civil complex projects exceeding $200 million.
Proficiency estimating earthwork, including mass grading, highway cut/fill, and import/export; underground utilities, including storm, drain, water, sewer, and related structures; and bridge and/or structural concrete construction.
Broad knowledge and understanding of other heavy civil trade scopes and pricing, including specialty subcontractors.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to review and address technical issues with solutions in a timely manner.
Ability to travel to project locations and Area Offices as needed.
Ability to perform the physical activities specified for office and construction site environments.

Responsibilities

Understand assigned bids, including plans, specifications, and contract documents.
Complete bid bond request and insurance review forms and required documentation.
Prepare a green sheet estimate using historical data and industry knowledge.
Set up estimates in HCSS and prepare crew-based estimates following Ames Estimating protocols.
Manage estimate closeout, including sales and use tax, subcontractor and material quote analysis and selection, risk allocation, and final project pricing as determined by senior management.
Ensure cost certainty for self-performed work, subcontractor scopes, and vendor quotes.
Develop or delegate bid schedules that account for constraints, phasing, and milestones.
Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits, and assess jobsites and local areas as needed.
Lead assigned estimate staff and estimate review meetings.
Provide risk management and mitigation strategies during estimating.
Perform quality checks on takeoffs, estimates, and estimating procedures.
Maintain effective communication with coworkers, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
Contact clients, including owners, engineers, and general contractors, before and during the bid process.
Provide procurement with vendor and subcontractor scope lists, including DBE requirements.
Confirm that all vendors and scopes have been solicited.
Analyze and incorporate selected trade partner clarifications and exceptions into proposals.
Develop project execution strategies to help win work with the estimating team.
Coordinate equipment availability with the Chief Estimator.
Develop technical and commercial bid clarifications.
Meet deadlines, accurately complete bid forms, and understand owner bid programs.
Collaborate across offices on OneAmes initiatives.
Promote Ames and seek additional project opportunities.