Senior Estimator - Heavy Civil Construction

Southland Holdings • Burlington, NC

5d

About The Position

Southland Holdings is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join its Heavy Civil Estimating team, with a primary focus on large-diameter pipeline and underground utility construction. The position supports Oscar Renda Contracting operations, including water transmission mains, sanitary sewer pipelines, and complex underground infrastructure projects. The posting lists Burlington, NC, and also states that the role is with the estimating team in Grapevine, TX.

The Senior Estimator leads detailed construction cost estimating, evaluates project requirements, develops construction strategies, and manages the estimating process from initial project review through bid submission. The role calls for substantial heavy civil pipeline construction experience, knowledge of construction means and methods, and the ability to independently develop competitive estimates for complex underground infrastructure projects.

Southland Holdings describes its work as critical infrastructure projects across the United States, including transportation, bridges, water resources, marine construction, and other major civil infrastructure. Its family of companies includes Johnson Bros. Corporation, Oscar Renda Contracting, American Bridge, Southland Contracting, and Mole Constructors.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in heavy civil construction estimating, with significant experience in large-diameter pipeline or underground utility construction.
• Ability to independently develop and manage complex pipeline construction estimates from initial review through bid submission.
• Strong understanding of pipeline construction means and methods, crew productivity, equipment utilization, and project cost development.
• Experience estimating excavation, pipe installation, shoring, dewatering, backfill, and associated underground construction activities.
• Ability to interpret complex construction drawings, technical specifications, geotechnical information, and contract requirements.
• Experience evaluating subcontractor and supplier pricing and coordinating multiple construction disciplines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage concurrent pursuits and bid deadlines.
• Effective communication skills and ability to present estimates, assumptions, and recommendations to company leadership.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to independently lead estimating efforts while collaborating with a broader team.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
• Direct estimating experience with large-diameter water transmission mains, sanitary sewer interceptors, force mains, and municipal pipeline infrastructure.
• Experience with trenchless construction methods, including microtunneling, auger boring, pipe jacking, and tunneling.
• Familiarity with deep excavations, complex shoring systems, groundwater control, and challenging subsurface conditions.
• Experience estimating ductile iron, steel, concrete pressure pipe, fiberglass, and other large-diameter piping systems.
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid, Sage, or similar estimating platforms.
• Experience with municipal utility projects, public infrastructure bidding, and alternative project delivery methods.
• Previous field engineering, project management, or construction operations experience on major pipeline projects.
• Experience leading estimating teams or mentoring less experienced estimators.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed cost estimates for large-diameter water transmission pipelines, sanitary sewer systems, force mains, and related underground infrastructure.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to assess scope, requirements, and risks.
• Estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontracted work, and indirect project costs.
• Develop construction means and methods, crew compositions, equipment requirements, production rates, and execution strategies.
• Estimate trench excavation, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, shoring, dewatering, and surface restoration.
• Estimate deep excavations, trenchless installations, tunneling, jack and bore, and other specialty construction methods.
• Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Identify constructability concerns, scope gaps, project risks, and opportunities for value engineering or alternative construction approaches.
• Collaborate with operations personnel, project managers, and company leadership to validate construction strategies, schedules, and pricing assumptions.
• Lead estimate reviews, participate in bid strategy discussions, and present findings and recommendations to management.
• Independently manage assigned bids, including estimate development, subcontractor coverage, bid schedules, and final pricing preparation.
• Guide and mentor junior estimators and estimators, including reviewing quantity takeoffs, production assumptions, and cost development.
• Support proposal preparation, bid clarifications, and project handoffs to operations following award.
• Maintain and use historical cost data, production rates, and lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Relocation assistance, where applicable.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Competitive compensation based on experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior