Heavy Civil Estimator
Job Description:
Heavy Civil Estimator
Location: Staten Island, New York (Onsite)
Compensation: $100,000 – $175,000 base salary + performance-based incentives + full benefits
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Heavy Civil Construction | Infrastructure | Excavation | Concrete | Foundations
About the Opportunity
HireNow Staffing is representing a major New York City–based heavy civil contractor with a long-standing reputation for self-performing complex infrastructure and structural work throughout the five boroughs and surrounding metro area. This organization is entrusted with highly visible projects involving deep excavation, structural concrete, piling systems, and infrastructure construction across both public and private sectors.
They are seeking a seasoned Heavy Civil Estimator who understands the technical and logistical realities of building in New York City. This is a senior-level role requiring strong independent ownership of bids, deep familiarity with NYC excavation and support of excavation (SOE) environments, and the ability to price technically complex scopes with precision and confidence.
This role is ideal for estimators who want to play a leading role in securing major infrastructure and structural projects while contributing directly to the continued growth of a well-established self-performing contractor.
Core Responsibilities
Bid Leadership & Estimate Development
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Lead the full estimating lifecycle for heavy civil construction projects, from initial document review through final bid submission.
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Develop detailed cost estimates for excavation, support of excavation (SOE), piling, structural concrete, and infrastructure scopes.
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Evaluate drawings, geotechnical reports, specifications, and contract requirements to identify cost drivers and constructability challenges.
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Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs and pricing strategies aligned with NYC construction conditions.
Technical Analysis & Strategy
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Apply deep technical understanding of excavation support systems, foundation construction, and structural concrete to produce realistic and competitive estimates.
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Identify risk factors related to soil conditions, groundwater management, logistics constraints, and site access.
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Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with operational feasibility and profitability.
Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination
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Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate proposals from subcontractors and material vendors.
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Ensure subcontractor pricing aligns with project requirements and construction sequencing.
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Build and maintain relationships with trusted subcontractors and suppliers within the NYC heavy civil market.
Internal Collaboration & Project Transition
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Partner closely with operations and project management teams to ensure smooth transition from estimating to execution.
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Provide technical insight during preconstruction and assist with cost validation and value engineering when necessary.
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Support leadership in securing high-profile infrastructure and structural construction projects.
Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
Candidates must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
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Minimum 10 years of heavy civil estimating experience within New York City.
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Direct experience estimating NYC projects involving excavation, support of excavation (SOE), piling, and structural concrete.
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Proven ability to independently lead complex bid efforts from concept through submission.
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Strong knowledge of NYC construction logistics, regulations, and technical requirements.
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Hands-on experience estimating projects involving foundation systems, deep excavation, and structural concrete.
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Demonstrated employment stability with consistent tenure at respected heavy civil contractors.
Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Emphasized)
Standout candidates will possess:
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Extensive experience estimating NYC infrastructure and transportation projects.
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Strong technical knowledge of:
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Deep excavation and support of excavation systems
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Pile driving, drilled shafts, and foundation systems
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Structural concrete superstructures and mass concrete placements
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Dewatering systems and groundwater control
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Rock excavation and challenging subsurface conditions
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Experience working with NYC agencies such as DOT, MTA, Port Authority, or similar entities.
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Background working with self-performing contractors rather than purely subcontractor environments.
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Ability to provide leadership and technical guidance during complex bid processes.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a technically strong heavy civil estimator who understands the realities of constructing major infrastructure in New York City. They are comfortable taking full ownership of estimates, analyzing complex construction environments, and producing accurate pricing under competitive conditions.
They bring a stable work history, deep technical expertise, and the confidence to independently lead large bid efforts. Their knowledge of excavation systems, concrete construction, and NYC site constraints allows them to create realistic, reliable estimates that support successful project delivery.
Deal Breakers (Candidates Will Not Be Considered If)
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No heavy civil estimating experience specifically within New York City.
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Background limited to general commercial or vertical construction.
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No experience with excavation, SOE, piling, or structural concrete scopes.
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Less than 10 years of heavy civil estimating experience.
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Unstable employment history or frequent job changes.
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No experience pricing infrastructure or complex foundation work.