Position Summary
Barton Malow is seeking a Civil Estimator to work out of our office in Southfield, MI. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing detailed estimates for various project pursuits, attending pre-bid meetings, and performing site investigations. With a strong understanding of civil projects—including earthwork, utilities, and concrete structures, the Civil Estimator will communicate effectively with subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring accurate pricing and scope of work.
Key Job Responsibilities
Estimating & Preconstruction
- Prepare estimates for project pursuits, using hard-bid, design-build, and conceptual estimating.
- Attend pre-bid meetings and perform site investigations to prepare estimate.
- Read and understand contract documents (plans, specifications & addenda).
- Perform detailed quantity take-offs and organize quantities with unit pricing in production of an estimate.
- Prepare estimate formats in areas such as general conditions, general bidding, quantity takeoffs, and bid analysis.
- Assist with the preparation of bid proposals for submittal.
- Prepare outline schedules and determine critical path for proposed projects.
- Support project teams with budget development.
Subcontractor & Supplier Management
- Write detailed scopes of work for construction contracts to be implemented by Project Delivery.
- Solicit bids and quotes from subcontractors and suppliers.
- Communicate effectively with subcontractors and suppliers to clarify pricing information.
Self-Perform Civil Estimating
- Develop detailed self-perform cost estimates for civil scopes including mass grading, site utilities (storm, sanitary, water), earthwork, erosion control, paving, and concrete flatwork.
- Perform production-rate analysis for self-perform civil work, incorporating crew compositions, equipment requirements, and site-specific conditions.
- Prepare and maintain crew hour and equipment hour breakdowns for earthwork, utility installation, and concrete operations.
- Coordinate with field operations and project management to validate self-perform assumptions against current labor rates, productivity benchmarks, and equipment costs.
- Review constructability of civil designs and provide value engineering recommendations that optimize self-perform scope.
- Participate in post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and refine self-perform estimate accuracy for future pursuits.
General
- Assist staff members with various special projects related to preconstruction/estimating.
- Communicate and reinforce the company vision, values, and goals.
- Perform additional assignments per supervisor's direction.
Required Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or trade-specific professional experience.
- 4+ years' experience in construction estimating.
- Knowledge of all types of civil projects, including earthwork, utilities, paving, and concrete structures.
- Demonstrated experience estimating self-perform civil operations including grading, utility installation, and site concrete.
- Familiarity with civil equipment productivity standards (excavators, dozers, compactors, pavers) and their application in estimating.
- Experience in developing and implementing value engineering solutions to drive down project costs for the owner while maintaining a high level of construction quality.
- Working knowledge of trades: scope, time frames, field execution, and potential risks/exposures.
- Demonstrated understanding and knowledge about estimating processes and delivery methods.
Barton Malow is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.