Jobloria
Estimator
Ives & Associates Inc
Location : Brea, CA, 92821
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $68,000 - $145,000
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Estimator – Heavy Civil / Earthwork / Structures / Roadways
Position Overview
We’re seeking a detail-driven and analytical
The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise in take-offs, plan reading, and bid preparation for large-scale infrastructure work — including highways, rail, underground utilities, bridges, and paving. This position requires a balance of precision, collaboration, and commercial awareness to deliver competitive bids and profitable results.
Key ResponsibilitiesEstimating & Bid DevelopmentCoordination & Technical SupportClient Relations & Team Leadership
Qualifications
Competencies
Compensation & Benefits
Estimator – Heavy Civil / Earthwork / Structures / Roadways
Location:Offices in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego CountySalary Range:$68,000 – $145,000 (DOE)Type:Full-Time
Position Overview
We’re seeking a detail-driven and analyticalEstimatorto join our Southern Region team. This role is responsible for preparing accurate, comprehensive, and timely cost estimates forheavy civil, structures, roadways, and earthwork projectsacross both public and private sectors.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Bid Development
Review project specifications, drawings, geotechnical reports, and site conditions to define the scope of work.
Attend
- pre-bid meetings and coordinate proposal requirements with internal stakeholders.
Prepare detailed
- quantity take-offs , cost breakdowns, and pricing for all self-perform and subcontracted work.
Identify risk factors, evaluate contract terms, and provide recommendations to the Chief Estimator and Division Manager.
Develop and track
- RFIs and clarifications during the bid process.
Maintain accurate files, cost databases, and historical bid data for reference and benchmarking.
Monitor post-bid activities and assist with contract procurement and turnover.
Coordination & Technical Support
Coordinate bid preparation efforts across project management, estimating, and administrative teams.
Collaborate with other divisions, subcontractors, and suppliers to confirm scope alignment and pricing accuracy.
Prepare budgets, purchase orders, subcontracts, and assist in the development of preliminary project schedules.
Support awarded projects through pricing change orders, value engineering, and cost tracking as required.
Client Relations & Team Leadership
Foster and maintain professional relationships with owners, subcontractors, and vendors.
Take an active role in
- business development and client communication during preconstruction and bid phases.
Mentor and train
- Junior Estimators or Interns , promoting best practices and technical proficiency.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in
- Construction Management, Civil Engineering , or related field (preferred).
Minimum
- 3 years of estimating experience in heavy civil, earthwork, structures, or roadways.
Strong understanding of project phasing, means and methods, and risk analysis.
Proficient in reading and interpreting
- plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports .
Advanced computer skills, including:
Bid2Win(required)- Bluebeam ,
- Agtek ,
- SketchUp
- Primavera P6 ,
- SureTrak ,
- MS Project
Familiarity with
- contract accounting , critical path scheduling, and time-impact analysis.
Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Competencies
Analytical and solution-oriented thinking
Excellent time and project management skills
Detail-focused with strong mathematical aptitude
Clear communication and collaboration skills
Ethical and process-driven approach
Results and performance oriented
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary:$68,000 – $145,000 (DOE)
- Comprehensive Benefits Package:medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) Programwith employer contribution
- Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)participation
- Relocation assistanceavailable for qualified candidates
Freqently Asked Questions
An effective Estimator in heavy civil construction needs proficiency in quantity take-offs, plan interpretation, and bid software like Bid2Win. Mastery of geotechnical reports and cost breakdowns sharpens accuracy, while familiarity with tools such as Bluebeam and Primavera P6 enhances project cost forecasting and scheduling precision.
Starting as a Junior Estimator opens pathways toward Chief Estimator or Project Manager roles. Gaining expertise in complex infrastructure bids, leading teams, and developing business acumen accelerates advancement, especially in regions like Southern California where large-scale civil projects demand seasoned cost analysis professionals.
Estimators juggle solo tasks like detailed quantity take-offs and risk evaluation with team coordination during pre-bid meetings. Collaboration with project managers, subcontractors, and clients ensures scope alignment, while independently managing cost databases and clarifications fosters comprehensive, competitive proposals.
At Ives & Associates Inc, Estimators engage deeply with large-scale infrastructure projects, blending technical precision with leadership in client relations. The company emphasizes mentorship and business development in a collaborative Southern California setting, offering enriching exposure to earthwork, roadways, and structural bids.
Ives & Associates Inc equips Estimators with advanced tools such as Bid2Win and Bluebeam, encourages continuous skill enhancement, and fosters teamwork across divisions. Their comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance also attract top talent, ensuring the team stays ahead in a competitive bidding environment.
Estimators in Brea, CA can expect a salary between $68,000 and $145,000, depending on experience. This range reflects the heavy civil construction demand locally, competitive bidding complexity, and the technical expertise required to handle infrastructure projects in the Southern California market.
While not always mandatory, certifications in construction management or civil engineering fundamentals elevate credibility for Estimators in Orange County. Additionally, proficiency in specialized software like Bid2Win and a valid driver’s license enhance practical job performance, aligning with regional employer preferences.
Brea benefits from ongoing infrastructure investments, driving steady Estimator demand, especially for heavy civil and roadway projects. Compared to larger hubs like Los Angeles, Brea offers a balanced market with competitive salaries and less saturation, appealing to those seeking growth in a dynamic yet manageable environment.
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