Balfour Beatty
Senior Civil Estimator
Description-Senior Estimator
Become Part of Our Team
As an industry leader Balfour Beatty offers employees a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- 401(k) with company match
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)
- Vacation Time
- Sick Time
- Holidays
Salary: $130K-$160K
Summary
Balfour Beatty is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Western Region estimating team in Long Beach, CA. This position will prepare portions of contract proposal estimates for all scopes of work on a typical civil infrastructure project (structures, roadway, underground wet utilities, earthwork, etc.), including the interpretation and takeoff of project plans and specifications to complete a full estimate of the work. The estimator will be responsible for all scopes for both traditional bid-build and alternative procurement (CMAR, CMGC and Progressive Design-Build) projects for the region estimating team.
Essential Job Functions
- Work with the entire estimating team to prepare accurate cost estimates in a timely manner.
- Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
- Prepare estimates by calculating the complete takeoff of scope of work.
- Maintain files of working documents as back-up for estimate figures, including current (accurate) information on prices from suppliers through direct contact, sales brochures, price lists, etc.
- Utilize HCSS estimating software to develop a comprehensive project estimate and ability to participate in the management of the estimate.
- Solicit material and subcontractor quotations as needed
- May review design options and recommend best solutions based on cost, engineering quality, or availability of materials.
- Perform additional assignments per supervisor’s direction.
- Identify and find ways to mitigate project risks.
- Ability to provide training and mentoring to junior estimating staff.
- Participate in the preparation and review of alternative procurement proposals
Qualifications
- 10 years of estimating experience and/or related training with large highway projects is preferred.
- Experience with all scopes of a typical highway construction project and the ability to estimate or review all scopes as needed.
- A working knowledge of Caltrans standards and special provision is preferred.
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Office (Word/Excel) is required.
- Proficient experience with Bluebeam Revu is preferred.
- HCSS Heavy Bid experience and/or related software for pricing work is required.
- Building and managing a CPM schedule on projects is preferred.
- Strong computer and communication skills.
About us
Balfour Beatty US is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the nation. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, our teams build the unique structures and infrastructure that play an important role in how people live, work, learn and play in our communities. Our teammates have an instinctive passion for innovating that is fueled by a relentless curiosity, a drive to employ lean practices and processes and the determination to find a better way. Through Zero Harm®, we are challenging the construction industry’s assumptions about safety. We believe that no level of harm should come to anyone as a result of our business.
Consistently ranked among the nation’s largest building contractors by Engineering News-Record, our US business is a subsidiary of London-based Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY).
Balfour Beatty is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.
Additional Job Information
Accessibility:
Phone: (214) 468-4700
Email:BBTalent@balfourbeattyus.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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Freqently Asked Questions
Senior civil estimators in Rowland Heights often rely on HCSS HeavyBid and Bluebeam Revu to streamline complex takeoffs and cost analyses. Mastery of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, enhances data management. Familiarity with Caltrans standards also provides a competitive edge when estimating highway infrastructure projects in Southern California.
At Balfour Beatty, senior civil estimators lead comprehensive cost evaluations across multiple scopes, mentor junior staff, and influence design decisions with risk mitigation strategies. Their decade-plus experience enables them to manage alternative procurement models, setting them apart from entry-level roles focused mainly on data collection and support.
Experienced civil estimators often transition into chief estimator roles, project management, or senior development officer positions. Their deep understanding of cost control, contract negotiation, and construction scheduling prepares them for leadership roles within heavy civil and infrastructure sectors.
While not always mandatory, certifications like Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or experience with Caltrans standards are highly valued. Given the local infrastructure projects, familiarity with California’s public works regulations enhances employability and signals proficiency to employers like Balfour Beatty.
Southern California’s ongoing infrastructure investments drive steady demand for senior civil estimators. However, competition remains high due to the presence of top contractors like Balfour Beatty. Demonstrated expertise in highway projects and alternative procurement methods can improve hiring prospects locally.
Balfour Beatty provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match, along with cutting-edge project opportunities in heavy civil construction. Their commitment to safety and innovation attracts seasoned estimators seeking growth within a stable, nationally recognized firm.
Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid is essential for delivering detailed and competitive estimates, especially for alternative procurement projects like CMAR and progressive design-build. Senior estimators must integrate these tools to manage complex scopes effectively and support Balfour Beatty’s competitive bidding process.
Senior civil estimators in Rowland Heights can expect salaries between $130,000 and $160,000 annually. This range reflects the region’s competitive market, firm size, and the complexity of highway infrastructure projects typical at Balfour Beatty.
Commuting in the Los Angeles metro area, including Rowland Heights, can be time-consuming due to traffic congestion. Many estimators weigh proximity to Long Beach project sites and flexible scheduling options to maintain balance. Understanding local transit and peak hours helps optimize daily travel.
Balfour Beatty emphasizes mentorship and continuous learning, encouraging senior estimators to train junior staff and engage with evolving estimating software. Their culture fosters innovation and lean practices, enabling seasoned estimators to enhance leadership skills and technical expertise.
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