Jobloria
Estimator
Stratus Staffing
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
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.
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 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
Brea, CA, situated within Orange County's thriving construction market, sees a steady demand for Estimators skilled in heavy civil projects. The area's infrastructure growth fuels competition, requiring candidates to demonstrate expertise in bid preparation and cost analysis to stand out among local applicants.
While no single certification is mandatory, Southern California employers, including those hiring in Brea, value credentials like Construction Management certifications or proficiency in software like Bid2Win and Bluebeam. A valid driver’s license is essential due to site visits across dispersed project locations.
Estimators must navigate complex plan interpretations, risk assessments, and coordination with multiple subcontractors. Accurately quantifying earthwork volumes and anticipating site-specific conditions are crucial to avoid underestimating costs that could impact project profitability.
Stratus Staffing prioritizes candidates with strong technical abilities in quantity take-offs, advanced familiarity with specialized estimating software, and excellent communication skills to liaise across teams. Analytical thinking and a proven track record in infrastructure bidding enhance candidacy.
Stratus Staffing fosters growth by offering mentorship opportunities, encouraging knowledge sharing, and promoting leadership roles such as guiding junior estimators. Their culture emphasizes continuous learning and hands-on experience with diverse heavy civil projects.
Estimator roles at Stratus Staffing in Brea typically offer salaries from $68,000 to $145,000 annually, reflecting experience and project complexity. This range aligns with Southern California construction market rates, supplemented by benefits like 401(k) plans and employee stock ownership.
Stratus Staffing's Estimator position emphasizes heavy civil infrastructure, including complex earthwork and roadway projects, requiring advanced software skills and risk evaluation. The role also integrates client relations and team leadership, distinguishing it from more narrowly focused estimating jobs.
Estimators spend their days analyzing project drawings, conducting quantity take-offs, preparing detailed cost breakdowns, coordinating with subcontractors, and attending pre-bid meetings. They also manage RFIs and support contract turnover, balancing technical and collaborative responsibilities.
Brea's construction scene values precision and timely bid submissions due to high infrastructure demand. Estimators adapt by leveraging regional cost databases and maintaining strong vendor relationships to ensure competitive yet profitable proposals tailored to local market conditions.
Brea, CAJobseekers are also searching for