The Civil Estimator is responsible for performing accurate quantity takeoffs and managing subcontractor and vendor quote processes across the company’s bidding pipeline.
This role functions as the preconstruction execution engine, supporting the Lead Estimator by delivering clean takeoffs and complete pricing packages so bids can be assembled on time.
Over time, the role will evolve into direct estimating responsibilities as proficiency increases.
Key Responsibilities
Quantity Takeoffs (Primary Function)
- Perform detailed takeoffs across full civil scope
- Interpret civil drawings (site, grading, utilities, paving, cross-sections)
- Calculate quantities (earthwork, pipe, paving, concrete, etc.)
- Identify discrepancies across drawings, specs, and addenda
- Maintain organized takeoff files and bid folders
- Flag missing scope or ambiguities before bid deadlines
Subcontractor & Vendor Quote Management
- Identify required subcontractors and vendors per project
- Distribute bid invitations, drawings, and scope sheets
- Track quote status and follow up consistently
- Review quotes for completeness and alignment
- Prepare comparison sheets for review
- Maintain and grow vendor database
- Build relationships to improve pricing and response rates
Bid Support & Pricing Input
- Input pricing into bid templates
- Apply historical unit costs when applicable
- Validate quantities and pricing accuracy
- Support bid assembly and clarifications
- Identify value engineering opportunities
Document & File Management
- Maintain organized plan sets, addenda logs, and documentation
- Archive completed bids with full backup
- Track bid deadlines and calendars
- Ensure version control across revisions
Reporting & Communication
- Provide daily updates on takeoffs and quote status
- Maintain full visibility of bid pipeline
- Communicate delays, risks, and missing inputs
- Prepare weekly summaries (progress, coverage, deadlines)
- Participate in internal preconstruction meetings
Additional Responsibilities
- Stay updated on civil construction methods and pricing trends
- Support workflow improvements
- Build and maintain unit cost database
- Develop proficiency in project management systems
- Gradually assume direct estimating responsibilities
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
- Bilingual English/Spanish (required)
- Experience performing quantity takeoffs in civil construction
- Strong understanding of earthwork, utilities, paving, and concrete
- Strong drawing interpretation skills
- Proficiency with takeoff tools (Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, AGTEK, etc.)
- Advanced Excel skills
Core Competencies
- High attention to detail
- Strong organizational discipline
- Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously
- Strong communication skills
- Self-directed and reliable
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
Typical Work Day
- Review bid calendar and prioritize projects
- Perform quantity takeoffs across active bids
- Send bid invitations to vendors and subcontractors
- Follow up on outstanding quotes
- Update tracking logs and bid status
- Prepare comparison sheets
- Communicate updates and blockers
- Organize documentation
Typical Workweek
- Manage multiple bids in parallel
- Track and follow up on vendor quotes
- Support Lead Estimator on bid days
- Maintain bid logs and pricing references
- Participate in preconstruction reviews
- Begin taking ownership of estimating tasks
Performance Evaluation
Performance is measured based on:
- Accuracy and completeness of takeoffs
- Volume of bids supported
- Vendor quote coverage rate
- Adherence to deadlines
- Quality of comparison sheets
- Responsiveness and communication
- Organization of documentation
- Progress toward independent estimating
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Takeoff accuracy across all scopes
- Support aligned with 15–20 bids/month pipeline
- Vendor quote coverage before bid day
- On-time delivery of all assigned bids
- Weekly reporting consistency
- Growth into estimating responsibilities
Work Environment
- Fully remote role
- High-volume, deadline-driven environment
- Requires reliable internet and dedicated workspace
- Strong autonomy and accountability
- Alignment with U.S. Eastern Time
Software & Tools
- RedTeam (project management)
- Bluebeam Revu (preferred)
- PlanSwift / On-Screen Takeoff / AGTEK
- Microsoft Excel (advanced)
- Microsoft Outlook
- Communication tools (Slack, Teams)
- PDF markup tools
Final Notes
This role is critical to supporting the company’s high-volume bidding pipeline and ensuring timely, accurate bid submissions.
Success in this role means:
- Accurate and efficient takeoffs
- Strong vendor coordination
- On-time bid support
- Organized documentation
- Growth into full estimating responsibilities
Here is the transcription in your current Virtrify Scope of Work format (clean, structured, and aligned with your templates):
About the Company
A Florida-based civil construction firm specializing in heavy site work and underground utilities, operating as a subcontractor for general contractors and developers across the private commercial sector.
The company delivers full civil packages including:
- Erosion control
- Site demolition
- Earthwork
- Water and fire mains
- Sanitary sewer
- Storm drainage
- Site concrete (sidewalks, curbs, ramps, driveways)
- Asphalt paving and pavement striping
With a high-volume pipeline of 15–20 bids per month ($500K–$3M), the company is scaling its preconstruction operations to improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency.