The posting
The Lead Estimator is responsible for the oversight and preparation of complete cost estimates for specialty geostructural projects. This role focuses on Support of Excavation (SOE), Deep Foundations (Caissons, Micropiles, ACIP), and Ground Improvement work. The successful candidate will leverage technical expertise and HCSS HeavyBid to develop competitive bids and budgets for private and public sector clients.
Responsibilities:
- Estimate Development: Lead the preparation of comprehensive estimates from initial takeoff to final bid submission, including hard bid, negotiated, and design- build delivery methods.
- Geotechnical Analysis: Review and interpret geotechnical reports, boring logs, and structural drawings to determine appropriate drilling methods and shoring systems.
- HCSS HeavyBid Management: Build and manage cost estimates within HeavyBid, ensuring accurate labor, equipment, and material resource allocations.
- Managing HeavyBid master templates and rate database.
- Cost Analysis: Maintain historical cost data and production rates based on actual field performance to improve bid accuracy.
- Subcontractor/Vendor Coordination: Solicitation and evaluation of quotes for specialty materials (e.g., steel H-piles, casing, concrete) and third-party services.
- Pre-Construction Strategy: Collaborate with the Operations and Engineering teams to determine the most cost-effective construction sequences and equipment spreads.
- Risk Management: Identify potential project risks (soil conditions, water table, site access) and quantify their impact on the project budget.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Experience: 5+ years of estimating experience in the heavy civil or specialty foundation industry.
- Software Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of HCSS HeavyBid is required. Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite is expected.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of deep foundation and earth retention elements, including:
- Communication: Ability to clearly present estimate findings and project risks to executive leadership and clients.
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of local and regional market conditions for foundation materials and labor.
- Ability to mentor junior estimating staff and oversee the quality control of their work.
- Prior operations experience in geostructural construction.
The Physical Side of the Role: Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with prolonged periods of focused work, whether it's collaborating with colleagues, analyzing data, or developing strategies. The role demands effective communication and sharp visual acuity for reviewing complex documents and performing detailed computer work.
While there are times for quiet concentration, you'll also be expected to move actively throughout the office and travel occasionally to various locations, including dynamic construction sites, utilizing different modes of transportation. The ability to lift and move objects up to 10 pounds regularly, and up to 25 pounds on occasion (think a box of files or small office equipment), is also required.
Your Work Environment: Your primary workspace will be in our McLean, Virginia office, which has a typical, quiet-to-moderate noise and light levels. As part of your work, you may also be required to visit active construction sites. These environments are naturally more dynamic and can include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, louder noise, and moving equipment. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations.
Our High-Performing Culture: This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team.
A Drug Free Workplace: Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug “fitness for duty” screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug “fitness for duty” tests.
Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $85,000-$185,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.
