Heavy Civil Estimator (DOT / Highway Construction)
Location: Norcross, GA
Company: CMES, Inc.
Founded in 1996, CMES, Inc. is a privately held, Georgia-based heavy civil construction company specializing in highways, bridges, grading, underground utilities, concrete, and transportation infrastructure. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Heavy Civil Estimator with a strong background in GDOT, DOT, and public infrastructure projects.
This position is ideal for an estimator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has experience developing competitive bids for roadway, bridge, earthwork, utility, and transportation projects.
Position Summary
The Heavy Civil Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating process from initial bid review through project handoff. This role prepares accurate cost estimates, develops competitive bid proposals, analyzes project risks, and collaborates closely with operations, project management, subcontractors, and suppliers.
The ideal candidate has experience estimating DOT roadway and heavy civil projects using industry-standard estimating software and understands the unique requirements of public infrastructure construction.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Bid Preparation
- Review plans, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements.
- Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to evaluate project conditions.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for:
- Earthwork & Grading
- Roadway Construction
- Drainage & Utilities
- Concrete
- Structures
- Traffic Control
- Erosion Control
- Develop accurate labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing.
- Analyze bid risks, production rates, and project logistics.
- Track bid addenda and incorporate changes into estimates.
- Prepare complete bid packages and bid summary reports.
- Submit bids within required deadlines.
Preconstruction
- Participate in constructability reviews and value engineering.
- Identify project risks and opportunities during preconstruction.
- Coordinate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
- Prepare preliminary budgets, schedules, and project cost summaries.
- Lead project turnover meetings with Operations and Project Management following award.
Cost Analysis
- Maintain historical cost data and unit pricing databases.
- Compare estimated versus actual project costs.
- Assist with budgeting, change orders, and cost forecasting.
- Support continuous improvement of estimating processes.
Vendor & Subcontractor Management
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
- Identify new qualified subcontractors to strengthen bidding capabilities.
- Verify subcontractor qualifications and compliance requirements.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations, Project Managers, Superintendents, and Project Engineers.
- Support estimating best practices and process improvements.
- Stay current on GDOT specifications, industry trends, and construction methods.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of estimating experience in Heavy Civil or Highway Construction
- Experience bidding DOT, GDOT, municipal, or other public infrastructure projects
- Strong understanding of:
- Earthwork
- Roadway Construction
- Utilities
- Concrete
- Bridges
- Traffic Control
- Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
- Experience using:
- HCSS HeavyBid
- Bid2Win
- Bluebeam
- AGTEK
- Microsoft Office
- Scheduling software
- Knowledge of GDOT specifications, standards, and bidding procedures
Why CMES?
At CMES, you'll join a team that builds some of Georgia's most important transportation infrastructure. We value integrity, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement while providing opportunities for professional growth and long-term career advancement.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development & Training
- Collaborative Team Environment
Preferred Experience
Candidates with experience estimating the following project types are strongly encouraged to apply:
- GDOT Highway Projects
- Roadway Reconstruction
- Bridge Construction
- Site Development
- Mass Grading
- Earthwork
- Underground Utilities (Storm, Sewer & Water)
- Concrete Structures
- Transportation Infrastructure
Commercial building, residential construction, and vertical construction estimating experience alone is not sufficient for this position. Heavy Civil/DOT estimating experience is strongly preferred.
CMES, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer M/F/V/H/AA. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. CMES, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, and without regard to any other characteristic, protected by applicable law, all in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. CMES, Inc. complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, placement, classification, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, job training, and other aspects of employment.
CMES Inc. was founded in February 1996 by professional civil engineers. The initial operations of CMES Inc. were conducted from their home in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The founders were only employees for a time, working diligently to obtain and complete projects within budget and on time as per contract specifications.
Today, we are still young, but also an aggressive company comprised of experienced professionals from the engineering, design, analysis, construction, and project management fields. We have grown to a workforce of over 300 dedicated employees and a fleet of more than 400 heavy construction equipment and vehicles. Our corporate office is located on a 67,000 square foot facility which houses contracts, estimating, administrating, accounting, human resources, and our fleet departments. CMES Inc. ranks among the Top 5 Heavy Highway Contractors based in Atlanta. In turn, the company has grown steadily over the years which is evidenced by revenues exceeding $100M.
Certifications from various entities in the Metro-Atlanta area are held by CMES Inc. and include DOT certifications, MBE and EBO/ABE.