Estimator, Engineering, Civil Engineering

Company Overview

West Valley Construction Co. Inc. is a leading underground utility construction firm, steadfast in our commitment to high-quality infrastructure design and project deliverables through a safety-first culture. We specialize in the installation, maintenance, and 24/7 emergency response of essential utilities such as water, power, gas, telecommunications, sewer, and storm. We take pride in being an employee-owned company. We firmly believe that every team member contributes significantly to our ongoing success and growth.

Demonstrating our commitment, we've implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that allows our employees to directly share in the company's achievements. Headquartered in Campbell, CA, West Valley Construction Co. Inc. operates from strategically located facilities in Bakersfield, Campbell, Chico, Concord, Fresno, Hayward, Redwood City, Sacramento, Salinas, Stockton, and Visalia. We are actively seeking talented individuals who value safety and ownership to be part of our dynamic team.

We are looking for an Estimator to join our Fresno, CA team!

Job Summary

The Estimator will bring experience in estimating civil, utility, or other wet/dry projects specifically. They will play a key role in helping the company acquire new projects, contracts, and secure existing contracts by competitively bidding in the market as well as providing unit cost analysis, support, and budgeting for our core customers primarily within wet and dry utility work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Below is a compilation of primary job duties and responsibilities for this role, supplemented by certain supportive tasks. This list is not exhaustive, and additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Moreover, management reserves the right to make modifications to this job description as deemed necessary.

• Project and Contract Assessment
• Experience bidding public works/municipal projects.
• Review project plans, scopes, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Understand contractual requirements and how to estimate excavations requiring shoring.
• Assist in preparing RFIs, material submittals, and project schedules.
• Ensure that the project cost development contemplates local, state, and federal regulations regarding safety, environmental impact, and permit requirements.
• Material and Labor Costs
• Estimating experience that includes bidding public works/municipals
• Be familiar with current labor and material costs for the markets and areas where work will be performed.
• Identify and quantify cost factors (crew size/make-up, equipment needs, materials, subcontractors, etc.) in potential bids/projects.
• Cost Estimation Software
• Proficiency in using estimating programs such as HCSS, Bid2Win, or Hard Dollar.
• Ability to generate pre-bid schedules using Excel, MS Project, or Primavera.
• Utilize specialized software to assist in efficiently creating accurate cost estimates for review by management.
• Produce and present multiple cost reports and analysis for bid review.
• Subcontractor Bids
• Ability to analyze and incorporate subcontractor bids into estimates.
• Experience collaborating with subcontractors to validate scope and pricing.
• Gather and evaluate bids and proposals from subcontractors.
• Communicate effectively with subcontractors their scopes, responsibilities, and timelines.
• Client/Customer Communication
• Interact professionally and timely with clients and agencies to discuss estimates, cost breakdowns and schedule.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and job walks.
• Competitive Analysis
• Understand and research market trends and competitor pricing.
• Risk Assessment
• Evaluate potential risks and uncertainties associated with project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
• Communicate those risks with senior management during bid and contract review.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: 4-year degree or comparable work experience. Experience in underground construction (water, sewer, storm drain, dry utilities, etc.) is required.
• Certificates/Licenses: valid driver's license in good standings (must be 18 years of age or older to operate a company vehicle).
• Computer Skills: experience in estimating software.
• Interpersonal Skills: strong analytical, written, and communication skills. Detail oriented, self-motivated, and coachable. Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with other employees, members of management, clients, agencies, and the general public.
• Leadership: ability to coach and mentor others.
• Mathematical Skills: ability to complete construction related calculations, take measurements, material quantities, etc.
• Organization and Planning: ability to read and interpret specifications and improvement plans. Ability to manage individual priorities, work activities, and manage multiple projects at any given time.
• Problem Solving: ability to use a systematic approach to solve problems and evaluate alternative solutions.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to…