Benefits:
401(k)
Competitive salary
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
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
Required
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.