Grading and Earthwork Estimator

Position Summary

King Asphalt, Inc. is seeking an experienced Grading and Earthwork Estimator with strong knowledge of mass excavation, fine grading, and underground utilities. This position is responsible for reviewing plans and specifications, completing accurate quantity takeoffs, developing competitive cost estimates, and preparing bids for commercial, residential, municipal, and civil construction projects.

The ideal candidate understands grading operations, soil conditions, equipment production, material movement, and field construction methods. This individual must be able to identify project risks, recognize cost-saving opportunities, and work closely with project managers, field supervisors, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Review construction drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, addenda, and bid documents.
• Complete detailed earthwork and grading quantity takeoffs, including cut-and-fill calculations.
• Estimate costs for clearing demolition, excavation, mass grading, fine grading, import/export, erosion control, and site preparation.
• Evaluate soil conditions, shrink and swell factors, haul distances, disposal requirements, and material availability.
• Determine appropriate equipment, labor, production rates, trucking requirements, and project durations.
• Prepare estimates for related sitework, including storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water systems, curb and gutter, paving, and other underground improvements.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from subcontractors, vendors, trucking companies, and material suppliers.
• Develop complete bid proposals, scope sheets, exclusions, clarifications, and alternates.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct site visits to evaluate access, logistics, existing conditions, and potential risks.
• Identify discrepancies, conflicts, and missing information within bid documents.
• Communicate with owners, general contractors, engineers, and vendors during the bidding process.
• Participate in estimate reviews, bid strategy meetings, and project handoffs.
• Maintain accurate historical pricing, production data, vendor information, and estimating records.
• Assist project teams with change-order pricing and cost analysis after contract award.
• Track bid results and help improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.

Required Qualifications

• [3–5+] years of estimating experience in grading, earthwork, site development, or heavy civil construction.
• Strong understanding of mass grading, fine grading, excavation, soil balancing, and import/export operations.
• Ability to read and interpret civil plans, grading plans, utility plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports.
• Experience performing digital quantity takeoffs and cut-and-fill calculations.
• Working knowledge of construction equipment, crew production rates, trucking, and material costs.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet firm bid deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard office software.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to visit project sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with estimating and takeoff software such as Agtek, HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Trimble Business Center, or similar programs.
• Experience estimating underground utilities, paving, concrete, or complete sitework packages.
• Established relationships with local suppliers, subcontractors, trucking companies, and general contractors.
• Knowledge of local labor, material, disposal, permitting, and regulatory requirements.
• Degree or certification in construction management, civil engineering, estimating, or a related field.