Chief Estimator Summary The Chief Estimator is responsible for overseeing the estimating department and ensuring accurate and competitive cost estimates for construction projects. This role involves managing a team of estimators, coordinating with project managers and superintendents, and developing strategies to win bids. The Chief Estimator will properly task individuals with assignments and work with each one to determine the proper workload that can be accomplished. The chief estimator is expected to perform estimating tasks and focus their attention on more complex projects task and train employees to perform more routine estimating functions. The Chief Estimator is responsible for complete, accurate estimates for all contract types. Collects and analyzes all project costs, including raw materials, labor, equipment and tooling to ensure estimates. Identifies and quantify potential risks and cost uncertainties to ensure costing models capture the full range of potential costs. Updates costs as necessary based on new information and project scope changes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Managing all Hanford employees that are designated to the estimating department and any Dutra Staff that may be assisting the Hanford Estimating Efforts.
- Make sure that all employees that are working under him/her follow all estimating Dutra Standard Operating Procedures (DSOPs) and the following:
- Proper File Management using established company systems
- Appropriate Solicitation of Vendors and Subcontractors
- Annual review and Modification (if needed) of DSOPs to refresh and retain staff of estimating standard practices. All modifications will be reviewed by the Director of Preconstruction and VP of Estimating.
- Schedule the following meetings with appropriate Team Members.
- Project Kickoff Meetings
- Means and Methods
- Bid Reviews
- Bid Closeouts
- Holding bid reviews that showcase the following elements of the Project and Estimate:
- High Risk Items
- Payment Terms and Conditions
- Crew (Labor and Equipment) Selection
- Project Schedule and Contract Time
- Properly close out open bid items to ensure that indirect costs and margin are spread appropriately.
- Assist Estimating Coordinators on all bid documents and write ups required for each bid.
- Works with Director of Preconstruction on CAPEX for the year
- Attends monthly managers meetings
- Handling assigned projects from initial solicitation through handoff to project team
- Ability to look beyond the information that has been given, take initiative to gather additional information and work to provide a complete cost evaluation
- Ability to make reliable predictions as it relates to cost and be comfortable estimating all scopes of work.
- Incorporate cost history from prior projects into estimates that require similar scopes of work.
- Ability to understand heavy equipment utilization and how to obtain detailed production rates based on anticipated crews.
- Manage time appropriately to coordinate quantity take-offs and solicitations for materials, subcontractors, and professional services.
- Knowledge of public works bid packages regarding prevailing wages, minority & small business participation, and final proposal details.
- Ensure that all components of an estimate are included in the estimate and that there is an ample trail of documented cost evidence.
- Ability to prepare conceptual cost estimates and studies from schematic or feasibility-level documentation
- Must be able to collaborate with project team members for estimate reviews, risk analysis, staffing needs and project requirements.
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to work under pressure in meeting specific project-driven deadlines.
- Ability to read and understand permit documents from CDFW, USACE and other agencies when preparing an estimate. Having the ability to apply the permit conditions into the estimates that may or may not be part of the plans and specifications.
- Responsible for other reasonable activities not named which are required by management/leadership.
- Thorough understanding of standard estimating process
- Excellent listening skills and strong communication skills
- Excellent organization, prioritization and time management skills
- Excellent oral and written business communication skills
- A strong work ethic and a can-do attitude
- Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications with emphasis on grading plans
- Knowledge of planting, seeding (including hydroseeding), irrigation and plant maintenance.
- Creative and innovative approaches to solve solutions on a project-by-project basis
- College degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering is required
- 15+ years of experience as a professional construction estimator, preferably within our core markets
- 5+ years in a leadership role
- Website Visitors : Dutra collects personal information from visitors to our website when voluntarily provided. For instance, we collect personal information when someone contacts us through our contact form.
- Website Navigational Information : As you navigate the Website, Dutra may gather information through common tools like cookies, which are small data files stored on your computer. This may include standard browser information, IP addresses, and your actions on the Website (e.g., pages viewed, links clicked). Cookies are used for administrative purposes, such as storing preferences. Cookies do not contain information allowing direct contact and can be managed via your browser settings.
- Job Applications: Dutra uses Paycor, a third-party HR service provider, to manage our job application process. When you apply for a position with Dutra through our Website, you will be directed to a Paycor-hosted application portal. All personal information submitted during the job application process is collected and stored by Paycor. Dutra does not control or direct how Paycor stores or uses any personal information submitted through this application portal. As Paycor manages the collection and processing of your personal information during the job application process, we strongly encourage you to review Paycors Privacy Policy. You can access Paycors Privacy Policy at:
- Third Parties : Your current, prospective, or former employer or a similarly affiliated entity may provide personal information to Dutra to facilitate the processing of hiring, benefits management, payroll services, tax compliance, scheduling and timekeeping, onboarding, data analytics, or other related human resources-related services.
- Identifiers . Examples include: real name, alias, postal address, Internet Protocol address, email address, account name, social security number, drivers license number, passport number, or other similar identifier necessary to make employment decisions and manage employment relationships.
- Sensitive Personal Information . Examples include: a social security number, drivers license information, state identification card, passport information, or racial or ethnic origin.
- Personal information categories listed in the California Customer Records statute (Cal. Civ. Code 1798.80(e)) . Examples include: name, signature, Social Security number, address, telephone number, passport number, drivers license or state identification card number, insurance policy number, education, employment, employment history, bank account number, medical information, or other information necessary to provide health insurance and other benefits, including dependents, and emergency contact information.
- Geolocation data. Examples include: physical location or movement of certain equipment in possession of our employees.
- Legally protected classification characteristics under California or federal law . Examples may include: age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or childbirth and related medical conditions), veteran or military status.
- Internet or other similar network activity . Examples include: cookies and IP addresses.
- Sensory data : Examples include: voicemails.
- Professional or employment-related information. Examples may include: Information regarding prior job experience, positions held, names of prior supervisors.
- Non-public education information . Examples include: Education records directly related to a student maintained by an educational institution or party acting on its behalf, such as grades, transcripts, class lists, student schedules, student identification codes, student financial information, or student disciplinary records.
- To consider job applicants for current and potential future employment opportunities and assess their skills, qualifications, and interests against our career opportunities.
- To schedule job applicants for interviews and communicate with them about their application and employment opportunities.
- To evaluate a job applicants employment application, corroborating the information contained in the application and any supporting documents, and (where applicable) conducting employment related screening and background checks.
- To manage the employment relationship with Dutra, facilitate employment administration, processing, and maintenance, such as providing benefits to employees and their beneficiaries, processing payroll, and general office administration.
- To manage the employment relationship with Dutra and facilitate a safe work environment.
- To facilitate IT and equipment safety, functionality, and maintenance.
- To comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
- For any other purposes that we disclose to you at the time of collection.
- Right to know which personal information is collected and processed;
- Right to delete their personal information;
- Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information to third parties;
- Right to opt-out of the sharing of personal information with third parties;
- Right to limit use or disclosure of personal information with third parties;
- Right to non-retaliation for exercising any of the rights concerning personal data;
- Right to data portability; and
- Right to correct any inaccurate personal information.
Job ID: 487146471
Originally Posted on: 7/28/2025
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