Senior Estimator- Landscape

Senior Estimator | McGuire and Hester

McGuire and Hester is a comprehensive sitework construction company with 100‑year history of building many of Northern California’s most recognizable landmark and infrastructure projects. We offer a full range of services, including pipeline, grading, paving, concrete, landscape and mechanical work, utilizing both conventional and alternative project delivery methods. Our team adage “Together We Build Things Right” sums up our culture and explains what makes McGuire and Hester both an excellent partner and a great place to work.

Job Summary

The Senior Estimator reviews assigned invitations to bid, prepares cost estimates for all materials, labor and miscellaneous costs to assemble and deliver project bids, manages bid opportunities, and supports business development through strategic follow‑up and sales tracking.

Reports to

Estimating Manager – Landscape

Key Communication Partners

• Division Manager – Landscape
• VP of Estimating
• General Superintendent – Landscape
• Takeoff Manager
• Estimators
• Estimating Administrator
• Takeoff Engineers
• Area Managers
• Project Managers

Typical Duties

• Validate and review plans, specifications, related reports, scope, historical bid files and cost information.
• Coordinate needed quantity takeoff with Takeoff Manager and/or assigned Takeoff Engineers.
• Visit jobsite and conduct thorough site investigation prior to assembly of the bid.
• Coordinate and mentor Takeoff Engineers and review their work to ensure that the takeoff is performed correctly and efficiently. Conduct early pre‑takeoff meeting with Takeoff Engineer.
• Analyze bidding documents and addendum and determine/write any needed RFIs.
• Understand all aspects of the bid including labor productivity, crew makeup, equipment, escalation, acceleration, tax, margin, and all other requirements.
• Recognize scope and jobsite hazards and allow for the best practices that ensure worker safety.
• Procure dependable and competitive subcontractors and material quotes and maintain documentation for all good faith efforts if required.
• Prepare complete and detailed bids. Determine best means and methods for each task, and provide evidence‑backed production rates for each task given specific project conditions. Assemble and keep bid date in organized bid files.
• Senior Estimators must be able to lead large and/or multi‑trade package bids and be able to close out similar public bids in timely manner with careful attention to bid package requirements.
• Develop preliminary schedules to determine probable construction time required.
• Be fully prepared with ample time to review bid with assigned reviewer.
• On award, prepare accounting budget and conduct a Project Hand‑off Meeting.
• On awarded jobs, review purchase order and subcontract buy‑out packages.
• Conduct periodic site visits and job projection reviews and relate findings with project team.
• Assist operations team with change order pricing as needed.
• Participate in project close‑out meetings with the Project manager and return production data.
• Support employee development activities and mentor less experienced team members.
• Create and maintain good client and business partner relationships.
• Cultivate an exceptional people environment within the company, prioritize client partnerships and drive operational excellence.

Expected Trade Knowledge (Landscape)

• Commercial landscape construction means and methods
• Plant material (identification, availability, related botany, vendors, etc.)
• Irrigation (systems, components, controls, workings)
• Soil and aggregates (science, structure, sourcing & transport)
• Furnishings, play structures, arbors, decks, fencing, unit pavers, masonry, on‑decks systems, synthetic turf and related civil trades.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: undergraduate degree in civil engineering, construction management or landscape architecture and ten or more years of successful progressively responsible estimating experience in commercial landscape.
• Language Skills: must be able to fluently read and write in English.
• Mathematical Skills: basic business math, budgets, schedules; geometry, algebra and physics. Estimators must be able to calculate volume, area and tonnage.
• Planning and Organization: self‑motivation, strong planning, organizing and time management skills, ability to create and follow a schedule and multiple activities.
• Reasoning Ability: strong problem solving, analytical skills and reading comprehension, and ability to deal with various situations.
• Interpersonal Skills: ability to interface and collaborate with clients, employees, managers, agencies, and the public. Estimators should be comfortable presenting in front of large groups.
• Computer Skills: fluent in Microsoft Office and Google Suites. Estimators will be expected to learn and use other systems, including Bluebeam, Salesforce, HCSS HeavyBid, Planswift and other systems as they evolve. Heavy Bid expertise is preferred.
• Certificates, Licenses, and Registration: valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.

Benefits

• Company Vehicle or Vehicle Allowance
• Family medical, dental and vision
• Company Stock (ESOP)
• 401(k) Employer Match
• Bonus Program
• Continuing Education Reimbursement
• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sabbatical Program
• Personal Financial Planning

Compensation

$160k - $190k, based on skills experience and knowledge

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Construction