Civil Estimator (Lexington)
Hightower Communications, Inc., Lexington, NC, United States
The Civil Estimator professional is responsible for winning new work by developing accurate, competitive proposals for civil construction and drilling projects while building and maintaining strong client relationships. This role owns the estimating process from initial inquiry through contract award, works closely with the Project Superintendent to ensure seamless bid-to-build handoff, and actively pursues new business opportunities with telecommunications carriers, tower companies, general contractors, and direct clients. Reports directly to company ownership.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Proposal Development
Lead estimating for civil construction and cell tower drilling projects ($50K–$2M+)
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from plans, specs, and site assessments
Develop complete cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subs, and markup
Build and maintain estimating databases (unit costs, production rates, historical data)
Price foundation drilling (caissons, auger-cast, drilled piers), concrete, sitework, and utilities
Prepare proposals, scopes of work, and bid submissions
Evaluate subcontractor quotes and integrate into pricing strategy
Analyze risk factors (soil, access, schedule) and apply appropriate contingencies
Present proposals and negotiate scope, pricing, and contract terms
Business Development & Client Management
Identify and pursue new work in telecom, civil, and infrastructure markets
Build relationships with carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), tower companies, and GCs
Conduct sales calls, attend industry events, and generate leads
Respond to RFPs, bid invites, and direct client requests
Maintain and manage CRM pipeline through full sales cycle
Serve as primary point of contact for preconstruction inquiries
Develop repeat client relationships and strategic partnerships
Represent the company at industry events and associations
Site Assessment & Preconstruction Planning
Visit job sites to evaluate conditions, access, and logistics
Identify constraints (soil, utilities, environmental, access)
Coordinate with engineers, clients, and stakeholders during preconstruction
Develop preliminary work plans and schedules for awarded projects
Lead bid-to-build handoff
Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement
Track market pricing, competitor activity, and industry trends
Analyze win/loss rates and refine estimating strategy
Compare estimated vs actual costs to improve accuracy
Capture lessons learned with field teams
Identify new service offerings and growth opportunities
Stay current on telecom and infrastructure developments
Collaboration & Reporting
Coordinate with Project Superintendent on scheduling and resources
Report to ownership on pipeline, win rates, and market insights
Support change order pricing on active projects
Maintain organized estimate files and cost history
Participate in leadership meetings and planning
Qualifications
Required:
7+ years of construction estimating experience (civil, sitework, or heavy construction)
Proven track record of winning work in competitive bid environments
Strong knowledge of civil construction methods and materials
Experience with drilling, concrete, earthwork, and utilities
Advanced skills in estimating software (HCSS/HeavyBid or similar) and Excel
Ability to read and interpret plans, specs, and geotechnical reports
Strong communication and client-facing skills
Business development mindset with comfort in sales activities
Valid driver’s license for site visits
What Sets You Apart
Experience in telecom or tower construction
Existing relationships with carriers, tower companies, or GCs
Ability to operate independently and drive revenue growth
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Proposal Development
Lead estimating for civil construction and cell tower drilling projects ($50K–$2M+)
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from plans, specs, and site assessments
Develop complete cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subs, and markup
Build and maintain estimating databases (unit costs, production rates, historical data)
Price foundation drilling (caissons, auger-cast, drilled piers), concrete, sitework, and utilities
Prepare proposals, scopes of work, and bid submissions
Evaluate subcontractor quotes and integrate into pricing strategy
Analyze risk factors (soil, access, schedule) and apply appropriate contingencies
Present proposals and negotiate scope, pricing, and contract terms
Business Development & Client Management
Identify and pursue new work in telecom, civil, and infrastructure markets
Build relationships with carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), tower companies, and GCs
Conduct sales calls, attend industry events, and generate leads
Respond to RFPs, bid invites, and direct client requests
Maintain and manage CRM pipeline through full sales cycle
Serve as primary point of contact for preconstruction inquiries
Develop repeat client relationships and strategic partnerships
Represent the company at industry events and associations
Site Assessment & Preconstruction Planning
Visit job sites to evaluate conditions, access, and logistics
Identify constraints (soil, utilities, environmental, access)
Coordinate with engineers, clients, and stakeholders during preconstruction
Develop preliminary work plans and schedules for awarded projects
Lead bid-to-build handoff
Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement
Track market pricing, competitor activity, and industry trends
Analyze win/loss rates and refine estimating strategy
Compare estimated vs actual costs to improve accuracy
Capture lessons learned with field teams
Identify new service offerings and growth opportunities
Stay current on telecom and infrastructure developments
Collaboration & Reporting
Coordinate with Project Superintendent on scheduling and resources
Report to ownership on pipeline, win rates, and market insights
Support change order pricing on active projects
Maintain organized estimate files and cost history
Participate in leadership meetings and planning
Qualifications
Required:
7+ years of construction estimating experience (civil, sitework, or heavy construction)
Proven track record of winning work in competitive bid environments
Strong knowledge of civil construction methods and materials
Experience with drilling, concrete, earthwork, and utilities
Advanced skills in estimating software (HCSS/HeavyBid or similar) and Excel
Ability to read and interpret plans, specs, and geotechnical reports
Strong communication and client-facing skills
Business development mindset with comfort in sales activities
Valid driver’s license for site visits
What Sets You Apart
Experience in telecom or tower construction
Existing relationships with carriers, tower companies, or GCs
Ability to operate independently and drive revenue growth