Job Title: Estimator / Project Manager
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Supervisor: Company Vice President
Location: Santa Maria, CA (100% in office)
Pay Range: $70,000 - 100,000 annually, DOE
Position Summary
At Joseph Engineering, we are proud to be a family-owned and operated business. In recent years, we have experienced strong, intentional growth and continue to scale our operations. As we look ahead, we are expanding our team to ensure we have the right people and structure in place to support our next phase of growth, while maintaining our core values: Be Safe, Be Honest, and Do the Right Thing, the First Time!The Estimator / Project Manager is responsible for all aspects of the estimating process for projects bid and awarded, and for creating skilled and competitive bid packages for current and upcoming project opportunities.
The Estimator / Project Manager prepares cost estimates and competitive bid packages across the full range of Joseph Engineering's services, including horizontal directional drilling, hydro excavation, underground utility installation (electrical, gas, telecommunications, and fiber), water and sewer infrastructure, site excavation and grading, and general building construction under our Class B license. Projects span public agencies, utility companies, general contractors, developers, and private clients throughout California's Central Coast, ranging from smaller utility installations to large municipal infrastructure projects. Once a project is awarded, this role carries it forward, managing schedules, budgets, subcontractors, and client communication from contract execution through closeout.
This position offers broad, hands-on exposure across the full project lifecycle, from estimating and bid submission through construction management and closeout, including take-offs, vendor and subcontractor pricing, proposal preparation, and day-to-day oversight of awarded work, all while working closely with ownership and the project team. At Joseph Engineering team members are not siloed into a narrow specialty, and this role performs a range of estimating and project management.
Core Responsibilities:
Estimating & Preconstruction
- Develop accurate, competitive cost estimates that support profitable project delivery and successful bid outcomes.
- Review plans, specifications, contracts, geotechnical reports, utility requirements, and other project documents to prepare comprehensive quantity takeoffs and detailed estimates for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and project duration.
- Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to achieve the best overall value while maintaining quality, schedule, and project requirements.
- Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and preconstruction meetings to evaluate project conditions, identify risks, and develop practical construction approaches.
- Analyze project scope to identify omissions, conflicts, constructability concerns, and value engineering opportunities prior to bid submission.
- Prepare complete bid proposals, qualifications, clarifications, and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate with clients, engineers, architects, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and internal teams to resolve questions and obtain clarifications throughout the bidding process.
- Develop preliminary project schedules, staffing plans, construction sequencing, procurement strategies, and cost forecasts during the estimating phase.
- Lead project turnover meetings with field leadership and operations to ensure a seamless transition from estimating through project execution, including communication of budget assumptions, scope, schedule, subcontractor commitments, and identified project risks.
Project Management & Project Execution
- Manage construction projects from contract execution through final closeout while maintaining safety, quality, schedule, budget, profitability, and client satisfaction.
- Develop, maintain, and regularly update project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and work plans, proactively identifying and addressing risks that may impact project performance.
- Coordinate field operations, subcontractors, suppliers, equipment, materials, and internal resources to ensure efficient project execution and timely completion.
- Prepare, negotiate, administer, and track subcontract agreements, purchase orders, and change orders throughout the life of the project.
- Monitor project costs, labor productivity, equipment utilization, subcontractor performance, and financial results, implementing corrective actions when necessary to maintain project profitability.
- Review and manage project documentation, including Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, change requests, pay applications, progress reports, contract correspondence, and project records.
- Conduct regular jobsite visits to monitor progress, verify quality, support compliance with company safety expectations, and ensure work is performed in accordance with contract documents and applicable regulations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle by providing proactive communication, managing expectations, resolving issues, and fostering long-term relationships.
- Lead regular project meetings with clients, field personnel, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and management to communicate progress, address challenges, and maintain project alignment.
- Manage project closeout activities, including punch lists, final inspections, warranty documentation, as-built drawings, final billing, project turnover, and lessons learned.
- Analyze project financial performance through forecasting, job costing, productivity tracking, and cost reporting to improve future estimating accuracy and project profitability.
Client Relationships & Business Development
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, utility agencies, and industry partners to support successful project delivery and future business opportunities.
- Assist with business development activities by identifying bid opportunities, participating in client outreach, preparing proposals, and supporting company marketing initiatives.
- Stay current on industry best practices, construction methods, market pricing, applicable regulations, and emerging technologies that improve estimating accuracy and project execution.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned by management.
Education & Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in construction estimating, project management, or a combination of both, preferably within civil construction, underground utilities, grading, or public works.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, field experience, and demonstrated success will be considered.
- Experience managing construction projects from contract award through project closeout preferred.
- Experience preparing competitive estimates and quantity takeoffs for civil construction projects.
- Experience working with public agencies, municipalities, utility providers, or public works contracts is highly desirable.
Technical Knowledge
- Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, geotechnical reports, utility plans, and other technical documents.
- Working knowledge of underground utility construction methods, grading, excavation, trenching, site development, and related civil construction practices preferred.
- Knowledge of project scheduling principles, including Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling; experience using Microsoft Project or similar scheduling software preferred.
- Understanding of project budgeting, cost forecasting, job costing, contract administration, procurement, and change order management.
- Familiarity with public works contracting requirements, including prevailing wage, certified payroll, and Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) compliance is a plus.
- General knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and safe construction practices.
Technology Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
- Experience with estimating and quantity takeoff software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On Screen Takeoff, HeavyBid, or similar applications.
- Experience using construction project management software such as Procore, Viewpoint, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar platforms preferred.
- Strong computer aptitude with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and technology.
Professional Skills
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build productive relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, field personnel, and internal teams.
- Demonstrated negotiation skills and sound business judgment.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to understand how estimating decisions, project execution, and operational decisions impact profitability.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment.
- Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering high-quality service and developing long-term client relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate issues, evaluate options, solve problems proactively, and make informed decisions in a fast-paced construction environment.
- Ability to build trust through accountability, follow-through, responsiveness, and proactive communication.
- Comfortable working in a collaborative, growing organization where priorities may shift and team members contribute across multiple areas of the business.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and improving estimating accuracy, project execution, and operational efficiency.
Other Requirements
- Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Reliable transportation for regular travel to jobsites, client meetings, and project locations.
- Ability to maintain regular, dependable attendance and meet established work schedules.
- Ability to work occasional extended hours or adjusted schedules as necessary to meet project deadlines, attend pre-bid meetings, or support critical project activities.
- Ability to successfully pass any pre-employment screening requirements, if applicable.
Physical Requirements
- Primarily performs work in an office environment with regular travel to construction jobsites, client meetings, and project locations.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, and occasionally climb stairs or navigate uneven terrain during jobsite visits.
- Ability to walk active construction sites and access various work areas while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds, such as plans, project files, equipment, or materials.
- Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, calculator, and other standard office equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to read construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and electronic documents, both in printed and digital formats.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication with clients, field personnel, subcontractors, vendors, and team members.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel to jobsites and meetings throughout the Company's service area.
- Ability to work outdoors for limited periods and tolerate exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, noise, and other typical construction site environments while observing all required safety practices.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
This job description is not all inclusive. Joseph Engineering reserves the right to change job duties and essential job functions as required by business necessity. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis, without the need for sponsorship.
Joseph Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, California, or local laws.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- This position is 100% onsite in Santa Maria, CA. Should relocation be required, do you understand it would be at the expense of the applicant?
- Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Will you now or in the future require employment via sponsorship (ex, H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.)?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Construction estimating: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
