Senior Estimator (Civil) at Clark Construction Group in McLean, VA

Senior Estimator (Civil)

Location: McLean, VA

We are seeking a highly analytical and driven Senior Civil Construction Estimator to take ownership of complex preconstruction lifecycles. In this role, you will lead cost modeling, hard bids, and design-build proposals for high-profile regional and national projects. You will collaborate directly with trade partners to deliver precise, competitive, and value-engineered estimates that ensure project success from day one.

Responsibilities

• Direct conceptual, schematic, design-development, and guaranteed maximum price (GMP) estimates for large-scale commercial/civil developments.

• Build comprehensive scopes of work, lead trade leveling sessions, and ensure total coverage on bid days.

• Identify creative, cost-effective design alternatives that align with the designers intent.

• Monitor regional commodity fluctuations, local labor availability, and urban logistical challenges unique to dense urban corridors.

• Partner closely with Clark Civil Project Managers and Superintendents to transition winning bids seamlessly into the operations phase.

• Provide guidance, software training, and professional development support to project engineers and junior estimators.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 7 to 10+ years of dedicated estimating experience.

• Experience with hard bid, design-build, progressive design-build, and construction manager at-risk estimates.

• Experience needs to include estimating large-scale projects ($50M+) across diverse Civil sectors such as heavy rail, light rail, airports, and their associated facilities, electrical substations, and various federal infrastructure projects.

• Comprehensive knowledge of trade partners, labor dynamics, and building regulations within Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas.

• Demonstrated ability to perform takeoffs and create crew/self-perform estimates for Earthwork, Cast-in-place concrete, Miscellaneous Metals, and ‘one-off’ trades.

• Mastery of modern digital construction workflows, specifically Heavy Bid, Building Connected, and Bluebeam. AGTEK Earthwork would be a plus.

• Capability to pass standard federal background screenings to access local government, secure agency, and institutional project sites.

• Alignment to Clark Standards of Excellence: Self-Motivated, Results Oriented, Adaptable, Team Player, Accountable, Ethical, Innovative, Resilient, Builds Relationships, Builds People / Teams & Followership, Sets Direction & Executes

The Physical Side of the Role: Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with prolonged periods of focused work, whether it's collaborating with colleagues, analyzing data, or developing strategies. The role demands effective communication and sharp visual acuity for reviewing complex documents and performing detailed computer work.
While there are times for quiet concentration, you'll also be expected to move actively throughout the office and travel occasionally to various locations, including dynamic construction sites, utilizing different modes of transportation. The ability to lift and move objects up to 10 pounds regularly, and up to 25 pounds on occasion (think a box of files or small office equipment), is also required.

Your Work Environment: Your primary workspace will be in our McLean, Virginia office, which has a typical, quiet-to-moderate noise and light levels. As part of your work, you may also be required to visit active construction sites. These environments are naturally more dynamic and can include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, louder noise, and moving equipment. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations.

Our High-Performing Culture: This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team.

A Drug Free Workplace: Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug “fitness for duty” screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug “fitness for duty” tests.

Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $50,000-$140,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, and skills. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.