Senior Civil Estimator (Earthwork & Utilities)

Yellowstone Local is proud to represent Alliance Construction, an industry leader in heavy civil construction.

Alliance is looking for a Senior Civil Estimator who understands that estimating is not just math. It is strategy, risk management, and the foundation for profitable projects.

If you know how to read plans, understand production realities, and build bids that win work while protecting margin, this is an opportunity to take ownership of that responsibility.

Most estimating roles focus on producing numbers.

This role focuses on building winning bids that set projects up for success.

Alliance needs someone who can lead the estimating process from start to finish. Someone who understands site development, utilities, excavation, and road construction. Someone who can evaluate risk, coordinate pricing, and produce bids the company can confidently stand behind.

If you enjoy collaborating with project managers, mentoring younger estimators, and influencing how projects are executed from the very beginning, you will do well here.

About Alliance Construction

Alliance Construction is a growing heavy civil contractor based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The company builds infrastructure projects that support communities and regional growth.

Their team focuses on disciplined execution, accurate estimating, and strong coordination between office leadership and field operations. The goal is simple. Win the right work and execute it well.

This role plays a critical part in making that happen.

Why This Role Exists

In heavy civil construction, the estimate is where project success begins.

Every decision made during estimating affects cost control, schedule execution, and profitability. Strong estimates create clarity for project managers and field crews before the first piece of equipment ever touches the ground.

Alliance is looking for a Senior Civil Estimator who can lead this process. Someone who can review plans, evaluate production strategies, and build competitive bids while protecting the company from unnecessary risk.

You will work closely with leadership, project managers, and operations to ensure estimates align with how projects will actually be built.

What We Value In This Role

Ownership and accountability

• You take responsibility for the accuracy and competitiveness of every estimate

• You understand that estimating decisions impact project profitability

Heavy civil estimating expertise

• Strong understanding of site development, excavation, utilities, and road construction

• Ability to analyze plans and specifications and translate them into accurate takeoffs and pricing

Strategic thinking

• Estimating is not just about numbers

• You understand risk, constructability, and production realities

Leadership and mentorship

• Ability to guide junior estimators and help raise the overall capability of the estimating team

• Comfortable providing feedback and developing others

Collaboration with operations

• You work closely with project managers and field teams

• Estimates reflect how work will actually be performed in the field

Technology competence

• Strong proficiency in estimating tools used in heavy civil construction

• Comfortable working with software systems that support accurate and efficient estimating

What You Will Do

Lead the bid process

• Manage the full estimating process from plan review to final bid submission

• Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to secure competitive pricing

Project plan and specification review

• Analyze project drawings and specifications to determine scope, production strategies, and risk factors

Cost estimating and bid development

• Develop accurate estimates for site development, excavation, utilities, and road construction projects

• Prepare bids for both hard bid and negotiated work

Team mentorship and leadership

• Mentor junior estimators and help develop estimating best practices across the team

Collaboration with project management

• Work with project managers and field operations to ensure estimating assumptions align with execution strategies

Site visits and project insight

• Conduct site visits and provide insight during the planning and project delivery stages

Who This Role Is For

This role fits someone who is:

• Experienced in heavy civil estimating and confident reading construction plans

• Comfortable leading complex estimates and coordinating multiple inputs

• Strong in communication and collaboration with both office and field teams

• Motivated by building bids that set projects up for success

• Interested in mentoring and developing other estimators

This role is not for someone who prefers working in isolation or producing estimates without understanding how projects will be built.

What’s In It For You

• Highly competitive salary of $90,000 to $140,000 per year with bonus opportunities based on experience

• Weekly pay

• Paid holidays and PTO

• Health, vision, and dental benefits with 90 percent company coverage

• 401(k) with 3.5 percent company match

• Short term and long term disability insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employer paid life insurance

• Eligibility for year end profit sharing

• Full time role with consistent year round work

• Professional development opportunities to grow leadership and technical skills

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Alliance Construction leads from the front and values strong performers

• Direct collaboration with decision makers without layers of red tape

• Investment in top tier tools including HCSS Heavy Bid, Agtek, and Planswift

• Work on meaningful infrastructure projects in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas

• A culture focused on results, respect, and professional growth

Work Location

This position is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The role is office based initially. Remote flexibility may be considered later based on performance, tenure, and trust.

Some travel may be required depending on project needs. Per diem is provided when traveling.

• Minimum 5 years of hands on estimating experience in civil construction

• Proven experience estimating site development, utility work, road construction, or heavy civil projects

• Proficiency with estimating software such as HCSS Heavy Bid, Agtek, and Planswift

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• Ability to coordinate vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams during the bidding process

Strongly Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field

• Experience mentoring or leading other estimators

Hiring Expectations

Yellowstone Local is managing the recruitment process on behalf of Alliance Construction.

• Apply today

• Complete a quick phone screening with Yellowstone Local

• Qualified candidates will move forward to interview with the Alliance Construction team

Alliance Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. #yellow