Junior Estimator

Job Title: Junior Estimator / Project Manager

Job Description

This Junior Estimator / Project Manager role supports both preconstruction estimating and project execution for heavy highway and specialty construction projects, including roadways, bridges, utilities, and specialty scopes such as saw cutting, joint sealing, and waterproofing systems. It is well-suited for an early-career professional who wants hands-on exposure to both bidding and project delivery while working closely with experienced estimators, ownership, and operations teams. The position combines detailed cost analysis and bid preparation with active involvement in planning, coordination, and support of awarded projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates for heavy civil and construction projects, including roadways, bridges, utilities, and specialty scopes.

• Perform quantity takeoffs, material breakdowns, and pricing analysis to support accurate and competitive bids.

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope, risks, and key assumptions.

• Support bid preparation by soliciting, receiving, and evaluating subcontractor and vendor pricing.

• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits as needed to gather field information and clarify project requirements.

• Prepare requests for information (RFIs), bid packages, and supporting documentation for submission.

• Track project bids, proposals, and awarded work to maintain an organized pipeline of opportunities.

• Work closely with experienced estimators to refine pricing, validate assumptions, and ensure bid accuracy and competitiveness.

• Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of awarded projects, from notice to proceed through closeout.

• Support project scheduling, logistics, and coordination with field crews, subcontractors, and vendors.

• Help manage project budgets, monitor costs, and assist with the preparation and tracking of change orders.

• Assist with material procurement, submittals, and vendor coordination to ensure timely delivery and compliance with project requirements.

• Support project documentation, reporting, and closeout activities, including maintaining organized records.

• Coordinate with operations teams throughout the full project lifecycle to ensure smooth communication between office and field.

• Balance estimating responsibilities with ongoing project support tasks, adapting to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Experience or training in civil estimating, project engineering, or project coordination.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications accurately.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform detailed cost and quantity analyses.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and address issues proactively.

• Ability to prepare takeoffs, bid proposals, and support site walks as part of the estimating process.

• Capability to support project management activities, including budgeting, scheduling, and documentation.

• Strong communication skills for working with internal teams, vendors, and subcontractors.

• Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in heavy civil, roadway, or Department of Transportation (DOT)-related projects is preferred.

• Familiarity with estimating tools such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), or similar software is preferred.

• Exposure to project coordination or field operations, particularly in heavy highway or specialty construction, is beneficial.

• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

• Detail-oriented approach with strong cost analysis capabilities and a focus on accuracy.

• Ability to balance preconstruction estimating duties with active project support responsibilities.

• Interest in professional growth, with the opportunity to move into an experienced role as leadership transitions.

• Comfort working closely with ownership, estimators, and field operations teams in an integrated environment.

Work Environment

This position is primarily onsite in Bay Shore, NY, in an office-based setting with occasional visits to active construction sites. The role involves close collaboration with ownership, experienced estimators, and field operations teams, providing regular interaction across preconstruction and project execution functions. The work environment supports professional development, with exposure to heavy highway and specialty construction projects and a clear pathway toward more experienced responsibilities as leadership roles evolve. The organization offers medical, dental, and vision benefits with partial employer coverage, as well as a 401 retirement plan, contributing to a stable and supportive workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bay Shore, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bay Shore,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.