Estimator in Lansing

Job DescriptionJob Description

Company: Mint City Excavating, Inc.

Location: Saint Johns, MI

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Estimating & Project Management

About Mint City Excavating

With over 35 years of experience, Mint City Excavating is a trusted local excavating contractor based in Saint Johns, Michigan. We combine advanced heavy equipment with skilled operators to deliver exceptional results across residential and commercial site development. Our service capabilities range from site clearing, grading, demolition, and underground utility installation to material hauling and topsoil processing. We take pride in building strong groundwork for our clients safely, efficiently, and to the highest industry standards.

Position Summary

Mint City Excavating is seeking a detail-oriented, experienced Excavation & Sitework Estimator to join our team. In this role, you will analyze construction plans, specifications, earthwork quantities, and site conditions to produce accurate, timely, and competitive bids. You will work closely with project owners, general contractors, engineers, field supervisors, and management to ensure project scope, labor, equipment, and material costs are fully understood and accounted for.

Key Responsibilities

• Takeoffs & Cost Estimating:
• • Perform accurate digital quantity takeoffs for earthwork (cut/fill balances), underground utilities (water, storm, sewer), demolition, aggregate bases, topsoil screening, and site preparation.
  • Prepare thorough cost estimates incorporating equipment operating rates, labor hours, subcontractor quotes, material delivery, and site conditions.
  • Evaluate haul distances and material logistics (fill dirt, sand, stone, gravel, and concrete recycling).
• Bid Preparation & Submissions:
• • Review bid documents, blueprints, geotechnical reports, and specifications to establish project scope and identify potential risk factors or value engineering opportunities.
  • Prepare and submit detailed, competitive bid packages and formal proposals for private, commercial, municipal, and residential projects.
  • Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to assess site access, clearing needs, utility conflicts, and existing structures.
• Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination:
• • Solicit, compile, and analyze vendor and subcontractor pricing for specialty trades, materials, and specialized equipment.
  • Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure competitive unit pricing on aggregates, pipe, and trucking services.
• Project Handoff & Support:
• • Lead transition meetings with project managers and field superintendents to communicate bid assumptions, budgets, production rates, and safety considerations.
  • Assist in evaluating change orders and scope adjustments during active construction.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 3+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil, excavation, earthwork, underground utilities, or sitework construction.
• Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.
• Technical Skills:
• • Proficiency with earthwork 3D modeling and takeoff software (e.g., AGTEK, InSite, Trimble, Carlson, or similar).
  • Familiarity with estimating software (e.g., B2W, HeavyBid, Estimating Link, or Excel-based frameworks).
  • Ability to read and interpret complex civil engineering plans, topographic maps, surveys, and specs.
• Field Knowledge: Strong understanding of heavy equipment capabilities (excavators, dozers, loaders, scrapers), dirt movement logistics, soil compaction, and utility installation methods.
• Soft Skills:
• • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  • Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Benefits & What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage options.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan (401k).
• Opportunity to work with a respected, family-oriented local business committed to employee safety and career growth.