H-1B Visa Chief Estimator Jobs
H-1B visa jobs for Chief Estimators are available at construction, engineering, and infrastructure firms that sponsor skilled professionals through the H-1B specialty occupation process. Chief Estimator roles typically qualify because they require a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field, making them strong candidates for employer sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsChief Estimator — Heavy Civil Construction
Jacksonville, FL | Full-Time | Salaried | In-Office
At Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc., we don't just build infrastructure — we build life-changing infrastructure. We are a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm based in Jacksonville, FL.
We specialize in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development, with expertise in underground utilities, roadway construction, and related civil infrastructure.
We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead our heavy civil estimating team, with a focus on site development, underground utilities, and roadway construction. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving estimating strategy, improving win rates and margin performance, and developing a high-performing estimating team.
You'll help shape which projects we pursue, how we price and plan the work, and how we turn competitive bids into successful projects. Working closely with executive leadership and operations, you'll bring technical depth, sound judgment, and clear leadership to public and private project pursuits.
What You'll Do
Leadership \& Strategy
- Lead and develop the heavy civil estimating team, setting clear expectations for accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Drive bid strategy, project selection, and pricing approaches that support company growth and profitability.
- Evaluate opportunities through RFP review, scope analysis, and market research; contribute to go/no-go decisions based on risk, competitiveness, and strategic fit.
- Partner with executive leadership and operations to align estimating priorities, resources, and pursuit schedules.
Estimating Oversight \& Bid Reviews
- Oversee detailed, accurate estimates for site development, underground utilities, roadway construction, and related heavy civil scopes.
- Review drawings, specifications, contract documents, and geotechnical reports to confirm scope, quantities, cost drivers, and risk.
- Validate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs, including production rates, schedules, and anticipated durations.
- Lead final estimate reviews and present pricing strategies, assumptions, exclusions, and project approaches for internal approval.
- Ensure bids and proposals are complete, consistent, accurate, and submitted on time.
Cost Analysis, Takeoffs \& Constructability
- Direct and review quantity takeoffs and subcontractor and supplier pricing.
- Work with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to validate construction means, methods, productivity, sequencing, and constructability.
- Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits as needed to assess existing conditions and project risks.
- Support value engineering and cost optimization while maintaining project requirements and quality.
- Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, and industry partners.
Team Development \& Continuous Improvement
- Mentor estimators, takeoff specialists, and support staff; build technical capability and ownership across the team.
- Establish and improve estimating processes, tools, databases, and standards.
- Analyze historical cost data, production rates, lessons learned, and bid outcomes to improve future estimates.
- Coordinate with operations and finance to strengthen the connection between estimating assumptions and actual job costs.
- Stay current with market conditions, pricing shifts, bid requirements, and construction best practices.
What We're Looking For
Experience \& Leadership
- 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, with a strong background in site development, underground utilities, and roadway projects.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating teams.
- Experience preparing and overseeing bids in both public and private markets.
- Proven ability to develop bid strategies, assess project risk, and improve competitiveness and win rates.
- Strong understanding of civil construction methods, production rates, equipment requirements, cost drivers, and constructability.
- Familiarity with FDOT, municipal, or regional heavy civil bidding practices preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Technical Skills
- Ability to read and interpret civil plans, specifications, contract documents, and geotechnical reports.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills for quantity calculations, production analysis, and cost modeling.
- Experience with estimating and construction software such as HCSS HeavyBid, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Primavera P6, Procore, or similar platforms.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Teams, Project, and OneNote.
- Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple pursuits and bid deadlines.
Leadership Traits
- High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
- Clear communicator who can align teams, explain assumptions, and support sound decisions.
- Strategic judgment that balances risk, competitiveness, and opportunity.
- Commitment to developing people, sharing knowledge, and building a collaborative team.
Why Petticoat-Schmitt?
We live our values (A.C.T.):
Accountability – Safety first. Plan the work. Execute with ownership.
Character – Integrity, respect, trustworthiness, humility.
Team – Shared goals, servant leadership, determination, and results.
Compensation \& Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Annual Profit Sharing – participate in company-wide profit sharing once annual goals are achieved.
- Monthly Safety Bonus – earned when the company goes recordable-incident free.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage Options, including a 100% company-paid High Deductible Health Plan (employee-only coverage).
- Dental, vision, short/long-term disability, and accident coverage.
- Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance.
- 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 4%.
- Ongoing training, leadership development, and growth opportunities.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, salaried position.
- Work schedules may vary based on bid deadlines, project pursuits, and business needs.
Location \& Travel
- In-office position based at Petticoat-Schmitt’s Jacksonville, FL headquarters.
- Occasional travel for site visits, pre-bid meetings, project pursuits, and vendor meetings as needed.
What We Expect
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
- Consistent, reliable, and predictable attendance.
- Professional appearance and conduct.
- Accurate, complete work and ownership of estimating commitments.
- Timely, professional communication with leadership, operations, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Commitment to living Petticoat-Schmitt’s values of Accountability, Character, and Teamwork.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
About Petticoat-Schmitt
Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL since 2007, Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm. We specialize in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development, with expertise in underground utilities, roadway construction, and related civil infrastructure.
Agency Disclaimer
Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. manages its recruiting efforts internally and does not utilize third-party staffing agencies or external recruiters. We do not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or recruiting solicitations from staffing agencies. No placement fees will be paid for unsolicited submissions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Chief Estimator — Heavy Civil Construction
Jacksonville, FL | Full-Time | Salaried | In-Office
At Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc., we don't just build infrastructure — we build life-changing infrastructure. We are a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm based in Jacksonville, FL.
We specialize in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development, with expertise in underground utilities, roadway construction, and related civil infrastructure.
We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead our heavy civil estimating team, with a focus on site development, underground utilities, and roadway construction. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving estimating strategy, improving win rates and margin performance, and developing a high-performing estimating team.
You'll help shape which projects we pursue, how we price and plan the work, and how we turn competitive bids into successful projects. Working closely with executive leadership and operations, you'll bring technical depth, sound judgment, and clear leadership to public and private project pursuits.
What You'll Do
Leadership \& Strategy
- Lead and develop the heavy civil estimating team, setting clear expectations for accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Drive bid strategy, project selection, and pricing approaches that support company growth and profitability.
- Evaluate opportunities through RFP review, scope analysis, and market research; contribute to go/no-go decisions based on risk, competitiveness, and strategic fit.
- Partner with executive leadership and operations to align estimating priorities, resources, and pursuit schedules.
Estimating Oversight \& Bid Reviews
- Oversee detailed, accurate estimates for site development, underground utilities, roadway construction, and related heavy civil scopes.
- Review drawings, specifications, contract documents, and geotechnical reports to confirm scope, quantities, cost drivers, and risk.
- Validate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs, including production rates, schedules, and anticipated durations.
- Lead final estimate reviews and present pricing strategies, assumptions, exclusions, and project approaches for internal approval.
- Ensure bids and proposals are complete, consistent, accurate, and submitted on time.
Cost Analysis, Takeoffs \& Constructability
- Direct and review quantity takeoffs and subcontractor and supplier pricing.
- Work with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to validate construction means, methods, productivity, sequencing, and constructability.
- Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits as needed to assess existing conditions and project risks.
- Support value engineering and cost optimization while maintaining project requirements and quality.
- Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, and industry partners.
Team Development \& Continuous Improvement
- Mentor estimators, takeoff specialists, and support staff; build technical capability and ownership across the team.
- Establish and improve estimating processes, tools, databases, and standards.
- Analyze historical cost data, production rates, lessons learned, and bid outcomes to improve future estimates.
- Coordinate with operations and finance to strengthen the connection between estimating assumptions and actual job costs.
- Stay current with market conditions, pricing shifts, bid requirements, and construction best practices.
What We're Looking For
Experience \& Leadership
- 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, with a strong background in site development, underground utilities, and roadway projects.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating teams.
- Experience preparing and overseeing bids in both public and private markets.
- Proven ability to develop bid strategies, assess project risk, and improve competitiveness and win rates.
- Strong understanding of civil construction methods, production rates, equipment requirements, cost drivers, and constructability.
- Familiarity with FDOT, municipal, or regional heavy civil bidding practices preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Technical Skills
- Ability to read and interpret civil plans, specifications, contract documents, and geotechnical reports.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills for quantity calculations, production analysis, and cost modeling.
- Experience with estimating and construction software such as HCSS HeavyBid, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Primavera P6, Procore, or similar platforms.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Teams, Project, and OneNote.
- Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple pursuits and bid deadlines.
Leadership Traits
- High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
- Clear communicator who can align teams, explain assumptions, and support sound decisions.
- Strategic judgment that balances risk, competitiveness, and opportunity.
- Commitment to developing people, sharing knowledge, and building a collaborative team.
Why Petticoat-Schmitt?
We live our values (A.C.T.):
Accountability – Safety first. Plan the work. Execute with ownership.
Character – Integrity, respect, trustworthiness, humility.
Team – Shared goals, servant leadership, determination, and results.
Compensation \& Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Annual Profit Sharing – participate in company-wide profit sharing once annual goals are achieved.
- Monthly Safety Bonus – earned when the company goes recordable-incident free.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage Options, including a 100% company-paid High Deductible Health Plan (employee-only coverage).
- Dental, vision, short/long-term disability, and accident coverage.
- Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance.
- 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 4%.
- Ongoing training, leadership development, and growth opportunities.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, salaried position.
- Work schedules may vary based on bid deadlines, project pursuits, and business needs.
Location \& Travel
- In-office position based at Petticoat-Schmitt’s Jacksonville, FL headquarters.
- Occasional travel for site visits, pre-bid meetings, project pursuits, and vendor meetings as needed.
What We Expect
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
- Consistent, reliable, and predictable attendance.
- Professional appearance and conduct.
- Accurate, complete work and ownership of estimating commitments.
- Timely, professional communication with leadership, operations, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Commitment to living Petticoat-Schmitt’s values of Accountability, Character, and Teamwork.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
About Petticoat-Schmitt
Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL since 2007, Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm. We specialize in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development, with expertise in underground utilities, roadway construction, and related civil infrastructure.
Agency Disclaimer
Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. manages its recruiting efforts internally and does not utilize third-party staffing agencies or external recruiters. We do not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or recruiting solicitations from staffing agencies. No placement fees will be paid for unsolicited submissions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
See all H-1B Visa Chief Estimator Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Chief Estimator
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
Pull the O*NET profile for Construction Managers and Cost Estimators to confirm which degree fields DOL and USCIS treat as directly related. Your transcript and any credential evaluations should map cleanly to those fields before you apply.
Target firms with multi-state project pipelines
Each worksite requires its own certified LCA, so employers running simultaneous projects across states are practiced at filing multiple LCAs quickly. General contractors and ENR-listed program managers typically have HR teams built for this workload.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Filter for Chief Estimator and senior estimating roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with confirmed H-1B visa LCA filing history by occupation and location. That history signals genuine sponsorship capacity, not just a checkbox on a job posting.
Verify prevailing wages before salary negotiations
Run your target city and SOC code through the OFLC Wage Search before any offer conversation. Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the applicable prevailing wage level, so knowing that floor protects you from offers that can't survive DOL review.
Request premium processing before project deadlines
Construction firms hire Chief Estimators to hit bid and mobilization windows. Ask your employer to file I-129 with USCIS premium processing so adjudication completes in days rather than months. Missing a project-start date is a real risk without it.
Document your specialty occupation duties in writing
If your offer letter describes duties that sound supervisory or trade-adjacent, work with your employer to draft a detailed position description that foregrounds degree-dependent analysis, cost modeling, and technical specification review. USCIS uses that language to evaluate specialty occupation status.
H-1B Visa Chief Estimator: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chief Estimator role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in construction management, civil engineering, quantity surveying, or a closely related field, it meets the specialty occupation standard. Employers strengthen the case by writing job descriptions that emphasize degree-dependent duties such as systems cost modeling, value engineering analysis, and design-document review rather than field supervision or trade coordination.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor H-1B visas for Chief Estimators?
Start with Migrate Mate, which shows employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history filtered by occupation and location. Beyond that, large general contractors, construction management firms, and civil engineering consultancies are the most consistent sponsors because their project volumes justify a dedicated immigration process. Firms bidding on federal or public infrastructure work are also worth targeting.
What happens to my H-1B status if my employer wins a project in a new state?
Your employer must file a new certified LCA with DOL for each worksite location before you begin work there. A single LCA tied to your original work location does not cover additional project sites. Employers who regularly work across multiple states should have a process in place for this, so it is worth asking HR how they handle multi-site LCA filings during the offer stage.
Can I switch employers after my H-1B is approved for a Chief Estimator role?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can begin working for a new employer as soon as they file an H-1B transfer petition with USCIS, without waiting for approval, provided your current status is valid and there is no gap in employment. The new employer must file their own I-129 and certify a new LCA covering your position and worksite. H-1B status is granted for up to three years and can be extended to a six-year maximum.
What prevailing wage level should a Chief Estimator expect on an H-1B LCA?
DOL assigns prevailing wage levels based on the SOC code, geographic area, and the complexity of the role. Senior Chief Estimators managing large construction programs are typically classified at Level III or IV. Use the OFLC Wage Search with the relevant SOC code and your target metro area to see the wage floor your employer must certify before they can file the LCA.