Chief Estimator Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Chief Estimator roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa, requiring a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a closely related field. Employers file a Labor Condition Application before sponsorship begins. Most openings are with general contractors, civil engineering firms, and large construction companies with established visa filing histories.
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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 Chief Estimator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Chief Estimator roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Chief Estimator Jobs
Align your credentials to U.S. specialty occupation standards
USCIS evaluates whether your degree directly relates to cost estimating and project management. A construction management or civil engineering degree maps cleanly. A degree in an unrelated field, even with strong experience, can trigger a Request for Evidence.
Target contractors with active LCA filing histories
General contractors and civil infrastructure firms file Labor Condition Applications when they sponsor estimators. Use Migrate Mate to find employers with verified sponsorship history in construction and engineering, filtered by role type and location.
Benchmark your offer against OFLC Wage Search data
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the prevailing wage for your metropolitan area. Pull the OFLC Wage Search for the construction estimator occupation before accepting an offer so you can flag any shortfall early.
Document estimating software proficiency on your resume
Employers sponsoring H-1B petitions must justify specialty occupation status to USCIS. Specific tools like Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, or WinEst on your resume reinforce that the role requires specialized technical knowledge, not general construction experience.
Clarify green card eligibility before accepting an H-1B role
Chief Estimator positions typically qualify under EB-2 or EB-3 for PERM labor certification. Confirm with your prospective employer whether they sponsor permanent residence, since H-1B status alone caps at six years without an I-140 filed and approved.
Prepare for prevailing wage scrutiny on senior-level titles
Chief Estimator is a senior title, so DOL assigns it a higher prevailing wage level. Employers occasionally downgrade the job title on the LCA to reduce wage obligations. Verify that your offer letter title matches the LCA job title exactly before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chief Estimator role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the employer can demonstrate the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, quantity surveying, or a closely related field. Roles that accept any bachelor's degree regardless of field can face challenges at USCIS. The strongest petitions show a direct and logical connection between the degree requirement and the estimating duties.
Which visa types realistically cover Chief Estimator sponsorship?
H-1B is the most common path for Chief Estimators. TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals if the role fits a qualifying USMCA profession such as engineer. E-3 visa applies to Australian nationals in specialty occupations. For permanent residence, most Chief Estimators pursue an employer-sponsored EB-2 or EB-3 green card through PERM labor certification, which requires the employer to test the U.S. labor market first.
How do I find construction companies that actively sponsor Chief Estimator visas?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history in construction and engineering, so you can browse companies that have already navigated the filing process for similar roles. This saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship availability only late in the interview process.
Does a three-year construction management degree from outside the U.S. qualify for H-1B specialty occupation?
USCIS accepts foreign three-year bachelor's degrees when a credential evaluation confirms they are equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree. For construction management degrees from Australia, the U.K., or Canada, most evaluations establish equivalency without issue. Get a credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization before your employer files the petition to avoid delays caused by documentation gaps.
Can a Chief Estimator change employers while on H-1B status?
Yes. Under H-1B portability, you can start work with a new employer once they file a new H-1B petition on your behalf, without waiting for USCIS approval, as long as you're maintaining valid H-1B status. The new employer files a fresh Labor Condition Application and I-129 petition. Your total authorized period under H-1B doesn't reset, so confirm your remaining time and green card timeline with both employers.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Chief Estimator jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.