Earthwork Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Civil Earthwork Estimating Manager to join our Southern California Civil Preconstruction team. This role leads and manages the development of conceptual budgets, cost models, GMP estimates, and competitive bids for earthwork scopes with an emphasis on site demolition, earthwork, grading, and related self-perform and subcontracted work. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience managing teams, earthwork estimating expertise, a practical understanding of means and methods, and the ability to collaborate with operations, design partners, and trade partners throughout the pursuit process. This role reports to the Civil Preconstruction Director and is expected to lead and develop estimating staff, including direct reports where applicable. This position is based in Southern California, supports multiple office locations, and requires regional travel as needed. The role is primarily in-office, with some flexibility based on business needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the preparation of detailed earthwork cost models, conceptual budgets, GMP estimates, and competitive bids for site demolition, mass grading, excavation, export/import, and related civil scopes across CMAR, Design-Build, and hard bid pursuits, supporting multiple offices and project teams throughout the region.
• Take an active, hands-on role in the estimating process by preparing well-annotated quantity takeoffs, evaluating grading quantities, and supporting change order pricing to help ensure deliverables are complete, accurate, and review-ready. 
• Participate in scope alignment, bid coverage, bid leveling, and risk analysis for earthwork scopes to support thoughtful, competitive, and well-informed estimates.
• Clearly communicate estimate scope, assumptions, key quantity and cost drivers, risks, alternates, and strategic recommendations related to earthwork and site development scopes to internal leadership, operations partners, and clients.
• Review bidding, design, and contract documents, geotechnical reports, grading plans, and other technical information to identify, evaluate, and communicate key earthwork risks, scope considerations, and estimating implications.
• Prepare scope exhibits, trade partner bid documents, and other pricing deliverables that support strong preconstruction outcomes and alignment across earthwork and civil scopes.
• Evaluate trade partner proposals and develop clear scope comparison tools that support informed decision-making and alignment on scope, cost, and value.
• Partner closely with operations, preconstruction, and design teams to help influence grading and sitework design decisions, validate construction assumptions, and support the best outcome for the project.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, vendors, clients, and internal teams, representing McCarthy with professionalism and a partnership mindset in the market.
• Review project documents to identify value analysis opportunities related to grading approach, haul strategies, site logistics, and other earthwork execution considerations.
• Validate production assumptions, crews, equipment needs, haul routes, and means and methods in collaboration with operations and field leadership.
• Stay current on estimating tools, market conditions, industry trends, and cost information related to earthwork, site development, and self-perform construction to continuously strengthen estimating accuracy and effectiveness.
• Prepare qualifications, assumptions, exclusions, and related estimate documentation to ensure alignment with project requirements, phasing considerations, and contractual expectations.
• Communicate proactively with owners, engineers, geotechnical consultants, and project partners to clarify scope, schedule, materials, and other factors that impact pricing and project strategy.
• Support estimating leadership in developing estimate strategy, pursuit deliverables, and overall preconstruction approach while contributing independent judgment and technical expertise throughout the earthwork estimating process.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of earthwork estimating, preconstruction or self-perform field/estimating experience
• 5+ years of experience leading, managing, and developing teams
• Experience leading successful teams, including development of direct and indirect reports
• Experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, GMPs, and hard bids for earthwork scopes
• Technical knowledge of earthwork construction and ability to quantify and accurately price demolition, earthwork, grading, and related civil scopes
• Technical knowledge of earthwork construction, with specific experience in understanding and articulating means and methods, productions, crews, and equipment
• General knowledge of construction principles and processes, as well as negotiated/hard bids and GMP processes
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports, including ability to identify risk elements for evaluation
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values while bringing a "value-added" approach to estimating
• Southern California market experience is preferred 
• Knowledge of estimating software and takeoff software similar to HCSS HeavyBid, HardDollar, AGTEK, B2W, Trimble Business Center, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, and Primavera P6 platforms is preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint is preferred
• Strong math and analytical skills with attention to detail is preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong ability to collaborate in a team environment, including developing, coaching, and leading others  is preferred
• Strong ability to build trust and influence with others both internally and externally
• Strong ability to be flexible, adaptable, and proactive with all stakeholders during the pursuit process

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. 

For California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $100-150k. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.

NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy’s Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.
McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.
If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.