Chief Estimator

Company: Actalent
Location: Poughkeepsie
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Chief Civil Construction Estimator Up to $220k Hiring Now – Lead Estimating for High?Profile Civil/Site Development Projects Join a fast?growing civil/site development firm recognized for delivering complex, high?visibility projects across residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure markets. We are seeking a Chief Civil Construction Estimator who thrives in a technical, fast?paced environment and brings deep expertise in producing precise, competitive estimates that drive winning bids and successful project execution. This is a high?impact leadership role offering exceptional compensation, long?term stability, and the opportunity to influence some of the region’s most notable civil construction projects. Key Responsibilities Develop accurate and detailed cost estimates for civil/site development projects using plans, specifications, and engineering documentation. Analyze subcontractor and supplier quotes, evaluate scopes, and build reliable pricing models. Prepare and submit competitive bids for both public and private sector opportunities. Manage and track change orders throughout the construction lifecycle. Utilize HCSS for estimating, cost tracking, quantity takeoffs, and bid preparation. Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, field teams, and external partners. Support preconstruction planning, risk analysis, and cost performance review efforts. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field. 5 years of experience estimating civil/site development projects. Strong proficiency in HCSS estimating software. Advanced understanding of unit pricing, takeoffs, bid processes, and change order management. Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Preferred Experience Heavy civil, land development, utilities, roadway, or large?scale infrastructure projects. Preconstruction planning, proposal development, cost modeling, RFI workflows, and value engineering. Why This Role Stands Out Highly Competitive Compensation: $170,000–$220,000 Influence major civil bids and contribute to winning marquee projects. Join a respected, technology?forward firm with strong financial stability. Diverse and steady pipeline of commercial, industrial, municipal, and development projects. Collaborative culture with strong internal support and real long?term growth opportunities. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poughkeepsie, NY. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $88.00 - $90.00/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 Poughkeepsie,NY. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 28, 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Keywords: Actalent, Brentwood , Chief Estimator, Engineering , Poughkeepsie, New York