How Can I Improve as an Estimator?

I work for a grading contractor and have been given a new role as estimator. It's been about 1 year.

I climbed my way up from being an engineer doing dirt takeoffs for residential projects using Trimble and Carlson Software, creating CF maps, and doing geotech report analysis, etc.

The sector I am estimating in now is smaller scale civil projects that have a mixed bag of earthwork, pipe, and concrete work. My VPS told me this would be a good starting point into estimating.

Reflecting on the past year, I find that my problem is with this new role my lack of experience in the field is a major handicap as I have a hard time knowing what kind of equipment and crews are needed for a project as well as reasonable productions.

I don't want to make a mistake in my bids and I truly want to be a good estimator. But, should I first venture into the field or am I able to overcome these challenges? My company has given me a lot of opportunities to get to this point, but I wan thinking facing the facts, swallowing my pride and moving to a smaller scale company where I can cut my teeth would be a better move in the long run.

Any suggestions or insights would be helpful.

Side question: What are some good books or training courses that would help with construction estimating?

submitted by /u/charleslundgren
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