Chief Estimator

Position Overview

We are seeking a Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating efforts across a growing portfolio of water and wastewater treatment projects . This role will be instrumental in driving pursuit strategy, securing new work, and ensuring accurate, competitive pricing across complex, mechanically intensive treatment facilities .

This position is best suited to someone with a strong background in WWTP/WTP construction , particularly within a self-performing contractor environment , combined with deep exposure to process piping, pump systems, and heavy mechanical scopes .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities across multiple water and wastewater treatment pursuits
• Treatment plant upgrades and new builds
• Pump stations and force mains
• Process/mechanical systems, including piping, equipment, and structural components
• Establish bid strategy with a focus on self-perform scopes , productivity, and execution planning
• Review plans and specifications to identify risks, constructability issues, and cost‑saving opportunities
• Work closely with operations teams to validate means and methods , manpower assumptions, and sequencing
• Solicit and level subcontractor and supplier pricing, with a focus on:
• Electrical and instrumentation scopes
• Specialty treatment systems
• Lead internal bid reviews and present pricing, risk, and strategy to senior leadership
• Support design‑build and negotiated work through early budgeting, value engineering, and client collaboration
• Maintain strong relationships with owners, engineers, and key vendors within the water/wastewater market
• Track market trends, labor conditions, and material pricing specific to treatment plant construction
• Mentor and develop estimating staff, driving consistency and best practices across the team

Qualifications & Experience

• 12+ years of estimating experience within heavy civil, industrial, or mechanical construction
• Strong track record estimating water and wastewater treatment plant projects
• Deep understanding of self‑perform construction , particularly:
• Process piping
• Equipment setting and installation
• Experience working on complex, multi-discipline treatment facilities ($20M–$200M+)
• Background in heavy industrial or mechanical construction is highly desirable
• Experience with design‑build, CMAR, or negotiated delivery methods preferred
• Proficient in estimating software and cost modeling tools
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface across field, office, and executive teams

Key Traits for Success

• Hands‑on, detail‑oriented approach with strong technical understanding of treatment systems
• Commercially aware with a focus on margin, risk, and execution strategy
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely with operations and field leadership
• Comfortable operating in a self‑perform, production‑driven environment
• Proactive and adaptable in a fast‑paced, pursuit‑focused setting

Why This Role

• Lead estimating for a contractor with a strong reputation in water and wastewater treatment construction
• Work on mechanically complex, self‑perform driven projects that require real technical expertise
• Be part of a team with a consistent pipeline of treatment plant and infrastructure work
• Opportunity to influence both project strategy and long‑term growth of the business