Estimator Commercial Plumbing | Design Build

Job Description

Job Description

Estimator — Design-Build Plumbing

Preconstruction / Estimating

1227 N. Tustin Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807

Salary: $70,304 - $85,000 (BOE) + Performance Incentives

2–5+ years of experience

About the Role:

We're looking for an Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates for commercial plumbing construction projects in a design-build environment. You'll play a key role in shaping project budgets and bid proposals, working under the direction of the Director of Preconstruction.

You'll collaborate closely with project management, engineering, and field operations to make sure every estimate is technically sound, competitively priced, and aligned with company profitability goals. This role calls for solid knowledge of plumbing systems, construction practices, and regional labor and material markets across Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.

What You'll Do:

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial plumbing systems, including domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage, natural gas, medical gas, and specialty piping systems
• Develop conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, and bid proposals for design-build and plan/spec projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, BIM models, and conceptual design documents
• Solicit and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotations
• Develop labor productivity assumptions based on historical performance and regional labor markets, with guidance from the Director of Preconstruction
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives
• Participate in design coordination meetings with engineers, architects, and general contractors

 

Estimate Preparation & Support

• Follow company estimating standards, templates, and pricing methodologies
• Ensure completeness of takeoffs, labor calculations, material quantities, and subcontractor scope coverage
• Incorporate feedback from the Director of Preconstruction to improve accuracy and consistency
• Support the development of internal estimating procedures and best practices

 

Bid Support & Documentation

• Analyze project drawings and specifications to identify risk factors, scope gaps, and constructability issues
• Adapt proprietary templates for non-standard scopes
• Support the layout of shell and Spec TI design-build budgets
• Participate in bid strategy discussions with leadership
• Prepare clarifications, exclusions, and proposal documentation
• Support negotiation of design-build budgets and GMP proposals with clients and general contractors

 

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work with Project Managers and field leadership on labor forecasting and construction planning
• Participate in project handoff meetings to transfer estimate knowledge to the operations team
• Coordinate with purchasing and procurement teams on material pricing and vendor availability

 

Data & Performance Improvement

• Maintain estimating databases including labor productivity, historical cost data, and material pricing
• Participate in post-project cost reviews to improve future estimate accuracy
• Contribute ideas for department efficiency and workflow improvements

 

What You Bring

Experience

• 2 to 5+ years of plumbing construction estimating experience
• Commercial plumbing estimating experience in a design-build environment preferred
• Experience across California, Nevada, and/or Arizona is a plus

 

Technical Knowledge

• Commercial plumbing systems and codes
• Design-build construction processes
• Construction drawings and specifications
• Labor productivity and installation methods
• Plumbing materials and equipment procurement
• Construction scheduling and sequencing

 

Software & Tools

• Bluebeam (proficient)
• AutoCAD / Revit (preferred)
• Microsoft Suite
• Build Ops or similar construction management platforms

 

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and cost accuracy
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and bid deadlines at once
• Willingness to learn and take direction from leadership

 

Work Environment

Primarily office-based, with occasional jobsite visits. Requires the ability to review plans, specifications, and technical documents for extended periods.

 

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $70,304 - $85,000 (BOE)
• Performance incentives tied to estimating accuracy and department performance
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays for all major company-recognized holidays
• Professional development opportunities

 

Ready to bring your estimating expertise to a growing design-build plumbing team? Apply today.

\nCompany Description

For over 60 years, Wallace P. Johnson Plumbing / JP Prime, Inc., has built commercial and industrial plumbing projects across California and Arizona — and built careers along the way. As a family-owned company founded in 1962, we've stayed true to what got us here: integrity, quality work, and taking care of the people who make it happen. When you join our team, you're stepping into a stable, established company with deep roots in the industry, real project variety, and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals who take pride in doing things right — from design and engineering all the way through final construction.

Company Description

For over 60 years, Wallace P. Johnson Plumbing / JP Prime, Inc., has built commercial and industrial plumbing projects across California and Arizona — and built careers along the way. As a family-owned company founded in 1962, we've stayed true to what got us here: integrity, quality work, and taking care of the people who make it happen. When you join our team, you're stepping into a stable, established company with deep roots in the industry, real project variety, and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals who take pride in doing things right — from design and engineering all the way through final construction.