Lead Estimator - Water

Why Black & Veatch

Join the Black & Veatch Construction team and  build with pride . As a 100% employee‑owned company, every role matters — you  own your work, your impact, and your future. We lead with  care , and  safety is non‑negotiable and embedded into every role, site and decision , ensuring our teams return home safe, every day.

From field engineering to project management to quality and startup, you’ll work with cutting‑edge technology, learn from seasoned experts, and grow through real‑world, hands‑on experience. With a strong backlog across power, water, grid, and industrial markets, you’ll have the stability to grow and the opportunity to  shape what comes next.

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Job Summary

The Lead Estimator is responsible for the preparation of detailed cost estimates for a diverse client base including municipal, government and private clients. Project types include water and wastewater treatment facilities, pipeline conveyance, heavy civil and structural projects, dams and hydro facilities, tunnel construction, waterway, and marine construction. 

Please note: 

This is a Hybrid position at one of our US Regional Offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Retains primary accountability for estimate compliance for each project.
• Prepares complete and accurate cost estimates.
• Will be required to perform quantity takeoffs for estimates including assigning crews and productivity for each discipline. 
• Performs reviews of all scopes to ensure compliance with the project documents.
• Prepares cost estimates on proposals, projects and studies and ensure that the content of the estimate is complete, accurate and meets the requirements of the estimate, project location and design plan.
• Works with the design teams to understand the complexity, size and process systems required for project.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to the design team in the preparation of all levels of estimates ranging in scope and complexity from a simple factored estimate to an extremely complex multi-billion-dollar lump sum bid.
• Effectively manages multiple projects and estimate timelines.
• Coordinates with design, operation and procurement teams on project status, specific project requirements and due dates.
• Communicates with estimating team on all stages of project, time limits and support required.
• Appraises overall accuracy of estimates and recommends contingencies for estimates such as Lump Sum bids, Defined Estimates, and Interim Control Estimates.
• Assists the Solution Team Leader with an independent assessment of an estimate's accuracy (upon completion of the estimate and summarization of all detailed man-hours, material, construction, and home office costs).
• Ensures the orderly flow of project assignments through his area in keeping with schedules and within budgeted hours.
• Responsible for directing, training, and developing subordinates or Junior Estimators.
• Proactively supports, encourages, and facilitates staff to engage in continuous improvement activities.
• Plans, coordinates, reviews, verifies, and analyzes all aspects of estimates and estimate presentation.
• Assists in planning and development of the necessary formal training programs to maintain and improve estimating techniques, procedures, and capabilities for both new and experienced personnel. 
• Maintains familiarity with estimating and cost engineering developments and activities outside the company and assesses their significance, suggesting application to company business where warranted.
• Identifies and assesses improvement opportunities which will add value.
• Champions continuous improvement efforts.
• Other administrative, supervisory, and technical duties as assigned.
• Helps in the maintenance of the Company estimating database.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8 to 20 years of relevant experience, including some estimating experience.
• Bidding experience.
• Field and/or project experience.
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS graduate in Construction Management or related field experience is preferred but not required.
• Cost control and scheduling exposure is a plus.
• AACE CEP or CCP certification is a plus but not required

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to manage extremely complex estimates (e g, in size, scope or organization, multinational joint ventures).
• Scheduling/planning skills.
• Cost engineering skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Development of subordinates.
• Mathematical skills.
• Project design scopes.
• Consulting skills.
• Problem-solving.
• Planning skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Consensus team builder.
• Function in an international joint environment.
• Interpret and understand specifications and contracts.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Interpersonal communication skills
• InEight Estimating
• On-Screen Takeoff
• RS Means and MCASES (MII) are required
• Experience estimating, working with and/or working for the Corp of Engineers is a plus

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Typical office environment.
• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.
• This position will require an average of 0%-5% travel.

Compensation Transparency

In accordance with local requirements, the annual compensation ranges for this role are listed below by state or jurisdiction and reflect the applicable office location(s) within each. Final compensation is determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, internal alignment, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.