Senior Cost Estimator

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they're facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we're helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our world's most precious resource.


Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.


Your Opportunity


We're currently seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to join our dynamic team. In this role, you'll play a critical part in our multidisciplinary municipal, industrial, and alternative project delivery design and construction management teams. If you're passionate about numbers, thrive on precision, and want to contribute to impactful projects, this opportunity is for you. This role is open in multiple locations across the US.


Your Key Responsibilities

• Cost Estimation Excellence: You'll supervise, facilitate, and coordinate the development of accurate, timely, and detailed cost estimates for major capital and construction projects. Your expertise will guide project outcomes and ensure superior client satisfaction.
• Analytical Insight: You'll prepare cost estimates by meticulously analyzing costs, materials, labor, bid documentation, and specifications associated with each project. Your attention to detail will be crucial in delivering reliable estimates.
• Database Management: Design, implement, and maintain cost estimating database(s) using various software applications. Your proficiency will streamline our estimation processes.
• Value Management: Collaborate with project teams to review drawings and specifications, determining costs, and assisting in value management. Your insights will drive cost-effective decisions.
• Validation and Guidance: Evaluate third-party estimates and track market conditions and costs to validate estimates. Provide expert estimating guidance to medium and large projects, even those of extreme complexity.
• Technical Skills: Perform quantity take-offs for large concrete structures, including formwork, reinforcement, and embedded metals. Additionally, contribute to project sequencing and scheduling for complex water projects, building the project master construction schedule.
• Documentation: Writing concise Basis of Estimate and Basis of Schedule reports.
• Client Collaboration: Participate in client cost estimate and schedule reviews, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Risk Assessment: Establish site-specific estimating criteria, including labor, equipment, and material supply. Direct the preparation of cost and schedule risk
• Collaboration with Design Team: Analyze critical path activities and work through issues with the project design team. Your problem-solving skills will be invaluable.
• Team Building: assist management in the development of a coherent estimating and scheduling team and will participate in the staffing and technical development of US resources.
• Experience: A minimum of 15 years in cost estimating, construction management, or related fields. Experience in developing construction cost estimates and schedules at various stages of design, in accordance with AACEI guidelines, is essential.
• Project Software Platforms: - Cost Estimation Software: Proficiency in MII, Sage, and/or InEight for developing accurate and reliable cost estimates and risk analysis.
• Construction Scheduling Software: Proficiency in either Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for creating and analyzing high-level Critical Path Method project construction schedules
• Office Software Platforms: Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Construction Credentials:- Required: One or more of the following - EIT, CCT, CST, LEED Green Associate, Associate DBIA, PMP
• Preferred: One or more of the following - PE, CCP, PSP, LEED AP BD+C, Design-Build Professional
• Problem-Solving: You're adept at solving complex issues, using professional judgment, creativity, and innovation.
• Positive Attitude: Your collaborative spirit and positive outlook make you a valuable asset to our team.

Position will primarily work in an office setting; may require some occasional site visits to client offices.


This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.


Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.

Pay Range:
• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas - Min Salary $ 122,500.00 - Max Salary $ 183,800.00


Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.


Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).


Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.


The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements


Primary Location: United States | CA | Sacramento

Other Locations: United States | OR | Portland

Organization: 2243 Water-US Delivery-Walnut Creek CA

Employee Status: Regular

Management Level: Individual contributor

Business Justification: New Position

Travel: Yes

Schedule: Full time

Job Posting: 12/08/2026 10:08:37

Req ID: 1001948


Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.