Lead Estimator - Water/Wastewater

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success.

As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Company : Black & Veatch Corporation

Req Id : 116285

Opportunity Type : Staff

Relocation eligible : No

Full time/Part time : Full-Time

Project Only Hire : No

Visa Sponsorship Available: No

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.

#LI-AS3

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.

Salary Plan

EST: Estimating

Job Grade

017

Black & Veatch endeavors to make accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process because of a disability, please contact the Employee Relations Department at View phone number on aiapply.co or via our accommodations request form. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only; you may not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications. General inquiries about the status of applications will not be returned. This job posting will remain open until a suitable candidate(s) has been identified.

Black & Veatch is committed to being an employer of choice by creating a valuable work experience that keeps our people engaged, productive, safe and healthy.

Our comprehensive benefits portfolio is a key component of this commitment and offers and array of health care benefits including but not limited to medical, dental and vision insurances along with disability and a robust wellness program.

To support a healthy work-life balance, we offer flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time and dependent sick time.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program.

We are proud to be a 100 percent ESOP-owned company. As employee-owners, our professionals are empowered to drive not only their personal growth, but the company's long-term achievements - and they share in the financial rewards of that success through stock ownership.

By valuing diverse voices and perspectives, we cultivate an authentically inclusive environment for professionals and are able to provide innovative and effective solutions for clients.

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

Notice to External Search Firms : Black & Veatch does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Black & Veatch Talent Acquisition engages with search firms directly for hiring needs.

In accordance with local law, the following compensation range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition: $140,343.00 - $260,676.00