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