Chief Estimator — Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)

About the role

We are seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) estimating team. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving estimating strategy, improving win rates, and developing a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the WWTP estimating team, setting standards for performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Drive estimating strategy to improve win rates, margin performance, and project selection
• Partner with executive leadership and operations teams to align estimating efforts with company growth goals
• Contribute to go/no-go decisions based on risk, competitiveness, and strategic fit
• Oversee the preparation of detailed, accurate estimates for complex water and wastewater treatment plant projects
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness across all bids and proposals
• Review and validate pricing, production assumptions, and risk factors
• Lead final estimate reviews and present project strategies internally
• Mentor and develop estimators, takeoff specialists, and support staff
• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous learning
• Establish processes, tools, and standards that improve efficiency and quality
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to ensure constructability and alignment
• Support preconstruction efforts, including value engineering and cost optimization strategies
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and industry partners
• Analyze historical cost data, production rates, and bid outcomes to refine estimating processes
• Implement improvements to systems, software, and workflows
• Stay current with market trends, pricing shifts, and industry best practices

Requirements

• 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, with a strong focus on water/wastewater treatment plant projects
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating teams
• Prominent success improving bid strategy, competitiveness, and win rates
• Strong understanding of project risk, cost drivers, and construction methods
• Ability to read and interpret complex civil, structural, and process/mechanical plans and specifications
• Experience with estimating software such as HCSS, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar platforms
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Teams)

Qualifications

• High level of ownership and accountability
• Strong communicator who can align teams and drive decisions
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk and opportunity
• Committed to developing people and building strong teams

Skills

• Estimating software proficiency (e.g., HCSS, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar platforms)
• Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel, Word, Teams)

Benefits

Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
Paid time off and paid holidays
Annual Profit Sharing – participate in company-wide profit sharing once annual goals are achieved
Monthly Safety Bonus – earned when the company goes recordable-incident free
Comprehensive health coverage options, including a 100% company-paid High Deductible Health Plan (employee-only coverage)
Dental, vision, short/long-term disability, and accident coverage
Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance
401(k) with 100% match on the first 4%
Ongoing training, leadership development, and growth opportunities

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule

Full-time position with standard business hours.