Lead Estimator - Water/Wastewater

Locations: Overland Park, KS; Savannah, GA; Tampa, FL; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; San Diego, CA; Oklahoma City, OK; Memphis, TN; Creve Coeur, MO; Rochester, NY; Fort Worth, TX; Austin, TX; Fort Myers, FL; Nashville, TN; Arlington, VA; Jacksonville, FL; Irvine, CA; Atlanta, GA; New York, NY; Orlando, FL; Tucson, AZ; Phoenix, AZ

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

About the Role

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• Retains primary accountability for estimate compliance for each project.
• Prepares complete and accurate cost estimates.
• Performs quantity takeoffs for estimates, including assigning crews and productivity for each discipline.
• Reviews all scopes to ensure compliance with the project documents.
• Prepares cost estimates on proposals, projects, and studies, ensuring the content is complete, accurate, and meets the requirements of the estimate, project location, and design plan.
• Works with design teams to understand the complexity, size, and process systems required for the project.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to the design team in preparing all levels of estimates, ranging from simple factored estimates to complex multi-billion-dollar lump sum bids.
• Effectively manages multiple projects and estimate timelines.
• Coordinates with design, operation, and procurement teams on project status, specific requirements, and due dates.
• Communicates with the estimating team on all stages of the 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.
• Ensures the orderly flow of project assignments through the area in keeping with schedules and within budgeted hours.
• Directs, trains, and develops subordinates or Junior Estimators.
• Proactively supports, encourages, and facilitates staff engagement in continuous improvement activities.
• Plans, coordinates, reviews, verifies, and analyzes all aspects of estimates and estimate presentation.
• Assists in planning and developing formal training programs to maintain and improve estimating techniques, procedures, and capabilities.
• Maintains familiarity with estimating and cost engineering developments outside the company and suggests applications to company business where warranted.
• Identifies and assesses improvement opportunities which will add value.
• Champions continuous improvement efforts.
• Performs other administrative, supervisory, and technical duties as assigned.
• Helps maintain the Company estimating database.

Requirements

• 8 to 20 years of relevant experience, including some estimating experience.
• Bidding experience.
• Field and/or project experience.
• Ability to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (e.g., criminal/civil background check, drug screen, motor vehicle records search).

Preferred Qualifications

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

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 and development of subordinates.
• Mathematical skills.
• Understanding of project design scopes.
• Consulting skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Planning and consensus team-building.
• Ability to function in an international joint environment.
• Interpretation and understanding of specifications and contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with InEight Estimating, On-Screen Takeoff, RS Means, and MCASES (MII).
• Experience estimating, working with, and/or working for the Corp of Engineers (a plus).

Work Environment

• Typical office environment.
• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment.
• This position requires an average of 0%-5% travel.

Pay

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

• State of California: $153,709 - $260,676
• State of Colorado: $147,026 - $220,572
• State of Illinois: $147,026 - $220,572
• State of Massachusetts: $160,392 - $240,624
• State of Minnesota: $140,343 - $210,546
• State of New York: $167,075 - $250,650
• State of Virginia: $140,343 - $240,624
• State of Washington: $160,392 - $240,624

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurances.
• Disability and a robust wellness program.
• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.
• Company-matched 401k plan.
• Adoption reimbursement, vendor discounts, employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, and voluntary legal plan.
• B&V Credit Union.
• Eligibility for a performance-based bonus program.
• 100% ESOP-owned company, empowering professionals to drive personal growth and share in financial rewards through stock ownership.