Senior Estimator - Hydro-Mechanical

At Stantec, we know the work we do matters. From decarbonizing mines to modernizing electric grids and building the infrastructure that fuels communities, we’re powering the world. Our clients come to us with their biggest, most complex challenges because that’s where we thrive. Join us for a chance to grow professionally at one of the world’s top design firms while building our clean energy future.

About the role

As a Senior Estimator at Stantec, you will develop, manage, and coordinate large multi-discipline infrastructure cost estimates and construction schedules. You will work with a dynamic team of cost estimators, schedulers, and construction engineers in Stantec's estimating group, leading teams of discipline estimators on projects ranging from approximately $1 million to $2 billion. This role supports complex projects worldwide, focusing on hydropower, water infrastructure, and mechanical systems estimating.

This position offers flexibility in working from home or a Stantec US/Canadian office, with potential domestic and international travel required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the timely development of multi-discipline cost estimates and construction schedules.
• Collaborate with other estimators to develop cost estimates and schedules.
• Develop detailed estimates for water treatment processes, wastewater systems, pumping stations, process mechanical equipment, hydromechanical systems, pipelines, intake structures, conveyance systems, dams, spillways, gates, turbines, valves, and related infrastructure.
• Coordinate input parameters for cost estimates and construction schedules, validating material takeoffs and construction quantities from drawings.
• Compile information from all estimating disciplines into a single cost estimate.
• Develop estimate execution plans outlining strategy, scope assumptions, methodologies, staffing requirements, and schedules for major estimating efforts.
• Prepare labor-force work plans and basis of cost estimate report deliverables.
• Establish site-specific estimating criteria, including wage and productivity rates.
• Perform quality control of construction documents and propose design solutions.
• Support vendor, supplier, and subcontractor pricing activities, including soliciting, reviewing, and incorporating quotations into estimates.
• Provide support for procurement, change orders, claims valuation, and negotiations.
• Prepare construction logistics plans and innovative solutions for estimating challenges.
• Interface with management and client counterparts for specific estimating tasks.
• Identify, assess, and quantify project risks and opportunities, contributing to formal cost and schedule risk analyses.
• Review design documents to identify risks and opportunities related to competitive pricing.
• Prepare and coordinate constructability reviews for engineering designs.
• Serve as the primary cost estimating point of contact for clients and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and estimate defensibility.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, best practices, and emerging estimating methodologies to improve estimate quality and efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Engineering, Construction Management, Operations Management, Business Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of combined experience in estimating and construction roles.
• Experience with hydropower, water treatment, wastewater treatment, pumping systems, process mechanical systems, or major water infrastructure projects.
• Extensive technical knowledge of cost estimating, construction practices, engineering design, and applicable standards.
• Expertise in estimating hydropower, water, wastewater, or heavy mechanical infrastructure projects, including:
  • Hydroelectric facilities
  • Water and wastewater treatment plants
  • Pump and lift stations
  • Dams and water control structures
  • Water conveyance systems
  • Pipelines and transmission mains
  • Process mechanical systems
  • Industrial water infrastructure
  • Reservoirs and flood control infrastructure
• Advanced understanding of different contract methods and their application to estimating.
• Experience with estimating platforms such as InEight Estimate, Sage Timberline Estimating, On-Screen Take-Off, MCASES MII, IPE, or HCSS.
• Experience with scheduling software (Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Ability to travel for site reconnaissance and client/stakeholder meetings (domestic and occasional international travel).
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, direct, review, and present cost estimating projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation in addressing complex challenges.
• Ability to guide and mentor team members in engineering and construction-based estimating techniques.
• Positive attitude with strong relationship-building and client-facing skills.

Benefits

Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Wellness program, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan and employee stock purchase program
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Short-term/long-term disability plans
• Emergency travel benefits and tuition reimbursement
• Professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave
• Ten paid holidays per calendar year
• Vacation accrual between 10 and 20 days per year and paid sick leave

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

Pay

• Various locations in ME, VA: $91,000.00 - $136,500.00 annually
• Locations in MN, OH, VT, and various CA, ME, NY, VA areas: $101,100.00 - $151,700.00 annually
• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD, and various CA, NJ, VA areas: $111,200.00 - $166,900.00 annually
• Locations in WA, DC, and various CA, MA, VA areas: $119,300.00 - $179,000.00 annually

Final compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. Certain roles are bonus-eligible. Part-time compensation is pro-rated based on agreed working hours.