Senior Professional, Estimating

About the role

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Professional, Estimating to join our Estimating team. This individual will report to our client’s office in Amarillo, TX (Hybrid 2 times per week). Employees may travel to a WSP office (Fort Worth, TX) for periodic meetings.

Responsibilities

• Interpret project specifications, drawings, and scope documentation to identify relevant cost components.
• Perform quantity take-offs for multiple construction disciplines, including civil, structural, architectural, and mechanical systems.
• Input and maintain estimate information using approved estimating software and templates.
• Research and apply appropriate labor and material cost information based on location, project type, and duration.
• Assist in the preparation of detailed cost breakdowns appropriate to the phase of work.
• Contribute to the development of direct and indirect cost estimates for construction work.
• Support the review and validation of subcontractor and vendor quotes.
• Cook up with discipline leads, designers, and engineers to clarify design assumptions and construction methods.
• Develop cost comparisons and variance reports to evaluate alternatives and value engineering options.
• Track estimate versions and maintain organized documentation for internal review and audit purposes.
• Absorb scope clarifications, inclusions, and exclusions for bid proposals.
• Support the development of unit pricing, productivity rates, and escalation factors in estimate development.
• Participate in internal estimate reviews and provide input on cost drivers and risk areas.
• Perform site visits or attend pre-bid meetings as needed to support estimating tasks.
• Ensure compliance with corporate standards, estimating procedures, and client-specific requirements.
• Maintain records of assumptions, methods, and reference data used in each estimate.
• Absorb historical project data to support benchmarking and cost validation.
• Contribute to cost modeling and early-stage budgeting efforts for feasibility studies or conceptual designs.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness of estimates.
• Analyze historical project cost data to identify trends, ratios, and cost drivers that support estimate development.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Science, or a closely related discipline, or proven equivalent experience.
• 5 to 7 years of relevant post-education experience in estimating or related areas.
• Proficiency in construction estimating fundamentals, including quantity-based estimating.
• Proficiency with estimating and reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel and estimating software (e.g., InEight, RSMeans, Bluebeam or similar).
• Ability to review and interpret construction documents, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Understanding of labor productivity concepts and cost build-up principles used in construction estimating.
• Working knowledge of standard estimating deliverables and documentation practices.
• Ability to interpret and use contractor/vendor cost inputs as reference information for estimating.
• Basic understanding of direct and indirect cost components and unit-rate concepts used in construction estimating.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Office 365.
• Ability to navigate enterprise data systems to support estimating inputs.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and design teams.
• Willingness to learn estimating processes, templates, and documentation standards, and to improve estimating consistency over time.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines under guidance.
• Familiarity with industry construction standards and building methods.
• An analytical mindset and ability to synthesize data from multiple sources.
• Awareness of safety, environmental, and permitting considerations that can affect construction scope and cost.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a long-term career in cost estimating.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree.
• Familiarity with BIM-based quantity extraction and model-based estimating workflows.
• Experience supporting construction audits or claims with cost data.
• Professional certification such as AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP).
• OSHA 30 certification or equivalent safety training.