Water/Wastewater Lead Estimator - MCACES

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We empower them to grow, explore new possibilities, and use their diverse talents to solve humanity’s biggest challenges in sustainable infrastructure.

About the role

The Senior Estimator is responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates for municipal, government, and private clients. Project types include water and wastewater treatment facilities, pipeline conveyance, heavy civil and structural projects, dams, hydro facilities, tunnel construction, waterway, and marine construction. This is a hybrid position based at one of our US regional offices.

Responsibilities

• Retain primary accountability for estimate compliance for each project.
• Prepare complete and accurate cost estimates, including quantity takeoffs, assigning crews, and determining productivity for each discipline.
• Review all scopes to ensure compliance with project documents.
• Prepare cost estimates for proposals, projects, and studies, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and alignment with project requirements.
• Collaborate with design teams to understand project complexity, size, and process systems.
• Provide technical advice to design teams for all levels of estimates, from simple factored estimates to complex multi-billion-dollar lump sum bids.
• Manage multiple projects and estimate timelines effectively.
• Coordinate with design, operations, and procurement teams on project status, requirements, and deadlines.
• Communicate with the estimating team on project stages, time limits, and support needs.
• Appraise overall estimate accuracy and recommend contingencies for various types of estimates (e.g., Lump Sum bids, Defined Estimates).
• Assist the Solution Team Leader with an independent assessment of estimate accuracy, including man-hours, material, construction, and home office costs.
• Ensure orderly flow of project assignments within schedules and budgeted hours.
• Direct, train, and develop subordinates or Junior Estimators.
• Support and facilitate staff engagement in continuous improvement activities.
• Plan, coordinate, review, verify, and analyze all aspects of estimates and their presentation.
• Assist in developing formal training programs to improve estimating techniques and capabilities.
• Maintain familiarity with external estimating and cost engineering developments and suggest applications to company business.
• Identify and assess improvement opportunities to add value.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform other administrative, supervisory, and technical duties as assigned.
• Maintain the company estimating database.

Qualifications

• 8 to 20 years of relevant experience, including some estimating experience.
• Field and/or project experience.
• Ability to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements, including background checks, drug screens, and motor vehicle records searches.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills

• Ability to manage extremely complex estimates (e.g., large-scale, multinational joint ventures).
• Scheduling and planning skills.
• Cost engineering skills.
• Leadership and team development.
• Mathematical and analytical skills.
• Understanding of project design scopes.
• Consulting and problem-solving skills.
• Consensus team-building.
• Ability to function in an international joint environment.
• Interpretation of specifications and contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, InEight Estimating, On-Screen Takeoff, RS Means, and MCASES (MII).
• Verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience estimating, working with, or working for the Corps of Engineers (a plus).

Work Environment

• Typical office environment.
• Hybrid or flexible work options may be available after the first 90 days.
• Average travel requirement: 0%-5%.

Pay

Final compensation is determined based on skills, experience, qualifications, internal alignment, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. The following ranges reflect the applicable office location(s):

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Disability and wellness programs.
• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation, holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.
• Company-matched 401k plan.
• Adoption reimbursement and vendor discounts.
• Employment referral program and AD&D insurance.
• Pre-taxed accounts and voluntary legal plan.
• B&V Credit Union access.
• Performance-based bonus program eligibility.
• 100% ESOP-owned company, empowering professionals to share in financial rewards through stock ownership.