Position Title: Estimator
Department: Design-Build Construction
Reports To: Director of Design-Build
Classification: Exempt
Normal Business Hours: Approx. 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Prepared Date: 08/13/2025
Assigned Location: Fountain Valley Office
Travel: Occasional travel to project sites or partner offices as required
Job Objective:
The Estimator plays a key role in the successful delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects by preparing accurate, detailed, and competitive cost estimates across design-build, CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk), and hard bid projects. Reporting directly to the Director of Design-Build, this position requires a strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and processes in the water/wastewater industry, as well as the ability to collaborate with project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure estimates align with project scope, budget, and schedule requirements.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
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Prepare detailed cost estimates for water and wastewater treatment plant projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
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Prepare detailed scope and bid breakdown packages for trade partners.
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Analyze project plans, specifications, and related documents to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities for value engineering.
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Work closely with engineers, project managers, and design staff to ensure estimates reflect current design intent and construction feasibility.
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Solicit, review, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure competitive pricing and scope coverage.
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Develop and maintain historical cost data for use in future estimating activities.
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Participate in bid reviews, proposal preparation, and project presentations to clients.
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Assist in project budgeting and forecasting during pre-construction and early project stages.
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Collaborate with the scheduling team to ensure cost estimates align with proposed timelines.
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Track market trends in materials, equipment, and labor to maintain competitive and accurate estimates.
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Support project teams during the transition from estimating to construction, ensuring proper handoff of estimate details.
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Maintain compliance with corporate safety and quality standards in all estimating activities.
Design-Build Projects:
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Support progressive design-phase estimating from conceptual budgeting through GMP development, aligning cost with evolving design.
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Partner with the design team throughout Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Document phases to validate budget alignment and identify value-engineering opportunities.
CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk) Projects:
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Develop and refine GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) estimates in coordination with the Construction Manager and project owner during preconstruction.
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Solicit, level, and negotiate trade partner bids to support GMP buyout, maintaining transparent, open-book cost reporting throughout preconstruction.
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Participate in constructability reviews and owner/CM budget reconciliation meetings to balance cost, schedule, and quality goals.
Hard Bid Projects:
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Prepare complete, competitive lump-sum estimates from finalized bid documents, drawings, and specifications within tight bid deadlines.
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Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and solicit subcontractor/supplier pricing to develop accurate, comprehensive bid packages.
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Review bid documents for scope gaps, ambiguities, and risk, and prepare qualifications and exclusions as needed prior to submission.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
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Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment plant construction methods, including heavy mechanical, piping, and concrete work.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook; ability to learn and utilize estimating software and project management tools such as Procore.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with clients, team members, and subcontractors.
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Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in cost development.
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Ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple estimates simultaneously.
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Knowledge of industry-standard estimating practices and familiarity with CSI divisions related to water/wastewater infrastructure.
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Ability to oversee multiple hard bids, CMAR and Design-Build bids simultaneously.
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Provide mentoring, coaching and training to stakeholders.
Education, Credentials, and Experience Required
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Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
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Minimum 5 years of estimating experience in water/wastewater or heavy civil construction.
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Valid state-issued driver’s license.
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Experience with design-build delivery methods preferred.
Work Conditions
Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to project sites, subcontractor facilities, and client offices. Site visits may require exposure to active construction areas, including both indoor and outdoor environments.
