Chief Estimator of Water
Listed on 2026-05-24
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Engineering
Civil Engineering, Estimator -
Construction
Civil Engineering, Estimator
The Water Chief Estimator is responsible for leading all preconstruction efforts on large, complex water and wastewater projects, from early pursuit through handoff to construction. This role drives pursuit strategy and client-facing activities; leads Hard Bid, Collaborative Delivery (CMAR and Fixed Price Design Build and Progressive Design-Build) efforts; and oversees schedule, design development, and cost estimating from conceptual through GMP. The Water Chief Estimator manages risk identification and mitigation, ensures budget control and alignment with contractual requirements, and provides solutions that balance cost, schedule, constructability, and life-cycle performance.
They serve as the central liaison between operations, estimating, and design management; build and maintain strong relationships with owners, designers, trade partners, and vendors; and develop and mentor preconstruction staff.
- Lead preconstruction efforts for large, complex water and wastewater projects
- Drive pursuit strategy from early planning through construction handoff
- Serve as the primary liaison between estimating, operations, design teams, and clients
- Ensure accuracy, risk management, budget control, and alignment with contract requirements
- Lead Hard Bid, CMAR, Progressive Design-Build, and Fixed Price Design-Build pursuits
- Develop pursuit strategies, schedules, cost estimates, and GMPs from concept through 100% design
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project and contractual risks
- Oversee estimating quality, consistency, and efficiency across all bids
- Coordinate self-perform estimating and constructability reviews
- Partner with Business Development to vet opportunities and increase win probability
- Mentor, develop, and lead estimating and preconstruction staff
- Support marketing efforts including RFP/RFQ responses and interviews
- Maintain relationships with owners, designers, trade partners, and vendors
- Monitor historical cost data, productivity, and KPIs to improve future estimates
- Demonstrates humility, integrity, accountability, and resilience
- Strong communicator and team leader who builds trust across disciplines
- Calm and effective under pressure; decisive and solutions-oriented
- Passionate about mentoring, talent development, and continuous improvement
- Aligns with company values:
Leadership, Integrity, Ownership, Never Quit
- Deep knowledge of water and wastewater treatment construction and processes
- Strong understanding of alternative delivery methods and preconstruction workflows
- Experienced in risk analysis, go/no-go decisions, and contract review
- Proficient in CPM scheduling and bid development best practices
- Skilled in constructability reviews and coordinating design gaps during estimating
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
- 5–10+ years as a lead estimator on large water/wastewater projects
- Experience on projects $10M+ (construction value)
- Proven leadership of estimating teams
- Software experience: HCSS Heavy Bid, Bluebeam, Procore, MS Office
- Self-perform construction experience preferred
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