Mega Projects Estimator – Water​/Wastewater Treatment Plants

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide. As a specialty distributor focused on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors across municipal, non‑residential, and residential end markets nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides customers with local expertise backed by a national supply chain.

Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit  to learn more.

The Mega Projects Estimator – Water/Wastewater Treatment Plants is responsible for developing accurate and detailed quantity takeoffs for highly complex critical infrastructure projects. This role supports both traditional bid work and design‑build delivery, contributing early‑stage material, constructability, and cost insights to guide project development. This role ensures material selections and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations as determined in the project specifications.

The role collaborates closely with sales, engineering, and design teams to support winning bid strategies and deliver exceptional customer value.

• Project Evaluation & Takeoff Development: Review and interpret construction plans, drawings, and specifications to determine project requirements; produce detailed and accurate material quantity takeoffs; identify appropriate materials and specialty components to meet project design criteria.
• Design‑Build Support: Participate in design‑build projects by evaluating material in early and late‑stage design; collaborate with contractors to identify alternative materials that maintain design intent while improving price competitiveness and delivery schedules.
• Bid Strategy, Sales Support & Customer Engagement: Collaborate with the sales team to develop competitive bid strategies; assist in scope and ensure timely, accurate delivery of customer quotations; conduct scope meetings with contractors; lead pre‑ and post‑takeoff calls; communicate with vendors and the Pre‑Bid team; recommend value‑engineering options; clarify unusual or complex project elements through RFIs, email, or calls.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Coordinate and review the work of associate estimators; provide ongoing training, mentoring, and continuing education support; serve as a senior technical resource as needed.

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication
• Ability to collaborate across engineering, sales, and operations
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills in a fast‑paced environment

• 5+ years of estimation experience in water/wastewater treatment plant construction or critical infrastructure projects
• Proven experience performing detailed material quantity takeoffs from construction plan sets
• Strong understanding of civil and mechanical infrastructure systems
• Experience working directly with engineering teams, contractors, and vendors
• Prior involvement in design‑build, value engineering, or complex bid strategies strongly preferred
• Experience mentoring or reviewing the work of associate estimators is a plus

Preferred:
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline. Typically requires BS/BA in the related discipline, 5–8 years of experience in a related field; certification is required in some areas or an MS/MA with 3–5 years of experience in a related field. Certification is required in certain areas.

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non‑job‑related information or protected characteristics. For more information, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..