Chief Estimator - Water​/Wastewater Design Build

Support our Design-Build water clients across the U.S. by leading the development of accurate, competitive, and strategic project cost estimates for complex infrastructure projects. As Chief Estimator, you will oversee all estimating functions, ensuring consistency, reliability, and alignment with project objectives across water, wastewater, and water resources programs.

This role plays a critical part in enabling successful project delivery through sound cost management, risk evaluation, and collaboration with project teams and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Leadership & Strategy

* Lead all estimating activities for Design-Build water and wastewater projects

* Establish and maintain estimating standards, tools, procedures, and benchmarking practices

* Provide oversight and final approval of major project estimates and cost models

* Ensure estimates are aligned with project scope, design intent, and execution strategies

Cost Development & Analysis

* Develop detailed cost estimates across all project phases, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor scopes

* Perform quantity takeoffs, unit cost analysis, and productivity assessments

* Evaluate construction means and methods to ensure accurate pricing

* Analyze market conditions, labor rates, and supply chain factors impacting cost

Risk Management & Cost Control

* Identify and assess cost risks and uncertainties within project estimates

* Ensure appropriate contingencies, escalation, and risk factors are incorporated

* Validate pricing assumptions and ensure consistency across project estimates

* Support project teams during execution with cost insights, estimate reconciliation, and change order evaluation

Business Development Support

* Partner with operations and leadership teams to support proposal pricing and competitive positioning

* Contribute to pricing strategy and commercial alignment for active pursuits

* Participate in client discussions and presentations as needed to support cost-related topics

Team Leadership

* Lead, mentor, and develop estimating team members

* Provide technical guidance and oversight for complex estimating efforts

* Promote collaboration between estimating, project management, and construction teams

* Drive continuous improvement and innovation in estimating practices

* Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)

* 15+ years of experience in estimating for water, wastewater, or heavy civil infrastructure projects

* Extensive experience with Design-Build delivery methods

* Strong expertise in cost estimating, construction methods, and pricing strategies

* Proven ability to develop accurate estimates for complex, large-scale projects

* Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or similar credentials preferred

Core Competencies

* Advanced analytical and cost modeling skills

* Strong leadership and team development capabilities

* Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration skills

* Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving ability

* Ability to perform in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.

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