Estimator – Water​/Wastewater Treatment Plant & Heavy Civil Construction

Estimator — Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant & Heavy Civil Construction

At Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc., we don't just build infrastructure — we build life-changing infrastructure. We are a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm based in Jacksonville, FL.

We specialize in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development, with expertise in underground utilities, roadway construction, and related civil infrastructure.

We are seeking an experienced Estimator with a strong background in water/wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) or heavy civil construction to join our Jacksonville team. This role is ideal for an analytical, detail-oriented professional who thrives on precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

You'll play a key role in preparing accurate, competitive estimates that support the successful pursuit of complex treatment plant and heavy civil infrastructure projects.

• Prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates for water/wastewater treatment facilities, yard piping, and related civil and structural scopes.
• Participate in all aspects of estimating, including preconstruction activities and bid production.
• Identify quality bidding opportunities and establish priorities through RFP analysis and market research.
• Review plans, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope, production rates, and cost risks.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and jobsite visits to confirm existing conditions and constructability.

• Perform quantity takeoffs and solicit vendor and subcontractor pricing for mechanical/process equipment, concrete structures, underground utilities, and related scopes.
• Analyze geotechnical and structural information to develop accurate production and equipment assumptions.
• Define labor, material, equipment, and general condition requirements for self-performed and subcontracted work.
• Conduct value-engineering exercises to identify cost savings and constructability improvements.

• Present detailed estimates and project narratives for final review.
• Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, and operations teams to validate construction methods, productivity, and cost assumptions.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to ensure competitive and complete proposals.
• Support and mentor junior estimating staff and takeoff personnel as appropriate.

• Maintain current knowledge of industry standards, bid requirements, and construction best practices.
• Analyze historical cost data and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
• Partner with operations and finance teams to improve consistency in production rates and job costing.
• Represent Petticoat-Schmitt with professionalism and integrity in all client, subcontractor, and vendor interactions.

• Minimum 3 years of estimating experience in heavy civil or water/wastewater treatment plant construction.
• Proven experience in public and private bid environments with a strong understanding of project risk and cost drivers.
• Strong knowledge of civil, structural, and mechanical/process construction principles, means, and methods.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills for quantity calculations and cost modeling.
• Ability to read and interpret civil, mechanical, and structural drawings, bid documents, specifications, and geotechnical information.
• Familiarity with FDOT, municipal, or utility authority bidding practices preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Teams, Project, and One Note.
• Experience with estimating and construction software such as HCSS Heavy Bid, Bid2
  
  Win, Bluebeam, Plan Swift, Primavera P6, or Procore.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with estimating, operations, and field teams.
• Ability to mentor and support team development through collaboration and shared learning.

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