Overview As Senior Estimator, you drive the cost planning and competitiveness of wet pipeline projects in Southern California. You lead detailed estimates, coordinate with bid teams and clients, and influence project scope through analysis of drawings, soils, and specifications. You'll mentor junior staff and collaborate across project teams from pre-bid through post-award to support cost forecasting and change management. This role offers impact on major infrastructure work within a Top Workplace culture focused on safety, teamwork, and growth.
Responsibilities- Prepare detailed cost estimates for wet pipeline projects (labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs)
- Attend client pre-bid meetings and site visits and document RFQ/pre-bid information
- Review drawings, specifications, and soils reports to determine accurate scopes of work
- Develop and communicate estimate assumptions, resource needs, and cost breakdowns
- Maintain communication with internal departments, PMs, and clients throughout estimating
- Apply costing methodologies and historical data to ensure consistent estimates
- Lead or participate in bid reviews aligning with company goals and client expectations
- Mentor and support junior estimators and administrative staff
- Collaborate with project teams post-award for takeoffs, change orders, constructability reviews, and cost forecasting
- Coordinate and evaluate bid submissions and subcontractor proposals
- Provide interim departmental leadership support
- Perform additional duties as assigned by senior leadership
Key requirements- Minimum 10+ years in project cost estimating or project management within the wet pipeline industry
- Strong understanding of civil drawings, water district standards, soils reports, and project specs
- Proficiency in plan takeoffs using Planswift, OST, Bluebeam, or similar software
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Project)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in fast-paced environments
- Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities
- Advanced knowledge of construction means, methods, and sequencing
- Experience in developing competitive bids, GMP, and lump-sum estimates
- Competency in value engineering, risk assessment, and constructability evaluations
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and critical-thinking skills
- communication
- leadership
- mentoring
- Planswift
- OST
- Bluebeam
