Chief Plumbing Estimator in Orangeburg

Energy Jobline ZR; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR seeks a Chief Plumbing Estimator to lead digital take-offs, cost modeling, and bid preparation for plumbing systems in commercial, institutional, or light industrial projects. The role emphasizes accuracy, code compliance, and strong vendor coordination.

The successful candidate will use advanced takeoff tools, coordinate with subcontractors, and guide junior estimators while supporting project hand-offs and value engineering opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years estimating plumbing systems in commercial, institutional, or light industrial construction.
• Field plumbing experience (Journeyman license) is highly desirable.
• High School Diploma required; Associate or Bachelor's in construction mgmt or Mechanical Engineering is a plus.
• Proficiency with digital takeoff software and MS Excel for cost modeling.

Responsibilities

• Take-offs & estimates for piping, fixtures, equipment, and labor from blueprints and specs.
• Coordinate quotes from vendors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.
• Prepare comprehensive bid packages forGCs or owners.
• Attend pre-bid site visits to assess conditions and risks.
• Create RFIs and integrate addenda into bid estimates; assist hand-off post-award.
• Identify cost-saving alternatives while ensuring code compliance.
• Oversee estimators and junior estimators; support project teams.

Skills

Estimating plumbing

Vendor coordination

Bid preparation

Site visits

RFI & addenda

Value engineering

Supervisory experience

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma

Assoc./Bachelors in construction management or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FastPipe

Quickpen Autobid

MS Excel

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Summary

The Chief Plumbing Estimator is responsible for calculating total project costs for commercial, residential, or industrial plumbing projects. This role involves performing material take-offs, evaluating labor requirements, reviewing plans/specifications, and preparing competitive, accurate bid proposals. Working under minimal supervision, the ideal candidate leverages technical plumbing knowledge and digital estimating tools to optimize profit margins and ensure code compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Take-Offs & Estimates: Analyze construction blueprints, specifications, and scope documents to complete detailed digital take-offs for piping, fixtures, equipment, and labor requirements.
• Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination: Request, collect, and evaluate quotes from material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and specialty subcontractors to secure competitive pricing.
• Bid Preparation: Build comprehensive cost estimates, proposals, and bid packages to present to General Contractors, project owners, or internal management.
• Site Visits & Pre-Bid Meetings: Attend pre-bid walkthroughs and site visits to evaluate existing field conditions and identify potential risks or constructability issues.
• RFI & Addenda Management: Formulate Requests for Information (RFIs) to clarify scope gaps or ambiguous drawing details and integrate addenda into bid estimates.Project Hand-Off: Assist Project Managers, Superintendents and Foremen during awarded job hand-offs by reviewing the original scope, budget breakdown, and vendor quotes.
• Value Engineering: Identify cost-saving alternatives or alternative installation methods while maintaining code compliance and design intent.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Oversee, develop, and support the work of Estimators & Junior Estimators.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years of experience estimating plumbing systems within commercial, institutional, or light industrial construction. Field plumbing experience (Journeyman license) is highly .
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. An associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, Mechanical Engineering, or a trade school certification is a plus.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency with digital takeoff software i.e., FastPipe or Quickpen Autobid o Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically MS Excel for cost modeling.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of local, state, and plumbing codes, plumbing schematics, and mechanical system designs.

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Ability to catch minor plan discrepancies and perform precise metric calculations.
• Analytical Skills: Strong mathematical aptitude and capacity to evaluate complex bid documents.
• Communication: Ability to negotiate with vendors and explain technical scopes to clients and GC partners.
• Time Managemen t: Proven ability to track multiple bid deadlines simultaneously in fast pace environment