Estimator

ADP, Inc.; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ADP, Inc. in Fountain Valley, CA is seeking an Estimator to prepare detailed cost estimates for water and wastewater projects across design-build, CMAR, and hard bid formats.

You will work with engineers, project managers, and subcontractors to ensure estimates align with scope, budget, and schedule. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering and at least five years of estimating experience in water/wastewater or heavy civil construction, with proficiency in Excel and Procore.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience in water/wastewater or heavy civil construction.
• Experience with design-build delivery methods preferred.
• Strong understanding of water/wastewater treatment plant construction methods.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with project teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for water and wastewater treatment plant projects.
• Prepare scope and bid breakdown packages for trade partners.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, and related documents to identify cost drivers and opportunities for value engineering.
• Work closely with engineers, project managers, and design staff to reflect design intent and construction feasibility.
• Solicit, review, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure competitive pricing.

Skills

Estimating

Procore

Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering

5+ years estimating experience

Tools

Excel

Word

Project

Outlook

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Fountain Valley, CA, US

Salary Range: $130,000.00 To $170,000.00 Annually

Department: Design-Build Construction
Reports To: Director of Design-Build
Classification: Exempt
Normal Business Hours: Approx. 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Prepared Date: 08/13/2025
Assigned Location: Fountain Valley Office
Travel: Occasional travel to project sites or partner offices as required

Job Objective:

The Estimator plays a key role in the successful delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects by preparing accurate, detailed, and competitive cost estimates across design-build, CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk), and hard bid projects. Reporting directly to the Director of Design-Build, this position requires a strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and processes in the water/wastewater industry, as well as the ability to collaborate with project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure estimates align with project scope, budget, and schedule requirements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for water and wastewater treatment plant projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Prepare detailed scope and bid breakdown packages for trade partners.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, and related documents to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Work closely with engineers, project managers, and design staff to ensure estimates reflect current design intent and construction feasibility.
• Solicit, review, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure competitive pricing and scope coverage.
• Develop and maintain historical cost data for use in future estimating activities.
• Participate in bid reviews, proposal preparation, and project presentations to clients.
• Assist in project budgeting and forecasting during pre-construction and early project stages.
• Collaborate with the scheduling team to ensure cost estimates align with proposed timelines.
• Track market trends in materials, equipment, and labor to maintain competitive and accurate estimates.
• Support project teams during the transition from estimating to construction, ensuring proper handoff of estimate details.
• Maintain compliance with corporate safety and quality standards in all estimating activities.

Design-Build Projects:

• Support progressive design-phase estimating from conceptual budgeting through GMP development, aligning cost with evolving design.
• Partner with the design team throughout Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Document phases to validate budget alignment and identify value-engineering opportunities.
• Develop and refine GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) estimates in coordination with the Construction Manager and project owner during preconstruction.
• Solicit, level, and negotiate trade partner bids to support GMP buyout, maintaining transparent, open-book cost reporting throughout preconstruction.
• Participate in constructability reviews and owner/CM budget reconciliation meetings to balance cost, schedule, and quality goals.

Hard Bid Projects:

• Prepare complete, competitive lump-sum estimates from finalized bid documents, drawings, and specifications within tight bid deadlines.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and solicit subcontractor/supplier pricing to develop accurate, comprehensive bid packages.
• Review bid documents for scope gaps, ambiguities, and risk, and prepare qualifications and exclusions as needed prior to submission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment plant construction methods, including heavy mechanical, piping, and concrete work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook; ability to learn and utilize estimating software and project management tools such as Procore.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with clients, team members, and subcontractors.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in cost development.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple estimates simultaneously.
• Knowledge of industry-standard estimating practices and familiarity with CSI divisions related to water/wastewater infrastructure.
• Ability to oversee multiple hard bids, CMAR and Design-Build bids simultaneously.
• Provide mentoring, coaching and training to stakeholders.

Education, Credentials, and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience in water/wastewater or heavy civil construction.
• Experience with design-build delivery methods preferred.

Work Conditions

Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to project sites, subcontractor facilities, and client offices. Site visits may require exposure to active construction areas, including both indoor and outdoor environments.