Estimator

Appleton Finn; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Appleton Finn in Houston is seeking a Senior Estimator with extensive wet utility and underground utilities estimating experience. The role focuses on accurate, competitive estimates for water, wastewater, storm drainage, and related underground work for public and private clients.

The ideal candidate will have established relationships with Houston-area General Contractors and a deep understanding of construction methods, pricing, and bid strategy to drive growth in commercial, industrial, and

Job description

About the Company

We are an established wet utility contractor serving the Houston, Texas market. Our current work focuses primarily on hybrid public works projects for single-family home builders and water districts.

As we continue to grow, we are looking to expand into additional private and public markets, including commercial, multifamily, industrial, municipal, infrastructure, and other development opportunities throughout the Houston area.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator with strong wet utility and underground utility estimating experience and, ideally, established relationships with General Contractors and other construction professionals throughout the Houston market.

This is an important position within the company, with the opportunity to play a key role in both our estimating operations and continued expansion into new markets.

Position Overview

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive estimates for wet utility and underground utility projects.

The ideal candidate will understand the Houston construction market, have a strong knowledge of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and underground utility construction, and be comfortable estimating projects for both public and private clients.

In addition to estimating responsibilities, the successful candidate will help identify potential projects and develop relationships with General Contractors, developers, municipalities, water districts, and other industry partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed estimates for wet utility and underground utility projects.
• Review plans, specifications, bid documents, scopes of work, and contract requirements.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs for water, wastewater, storm sewer, and related underground utilities.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project cost estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Analyze project requirements, schedules, site conditions, and construction methodologies.
• Identify potential risks, exclusions, scope gaps, and opportunities within bid documents.
• Develop competitive bid strategies while maintaining appropriate project margins.
• Prepare and submit complete, accurate, and timely proposals.
• Review estimates with management and operations prior to bid submission.
• Maintain organized estimating records and historical cost information.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, scope reviews, and post-bid discussions.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative construction approaches when appropriate.
• Track awarded and lost bids and help analyze pricing and market trends.
• Develop relationships with General Contractors, developers, owners, engineers, and other potential customers.
• Monitor upcoming projects and bid opportunities in the Houston market.
• Assist the company in expanding into commercial, industrial, multifamily, municipal, and other private and public markets.
• Work closely with project management and field operations to ensure estimates accurately reflect constructability and actual production conditions.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is more than someone who can perform quantity takeoffs. We are looking for an experienced estimator who understands how wet utility projects are actually built and has a strong understanding of the Houston construction market.

A candidate with established relationships with Houston-area General Contractors is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be able to combine technical estimating expertise with market knowledge and industry relationships to help the company pursue the right projects and expand its customer base.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of estimating experience in wet utilities, underground utilities, civil construction, or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and underground utility construction.
• Experience estimating both public and private construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction plans, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements.
• Proven ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs and develop detailed project estimates.
• Experience with construction estimating software and/or digital takeoff platforms.
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material costs, equipment costs, subcontractor pricing, and project markups.
• Experience working with General Contractors and/or public agencies preferred.
• Established relationships within the Houston-area construction market strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with operations, project management, and company leadership.