Estimator/ Project Manager (Trenchless Sewer Rehab/ Maintenance)

VisuSewer, LLC.; Cedar (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Visu-Sewer is seeking an experienced Sewer & Water Estimator/Project Manager to deliver accurate and profitable bids for underground utility projects. You will analyze plans, specs, and site conditions to develop detailed estimates for municipal, commercial, and private sector work.

The role combines technical estimating with project management, including coordinating scope, schedules, budgets, and stakeholder communications to ensure timely award and successful project execution.

Qualifications

• Experience in underground utilities, civil construction, excavation, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of sewer and water installation practices, DOT standards, municipal specs, and construction sequencing.
• Proficiency with estimating software (HeavyBid, B2W, Agtek or similar).
• Ability to interpret blueprints, civil drawings, GIS data, and survey information.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze drawings, specs, bid documents, and addenda to prepare comprehensive cost estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water main, service lines, manholes, and related structures.
• Develop pricing for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and hauling.
• Assemble and submit complete bid packages with supporting docs.
• Identify value engineering opportunities to improve competitiveness while maintaining quality and profitability.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Blueprint interpretation

Planning and cost control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

HeavyBid

B2W

Agtek

Excel

Job description

Position Summary

The Sewer & Water Estimator/ Project Manager at Visu-Sewer plays a critical role in delivering accurate, competitive, and profitable bids for underground utility construction projects. This position is responsible for analyzing plans, specifications, and site conditions to develop detailed cost estimates for municipal, commercial, industrial, and private sector work. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to ensure bids are complete, timely, and aligned with company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Proposal Development

• Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, bid documents, and addenda to prepare comprehensive cost estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water main, service lines, manholes, and associated structures.
• Develop accurate pricing for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and hauling.
• Assemble and submit complete bid packages, including all supporting documentation.
• Identify value engineering opportunities to enhance competitiveness while maintaining quality and profitability.

Project Evaluation

• Conduct site visits to assess field conditions, constructability, soil conditions, and potential risks.
• Evaluate utility depths, conflicts, traffic control requirements, and environmental considerations.
• Leverage historical data, production rates, and market trends to validate and refine estimates.

Project Management Responsibilities

• Support project handoff from estimating through award, including scope review, assumptions, and risk items.
• Develop project execution plans, schedules, and manpower/equipment loading in coordination with field leadership.
• Manage project budgets and cost controls; track production, quantities, and job cost reports; forecast cost-to-complete.
• Administer contracts and subcontracts, including scope alignment, compliance requirements, and documentation.
• Procure materials and manage vendor/subcontractor performance, pricing, and delivery to meet schedule.
• Prepare, price, and negotiate change orders; manage RFIs, submittals, and project correspondence.
• Coordinate permitting, utility locates, traffic control, inspections, and stakeholder communications (owners, engineers, municipalities, and residents/businesses as applicable).
• Lead or support project meetings and provide clear status reporting on safety, schedule, cost, and quality.
• Ensure adherence to safety plans, quality standards, and applicable specifications; identify and mitigate project risks.
• Manage project closeout, including punch list, as-builts, turnover documentation, and final billing.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with project managers, superintendents, engineers, and leadership throughout the bidding process.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes; clarify scope and inclusions.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and support client interactions as needed.

Tracking & Documentation

• Maintain organized estimate files, cost histories, and unit pricing databases.
• Track bid outcomes and conduct post-bid analysis to improve future performance.
• Update estimating systems and internal tools with current pricing and production data.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in underground utilities, civil construction, excavation, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of sewer and water installation practices, DOT standards, municipal specifications, and construction sequencing.
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., HeavyBid, B2W, Agtek, or similar).
• Ability to interpret blueprints, civil drawings, GIS data, and survey information.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–10+ years of estimating or relevant field experience in utility construction.
• Field or project leadership experience (e.g., Project Manager, Superintendent, Foreman, Field Engineer).
• Familiarity with trenchless technologies such as CIPP, sliplining, pipe bursting, or HDD.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with periodic travel to project sites.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment managing multiple bids simultaneously.
• Occasional extended or after-hours work based on bid schedules.