Estimator (Treatment Plants)

Mountain Cascade, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mountain Cascade, Inc. seeks a detail-oriented Heavy Civil Estimator to support infrastructure projects, focusing on water and wastewater treatment plants, sewer systems, and water pipelines.

You will develop accurate cost estimates, materials, labor, and timelines aligned with company goals and client expectations. Responsibilities include reviewing plans, sourcing bids, collaborating with project management and field teams, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and codes.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in estimating costs.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate and detailed cost estimates for infrastructure projects, including sewer, water, storm drain systems, and treatment plants.
• Review project plans, blueprints, and specifications to understand the scope of work and identify key cost factors.
• Collaborate with the project management and construction teams to assess labor, material, and equipment requirements.
• Identify and source material suppliers and subcontractors, obtaining competitive bids and pricing.
• Analyze project risks and potential cost variations, providing recommendations to mitigate budget overruns.
• Prepare bid proposals, including detailed cost breakdowns, schedules, and project timelines.
• Evaluate historical data, market trends, and project costs to refine estimating processes and improve accuracy.
• Coordinate with project managers and field teams to review cost projections and ensure that estimates align with project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and local codes during the estimation process.Maintain accurate records of all estimates, bids, and cost documentation for future reference and project tracking.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

HCSS

Job description

Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Livermore, California, Mountain Cascade, Inc. has grown from a single-contractor operation into one of the most respected and innovative general engineering firms in Nevada and Texas. With over a century of combined management experience, we specialize in tackling the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects, underground pipelines, pump stations, water and wastewater treatment plants, site utilities, and heavy civil works, that many contractors prefer to avoid. By blending deep technical expertise with creative problem-solving, unwavering safety standards, and a relentless commitment to quality, we deliver reliable, forward-thinking solutions that set the industry standard for excellence.

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Heavy Civil Estimator to support our infrastructure projects, primarily focusing on water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants but also including sewer systems, water pipelines, storm drains, pump stations, water tanks. The Estimator will be responsible for accurately estimating costs, materials, labor, and timelines for projects, ensuring that all estimates are aligned with company goals and client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop accurate and detailed cost estimates for infrastructure projects, including sewer, water, storm drain systems, and treatment plants.
• Review project plans, blueprints, and specifications to understand the scope of work and identify key cost factors.
• Collaborate with the project management and construction teams to assess labor, material, and equipment requirements.
• Identify and source material suppliers and subcontractors, obtaining competitive bids and pricing.
• Analyze project risks and potential cost variations, providing recommendations to mitigate budget overruns.
• Prepare bid proposals, including detailed cost breakdowns, schedules, and project timelines.
• Evaluate historical data, market trends, and project costs to refine estimating processes and improve accuracy.
• Coordinate with project managers and field teams to review cost projections and ensure that estimates align with project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and local codes during the estimation process.Maintain accurate records of all estimates, bids, and cost documentation for future reference and project tracking.

Essential Functions

• Operate a motor vehicle to travel between multiple active construction sites within the same workday, often on short notice
• Conduct site investigations and field coordination necessary for accurate and timely cost estimates
• Respond promptly to time-sensitive field issues where delays from alternative transportation methods would negatively impact bid responsiveness, safety considerations, scheduling, or contractual obligations.
• Access project sites that are remote or not reasonably reachable by public transportation or ride-hail services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as an Estimator in the heavy civil construction industry specializing in water treatment plants (WTP) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and cost estimating techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficient in estimating software (HCSS).
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in estimating costs.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams and external vendors.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct site visits and perform on-site assessments when necessary.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods and work on a computer for prolonged hours.

This role offers competitive pay and opportunities for career growth within a dynamic, high-performing organization.