Estimator- Water/wastewater

LVI Associates; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator for a growing portfolio of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You will lead the estimating process from concept through bid submission, mentor team members, and develop competitive proposals for treatment plants, pump stations, and process piping.

You will review plans and contract documents, coordinate bid efforts, and negotiate pricing with subcontractors while maintaining high-quality estimates and meeting tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
• Experience estimating water/wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, or related infrastructure.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and industry estimating software.
• Ability to review plans, specifications, and contract documents with high accuracy.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with clients, vendors, and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed cost estimates and competitive proposals for heavy civil projects.
• Coordinate bid efforts: quantity takeoffs, pricing strategies, scope reviews, risk analysis.
• Review and approve capital project bids prior to submission.
• Assign and oversee estimating opportunities among team members.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals; prepare self-perform estimates where applicable.
• Assemble and present final project estimates for client review.
• Analyze project costs, productivity rates, quantities, and historical cost data to improve accuracy.
• Solicit and negotiate pricing from subcontractors and vendors during bidding.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Compare and evaluate bids for cost-effective approaches.
• Assist in preparing technical proposals and supporting documentation.
• Maintain quality standards while managing multiple estimates and deadlines.

Skills

Estimating

Water/wastewater experience

MS Excel proficiency

Plan review & cost analysis

Client/vendor relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

An established heavy civil contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to support a growing portfolio of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This role will be responsible for leading the estimating process from concept through bid submission, mentoring estimating team members, and developing competitive proposals for complex treatment plant and process piping projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates and competitive proposals for heavy civil construction projects.
• Coordinate bid efforts, including quantity takeoffs, pricing strategies, scope reviews, and risk analysis.
• Review and approve capital project bids prior to submission.
• Assign and oversee estimating opportunities among team members.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals and prepare self-perform estimates where applicable.
• Assemble and present final project estimates for client review.
• Analyze project costs, productivity rates, quantities, and historical cost data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Solicit and negotiate pricing from subcontractors and vendors during the bidding process.
• Maintain and develop relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Compare and evaluate competing bids to ensure the most cost-effective project approach.
• Assist in preparing technical proposals, presentations, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain quality standards while managing multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of estimating experience within heavy civil construction.
• Strong experience estimating water/wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, lift stations, process piping, or related utility infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and industry-standard estimating software.
• Ability to review plans, specifications, and contract documents with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with clients, vendors, and project teams.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical abilities.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously.

Preferred Experience

• Water and wastewater treatment plant construction
• Process piping and mechanical systems
• Structural concrete construction
• Underground utility infrastructure
• Design-build and alternative delivery projects
• Self-perform heavy civil construction operations