Estimator (Wet Utilities)

Keystone Distinction Group; California; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking an experienced Wet Utilities Estimator to prepare cost proposals and competitive bids for underground utility projects in Southern California. You will work on water, sewer, and storm drain systems, coordinating with PMs, field teams, and leadership to ensure defensible estimates.

The role supports pre-construction and business development for public and private sector infrastructure, with emphasis on constructability, pricing strategy, and timely bid

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management preferred.
• 5+ years of estimating experience in wet utilities, underground infrastructure, or heavy civil construction.
• Strong knowledge of water main, sewer, and storm drain installation methods.
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, profiles, and municipal specs.
• Proficiency with estimating tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, Agtek, HCSS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review civil plans, specs, and contract documents to define scope and pricing strategy.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for excavation, pipe installation, manholes, structures, and appurtenances.
• Develop full cost estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions.
• Interpret and apply municipal and agency standards including CA requirements.
• Solicit and analyze vendor and subcontractor pricing for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Prepare and submit bid packages, RFQs, and RFP responses within deadline.
• Coordinate with project managers and field leadership to confirm constructability and logistics.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct site visits to evaluate access and staging constraints.
• Maintain historical cost data and update unit pricing based on market conditions.
• Support budgeting, value engineering, and change order pricing on awarded projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Civil Engineering / Construction Management degree preferred

Tools

Bluebeam

Excel

Agtek

HCSS

Job description

Estimator (Underground Wet Utilities)

Location: Inland Empire Area, California

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, detail-driven Wet Utilities Estimator to prepare accurate cost proposals and competitive bids for underground utility projects involving water, sewer, and storm drain systems.

This role is critical to our pre-construction and business development efforts, supporting both public and private sector infrastructure projects across Southern California. You'll work directly with project managers, field teams, and leadership to ensure estimates are realistic, defensible, and aligned with constructability.

Key Responsibilities

• Review civil plans, specifications, and contract documents to define scope and pricing strategy.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for excavation, pipe installation, manholes, structures, and appurtenances.
• Develop full cost estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions.
• Interpret and apply municipal and agency standards including City of Los Angeles, San Bernardino County, and Caltrans requirements.
• Solicit and analyze vendor and subcontractor pricing for accuracy, coverage, and competitiveness.
• Prepare and submit bid packages, RFQs, and RFP responses within deadline.
• Coordinate with project managers and field leadership to confirm constructability, logistics, and production assumptions.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct site visits to evaluate access, utilities, traffic control, and staging constraints.
• Maintain historical cost data and update unit pricing based on market conditions.
• Support budgeting, value engineering, and change order pricing on awarded projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of estimating experience in wet utilities, underground infrastructure, or heavy civil construction.
• Strong knowledge of water main, sewer, and storm drain installation methods.
• Proven ability to read and interpret civil drawings, profiles, and municipal specifications.
• Proficiency with estimating tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, Agtek, HCSS preferred.
• Solid understanding of prevailing wage requirements, union labor rates, and public works bidding procedures in California.
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and communication skills.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Why This Role Matters

This is not a support position. You will directly influence project profitability, bid strategy, and execution success. If you understand underground utilities, know how real production works in the field, and can build estimates that hold up under pressure, this role puts you in the center of major infrastructure work across Southern California.