Plumbing Estimator

PMEP; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PMEP in Metairie, Louisiana seeks a Plumbing Estimator to prepare competitive cost estimates for plumbing in commercial projects. The ideal candidate will have 3-7 years of experience, strong knowledge of plumbing systems, and the ability to interpret construction documents. The role entails collaborating with project teams and supporting preconstruction processes. Familiarity with estimating software and a detail-oriented mindset are essential. PMEP is committed to delivering high-quality solutions in the construction industry.

Qualifications

• Three to seven years of plumbing estimating or plumbing field experience.
• Strong understanding of plumbing systems and commercial construction practices.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for plumbing scopes.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and bid documents for pricing.
• Support project teams throughout the bidding process.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Analytical Thinking

Technical Understanding

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Bluebeam

Autobid Mechanical

Revit

Job description

About the Company

PMEP is a leading design-build mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractor delivering high-quality, technically complex solutions across commercial, industrial, and institutional markets. Built on a foundation of craftsmanship, reliability, and deep technical expertise, PMEP partners closely with clients, designers, and builders to deliver integrated building systems that perform safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who take pride in precision, accountability, and collaboration. We believe that the systems we build are critical to how buildings operate and how people experience them, and we are committed to continuously improving how those systems are designed, installed, and maintained. Headquartered in the Greater New Orleans region, PMEP supports projects throughout the Southeast, delivering dependable execution and long‑term value through every phase of construction.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Plumbing Estimator that will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for plumbing scopes across commercial and industrial construction projects. This role analyzes drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop detailed pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work while supporting preconstruction and project teams throughout the bidding process.

The Plumbing Estimator plays a key role in identifying project risks, evaluating constructability, supporting value engineering initiatives, and positioning projects for successful execution. This position collaborates closely with project management, vendors, suppliers, and field teams to ensure complete and coordinated estimates aligned with project goals and company standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Estimating and Quantity Takeoffs
  • Perform quantity takeoffs from plumbing drawings and specifications including domestic water, sanitary, storm, and gas systems.
  • Review plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to determine complete project scope requirements.
  • Develop detailed cost estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
  • Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates based on project phase and available information.
• Scope Analysis and Risk Evaluation
  • Analyze bid documents to identify scope gaps, overlaps, exclusions, and project risks.
  • Evaluate constructability concerns and provide recommendations to improve efficiency and execution.
  • Develop clarifications and qualifications to support accurate and complete bid submissions.
  • Support value engineering and cost‑saving alternatives while maintaining quality and system performance standards.
• Vendor and Supplier Coordination
  • Solicit and evaluate vendor, supplier, and subcontractor pricing for plumbing scopes of work.
  • Review proposals for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with project requirements.
  • Coordinate with vendors regarding material availability, lead times, and pricing assumptions.
  • Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and trade partners to support competitive bidding efforts.
• Preconstruction Support
  • Attend pre‑bid meetings and site visits as needed.
  • Collaborate with project management and operations teams during project turnover and startup.
  • Support development of pre‑construction planning strategies and execution approaches.
  • Assist with coordination of estimating assumptions and project logistics considerations.
• Data Management and Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain and update historical pricing databases, assemblies, and estimating records.
  • Track market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing to improve estimate accuracy.
  • Support continuous improvement of estimating processes, workflows, and tools.
  • Ensure estimate documentation is organized, accurate, and properly maintained.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to seven years of plumbing estimating or plumbing field experience.
• Strong understanding of plumbing systems and commercial construction practices.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Bluebeam, and Autobid Mechanical.
• Familiarity with Revit preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines effectively.
• Experience within design‑build or preconstruction environments preferred.

Core Competencies

• Technical Understanding
  • Demonstrates strong knowledge of plumbing systems, materials, and installation methods.
  • Understands commercial construction processes, sequencing, and field execution requirements.
  • Applies technical expertise to develop accurate and complete estimates.
• Analytical Thinking
  • Uses drawings, specifications, and project data to evaluate scope and pricing.
  • Identifies risks, inconsistencies, and cost drivers early in the estimating process.
  • Develops practical solutions that balance cost, constructability, and project objectives.
• Attention to Detail
  • Maintains accuracy and consistency in quantity takeoffs, pricing, and estimate documentation.
  • Reviews bid documents thoroughly to identify coordination issues and scope gaps.
  • Ensures estimates are complete, organized, and properly supported.
• Organization and Planning
  • Manages multiple estimates, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
  • Maintains structured workflows and organized estimating records.
  • Plans work proactively to support bid schedules and project timelines.
• Problem Solving and Accountability
  • Approaches challenges with a solution‑oriented mindset.
  • Develops practical and efficient solutions to cost and constructability challenges.
  • Adapts quickly to changing project requirements and market conditions.
  • Takes ownership of estimate accuracy, completeness, and deliverables.
  • Follows through on commitments and supports successful project transitions.
  • Operates with professionalism and accountability in all interactions.

PMEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.