Preconstruction Piping Estimator

Wharton-Smith, Inc.; Sanford (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a qualified Preconstruction Piping Estimator to support underground piping and utility installation bids in Central, FL.

You will review drawings, perform quantity takeoffs, and calculate labor and equipment costs for self-performed and subcontracted piping work. You will collaborate with preconstruction managers, project teams, and suppliers to identify risks and develop competitive estimates that help win projects ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of

Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred; equivalent combinations may be considered.
• Minimum of three years in underground mechanical estimating or related field.
• Experience estimating hard-bid municipal utility projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of underground utilities, piping, and installation methods.
• Proficiency in PlanSwift, OST, and MS Office; ability to learn estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Read drawings, specs, and reports to prepare estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for piping systems and appurtenances.
• Calculate labor and equipment costs for self-performed work.
• Identify risks and develop competitive estimates for bids.
• Solicit subcontractors and suppliers; maintain vendor relationships.
• Manage multiple estimates and meet bid deadlines.
• Prepare RFIs, clarifications, and exclusions for estimates.

Skills

Underground piping estimating

Quantity takeoffs

Cost estimation

Vendor relationships

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Associate degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or related field

Tools

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a highly regarded General Contractor throughout the Southeast, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Preconstruction Piping Estimator. We are currently seeking someone who is willing to work in Central, FL.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Preconstruction Piping Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and comprehensive estimates for underground piping and utility installation projects. This position performs quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, subcontractor solicitation, and cost estimating for self-performed and subcontracted piping work. The Piping Estimator works closely with Preconstruction Managers, Project Managers, subcontractors, suppliers, and design teams to identify project risks, evaluate construction methods, and develop competitive estimates that support successful project pursuits.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Read and review construction drawings, specifications, and project reports.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for piping systems and appurtenances, including quantity counts, measurements, and material identification.
• Calculate labor and equipment costs for self-performed work under a variety of jobsite conditions.
• Identify project risks, including utility conflicts, dewatering requirements, excavation protection needs, and other temporary measures required for complete piping installation.
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier participation via phone, email, and other approved communication methods.
• Develop and maintain long-term, beneficial relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Perform scope analysis and identify estimating deficiencies, omissions, and gaps as needed.
• Manage multiple projects ranging from approximately $4 million to $400 million while meeting strict deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits as required.
• Prepare Requests for Information (RFIs), clarifications, assumptions, and exclusions related to project estimates.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant field experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in underground mechanical estimating, piping estimating, utility construction, or a related construction field required.
• Previous experience estimating hard-bid municipal utility, water/wastewater, infrastructure, or civil construction projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of underground utility construction, piping systems, appurtenances, excavation operations, and utility installation methods.
• Knowledge of temporary construction requirements and construction means and methods associated with underground utility projects.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, reports, and contract documents to support accurate project estimates.
• Working knowledge of construction estimating principles, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, and scope analysis.
• Ability to identify project risks, evaluate scope requirements, and support the development of competitive construction estimates.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, PlanSwift, and On-Screen Takeoff (OST), with the ability to learn company-specific estimating software.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates, projects, and competing deadlines.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven construction environment.
• Proficiency in using standard office equipment, including laptops, smartphones, photocopiers, and scanners.
• Ability to perform office-related tasks requiring close vision, focus, and regular verbal communication.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move office materials and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Availability to work a full-time, exempt schedule during standard business hours, with flexibility to accommodate bid deadlines, estimate reviews, project pursuits, and operational needs.
• Willingness and ability to travel for pre-bid meetings, project site visits, walkthroughs, and meetings with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).

RECRUITER POLICY:

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Wharton-Smith, Inc. will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Wharton-Smith, Inc., including unsolicited resumes sent to a Wharton-Smith, Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Wharton-Smith, Inc. employees, or to Wharton-Smith, Inc.'s resume database will be considered Wharton-Smith, Inc. property. Wharton-Smith, Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Wharton-Smith, Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Wharton-Smith, Inc.'s recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Wharton-Smith, Inc. will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Wharton-Smith, Inc.'s Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Wharton-Smith, Inc. employee is authorized to bind Wharton-Smith, Inc. to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.