Project Manager/Estimator-Wastewater Treatment

PCRecruiter - Recruitment Software & Applicant Tracking System; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil construction firm seeks a driven Project Manager/Estimator for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The role involves managing project lifecycles, cost estimation, and ensuring regulatory compliance while engaging with clients and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience in infrastructure management.

Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development and licensing support

Opportunities for advancement within a growing firm

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing and/or estimating water and wastewater projects.
• Strong understanding of treatment systems and utility coordination.
• Experience with public works procurement and compliance documentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction of water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Manage schedules, budgets, and field execution.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and maintain safety plans.

Skills

Project Management

Estimating

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

HCSS

HeavyBid

MS Project

Job description

About the Company

The company is a leading civil construction firm specializing in water and wastewater infrastructure projects throughout the region. With a legacy of delivering high-quality public utility projects and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, the company is known for its collaborative culture, technical excellence, and long-term partnerships with municipalities and public agencies. They are currently seeking a driven Project Manager/Estimator to join their growing team and lead critical infrastructure projects that protect public health and support sustainable communities.

About the Position

As Project Manager/Estimator – Water & Wastewater Systems, you will oversee the full lifecycle of construction projects focused on treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines, and related systems. This is a dual-role position requiring both field-based project management and office-based estimating expertise. You will lead the planning, execution, and cost estimation of complex infrastructure projects, while ensuring regulatory compliance, quality control, and stakeholder alignment.

This is a highly impactful role for someone with technical knowledge of civil/mechanical/electrical systems and a passion for building essential public works.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Project Management

• Oversee construction of water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and related infrastructure.

• Manage schedules, budgets, and field execution, coordinating across trades and disciplines.

• Lead job site inspections, enforce safety standards, and resolve field issues in real time.

• Collaborate with engineers, owners, and subcontractors to drive project success.

Estimating & Bidding

• Review bid documents and perform detailed takeoffs for structural, mechanical, and utility scopes.

• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor/vendor quotes; compile competitive bid proposals.

• Support value engineering, pricing analysis, and bid strategy development.

• Maintain estimating data and pricing for future bids.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and municipal regulations (e.g., EPA, OSHA, SWRCB).

• Oversee safety plans and environmental compliance, including NPDES and confined space protocols.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the firm in preconstruction meetings, OAC meetings, and client coordination sessions.

• Act as liaison to owners, municipalities, consultants, and inspectors throughout the project.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare submittals, RFIs, change orders, pay applications, and as-builts.

• Maintain thorough documentation and track project performance metrics for closeout.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.

• 5+ years of experience managing and/or estimating water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

• Strong understanding of treatment systems, piping, concrete structures, and utility coordination.

• Experience with public works procurement and compliance documentation.

• Proficiency with estimating tools (e.g., HCSS, HeavyBid) and scheduling software (e.g., MS Project).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build delivery methods.

• Familiarity with SWPPP, trench safety, confined space entry, and QA/QC protocols.

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in California or ability to obtain.

• Experience with DOT, municipal, or agency infrastructure contracts a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development and licensing support

• Opportunities for advancement within a growing firm

• Exposure to high-impact public infrastructure projects