Senior Estimator

Inframark; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Inframark is seeking a skilled Structurer/Estimator to join its Water & Wastewater Operations. You will prepare accurate cost estimates for a range of projects, leveraging your knowledge of materials, labor, and operating costs to support bidding and execution.

Collaborate with project managers and engineers to drive cost optimization, ensure compliance, and deliver competitive proposals that meet performance guarantees.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in estimating or cost structuring, preferably in water and wastewater.
• Deep understanding of water and wastewater systems and cost drivers.
• Strong ability to interpret technical docs and project plans to estimate costs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for stakeholder collaboration.
• ProEst, Sage Estimating and MS Office, especially Excel, familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to develop detailed cost estimates.
• Develop zero-based cost estimates for water and wastewater projects including labor, materials, and overhead.
• Interpret specifications, permits, SLAs, and performance guarantees for compliant estimates.
• Identify cost optimization strategies to reduce project costs without compromising quality.
• Create structured, well-documented cost proposals for bidding and execution.

Skills

Estimating

Cost structuring

Analytical skills

Communication

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

ProEst

Sage Estimating

Job description

Join Inframark: Leading the Way in Water Management

Inframark's Operations and Maintenance team is an award-winning team that delivers cutting-edge water, wastewater, and public works services to municipalities, utility districts, and industries. We are dedicated to supporting our employees as well as protecting the environment and the communities we serve. You would be empowered to thrive in a dynamic, supportive, and innovative environment. Take the next step in your career and join us at Inframark.

Why Work for Inframark?

Our dedication to sustainability and community impact drives us to ensure clean, safe water for future generations. Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for advancement, Inframark offers purpose-driven work and opportunities for growth. We offer an attractive salary package, including a generous benefits package with health, dental, and life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and wellness plan.

Inframark is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the water and wastewater industry. We are dedicated to developing sustainable systems that support communities and protect the environment. Our team values collaboration, expertise, and a commitment to excellence in every project we undertake. Join us in making a positive impact on essential infrastructure!

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Structurer/Estimator to join our Water & Wastewater Operations team. In this mid-level role, you will work closely with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for a range of water and wastewater projects. You’ll play a key role in our project planning, bidding, and implementation processes, contributing your knowledge of cost structures, materials, labor, and operational requirements to support successful project execution. Your insights will be instrumental in driving cost optimization strategies that support project efficiency and financial goals.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with technical specialists, project managers, business developers, and regional leadership to understand project objectives, requirements, and scope, integrating these insights into detailed cost estimates for new pursuits as well as renewal efforts.
• Develop zero-based cost estimates for water and wastewater projects, including labor, consumables, maintenance, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, and operational costs — including flow variability, influent loadings (BOD, TSS, nutrients), wet weather impacts, and system inefficiencies (e.g., inflow and infiltration [I/I])—and translate these variables into dynamic estimating assumptions and cost scenarios.
• Interpret technical specifications, permits (e.g., NPDES), service level agreements, and performance guarantees to ensure estimates appropriately reflect compliance requirements, operational obligations, and associated cost and risk exposure.
• Identify cost optimization strategies by evaluating materials, labor, and process efficiencies to reduce project costs without compromising quality or compliance.
• Analyze project specifications and collaborate with the project team to identify cost-related risks and opportunities/optimizations.
• Conduct market research on materials and labor costs, monitoring trends to make informed pricing adjustments and support competitive proposals.
• Create structured, well-documented cost proposals to support project bidding processes, ensuring clear communication of cost breakdowns, assumptions, and justifications.
• Review project processes and specifications to ensure accuracy in estimating scope and potential challenges.
• Maintain and update cost databases and templates, ensuring consistent, accurate data and providing project teams with reliable reference points for pricing and cost control.
• Engage with vendors and suppliers to gather and verify cost data, negotiating pricing and terms when necessary to ensure competitive procurement.
• Contribute to budgeting and financial planning for project proposals and execution, working with stakeholders to align cost projections with financial goals as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years in estimating, cost structuring, or related roles, preferably within the water and wastewater industry.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of water and wastewater system performance, including treatment process optimization, regulatory compliance frameworks, and operational cost structures. Strong familiarity with key cost drivers such as chemicals, biosolids handling and disposal, energy consumption, and labor utilization.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret technical documents and project plans to develop accurate cost estimates.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with various teams and presenting estimates to stakeholders.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with estimating software (e.g., ProEst, Sage Estimating) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with cost structures and regulations specific to water and wastewater projects.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple project estimates simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate with team members to hone in on best cost structures.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• A supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment.
• Be part of a team that makes a tangible impact on communities and the environment

Inframark is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

To support a safe and secure workplace, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of background screening, drug testing, and driving record review where applicable.

Inframark is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.