Senior Estimator (Wet Utilities Division)

Keystone Distinction Group; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking a Senior Estimator – Wet Utilities to lead cost estimation for underground water, sewer, and storm drain projects in the Greater Los Angeles area. You will drive estimates from concept through bid submission and handoff, coordinating with operations and subcontractors.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in wet utility estimating, a background in urban street projects, and proficiency with HeavyBid/Hard Dollar, Bluebeam, and AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience estimating wet utility projects (water, sewer, storm drain).
• Strong knowledge of underground utility construction, paving, and concrete work.
• Experience with a self-performing general engineering contractor on at-risk work.
• Experience on urban street projects with utilities and traffic control.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for wet utility projects (water, sewer, storm).
• Develop cost estimates from concept through completion.
• Analyze plans, specs, and requirements to determine scope and cost.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for accuracy.
• Incorporate field input and data to refine estimates.
• Support operations with change order pricing and value engineering.
• Maintain relationships with clients, vendors, project partners.
• Ensure estimates comply with company standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Independent worker

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Hard Dollar

HeavyBid

HCSS

Bluebeam

Primavera P6

AutoCAD

Job description

Senior Estimator – Wet Utilities

Location: Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Employment Type: Full-Time

General Summary

The Senior Estimator is responsible for managing the full estimating process for underground wet utility projects — from conceptual estimates to final bid submission and project handoff. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in water, sewer, and storm drain systems, as well as pump stations and treatment facilities. This role requires extensive experience with self-performing heavy civil contractors operating in urban street environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for wet utility projects including water, sewer, and storm drain systems.

• Develop cost estimates from concept through completion, including transitioning winning bids to operations.

• Analyze project plans, specifications, and requirements to determine scope and cost.

• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

• Incorporate field input and historical data to refine estimates and construction methodologies.

• Support operations with change order pricing, value engineering, and alternative method analysis.

• Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and project partners.

• Ensure all estimates are compliant with company standards and reflect realistic project execution strategies.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience estimating wet utility projects (water, sewer, storm drain).

• Strong knowledge ofunderground utility construction, paving, and concrete work as related to utility installations.

• Must have worked for a self-performing general engineering contractor performing at-risk work (not CM or government-only estimating).

• Experience working on urban street projects with existing utilities and traffic conditions.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with operations teams.

Software Knowledge

• Required: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

• Preferred Experience In:

  • Hard Dollar or HeavyBid or HCSS estimating software

  • Bluebeam (PDF markup & takeoff)

  • Primavera P6 or other scheduling software

  • AutoCAD or similar design review tools

Industry Specialties

Underground Construction Wet Utilities General Engineering Structure Construction Water & Sewer Pipeline Oil & Gas Pipeline Power & Communication Line

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Based on experience

• Comprehensive Benefits:

  • 100% employer-paid Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance for employee

  • Health insurance coverage for employee and family

  • Company vehicle and gas card provided

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Profit-sharing plan