Sr. Plumbing Estimator @Steve Tate&Sons

Kelso Industries; Mount Airy (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelso Industries is seeking a Commercial & Industrial Plumbing Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive estimates for plumbing projects. You will perform takeoffs, develop material-quantity-labor estimates, obtain vendor pricing, evaluate risks, and assemble bid packages.

The role requires meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Responsibilities include reviewing drawings, applying labor rates, coordinating with vendors and subcontractors, and maintaining bid

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in commercial/industrial mechanical and/or plumbing estimating.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and bid documents.
• Proficiency with estimating software and MS Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and addenda to define full scope.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs by category and size.
• Apply labor unit rates to material quantities considering conditions.
• Solicit quotes from suppliers and subcontractors for bids.
• Identify scope gaps, ambiguities, and risks affecting pricing.
• Attend pre-bid walkthroughs to assess site conditions.
• Prepare complete bid proposals with forms, bonds, and clarifications.

Skills

Estimating

Plan & specs reading

Vendor negotiation

Team collaboration

Tools

FastPipe

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Position Summary

The Commercial & Industrial Plumbing Estimator at Steve Tate & Son Plumbing reports to the Senior Estimator and is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive estimates for commercial and industrial plumbing projects. This role performs takeoffs, develops material-quantity-labor estimates, obtains vendor and subcontractor pricing, evaluates project risk, and prepares complete bid packages. The Estimator's work provides the financial foundation for each project, requiring strong attention to detail, organization, and estimating accuracy.

Primary Scope Of Work

• Commercial and industrial plumbing systems.
• Domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage, natural gas, plumbing fixtures, valves, equipment, and specialties.
• Plumbing-related piping, supports, insulation, excavation, and other associated scopes as required by the bid documents.
• Coordination with mechanical, structural, architectural, civil, and other trades that affect the plumbing scope.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Review project drawings, specifications, and addenda to determine the full scope of work required.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs by material, size, quantity, and work category, including applicable fittings, valves, equipment, specialties, and related components.
• Apply labor unit rates to material quantities by work category, accounting for installation sequence, project complexity, and field conditions.
• Solicit, review, and incorporate quotes from material and equipment suppliers, vendors, and specialty subcontractors.
• Identify scope gaps, specification ambiguities, constructability concerns, and unusual project risks that may affect bid pricing.
• Attend pre-bid walkthroughs to evaluate site conditions, access constraints, existing conditions, and other factors not fully represented in the bid documents.
• Prepare and submit complete bid proposals, including required forms, bonds, clarifications, exclusions, qualifications, and supporting documentation by established deadlines.
• Create and maintain Job Estimate folders in FastPipe and the cloud-based storage system, ensuring current drawings, specifications, addenda, quotes, and bid documentation are organized and accessible.
• Complete estimating checklists and coordinate bid reviews with the Senior Estimator.
• Assist in managing the bid calendar and communicate upcoming deadlines, resource needs, and bid requirements.
• Identify potential value-engineering opportunities during the estimating and bid process.
• Develop and maintain labor productivity and unit-rate databases using historical project cost performance.
• Upon project award, participate in project kickoff and handoff meetings to transfer estimate assumptions, scope, pricing, risks, and supporting documentation to the project management team.
• Track bid results and compare estimated costs to final project actuals to improve and calibrate future estimate accuracy.
• Maintain historical cost records and support special estimating reports as requested by the Senior Estimator.

Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of commercial/industrial mechanical and/or plumbing experience, with a minimum of two (2) years of estimating experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of commercial and industrial plumbing systems, materials, installation methods, and applicable bid documents.
• Proficiency with FastPipe or similar estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents.
• Proven ability to develop accurate estimates for complex and competitive bid projects.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal project teams, vendors, subcontractors, and customers.

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here You Will Experience

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.

Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business