Wet Utility Estimator

LVI Associates; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates in San Diego seeks an experienced Wet Utility Estimator to bid and win water, storm drain, and sewer projects across California. The role emphasizes accuracy, aggressive takeoffs, and strategic pricing to secure awarded work.

You will develop estimates, analyze plans, and coordinate with project teams to support growth and successful bids in a competitive market.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience bidding and winning wet utility construction projects.
• Experience with water, storm drain, and sewer pipeline projects in California.
• Proficiency with estimating software and project management tools.
• Strong knowledge of underground utility construction means and pricing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate wet utility cost estimates.
• Analyze plans, specs, contracts, and bid documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for underground utilities.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop detailed pricing for labor, equipment, materials, and subcontracts.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value‑engineering solutions.
• Coordinate with project managers and leadership during estimating.
• Maintain estimating databases and vendor relationships.

Skills

Estimating

Bid strategy

Underground utilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Estimating software

Project management tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Wet Utility Estimator to join a growing and highly respected heavy civil construction contractor based in San Diego, California. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven estimating professional who has a proven track record of successfully bidding and winning wet utility infrastructure projects throughout California.

The ideal candidate will possess strong estimating experience involving the installation, rehabilitation, and replacement of underground utility systems, including water, storm drain, and sewer pipelines, and will play a key role in securing new work and supporting the continued growth of their operations.

Key Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced Wet Utility Estimator to join a growing and highly respected heavy civil construction contractor based in San Diego, California. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven estimating professional who has a proven track record of successfully bidding and winning wet utility infrastructure projects throughout California.

The ideal candidate will possess strong estimating experience involving the installation, rehabilitation, and replacement of underground utility systems, including water, storm drain, and sewer pipelines, and will play a key role in securing new work and supporting the continued growth of their operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for wet utility construction projects.
• Analyze plans, specifications, contracts, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for underground utility systems, excavation, trenching, shoring, paving restoration, and related civil work.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop detailed pricing for labor, equipment, materials, and subcontracted scopes of work.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value-engineering solutions.
• Participate in bid strategy meetings and proposal development.
• Coordinate with project managers, operations teams, and leadership throughout the estimating process.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost information, and vendor relationships.
• Support negotiated work, design-build pursuits, and hard-bid public works projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience successfully bidding and winning wet utility construction projects.
• Proven estimating experience involving water, storm drain, and sewer pipeline projects, preferably throughout California.
• Strong knowledge of underground utility construction means, methods, equipment, production rates, and industry pricing.
• Experience preparing estimates for public works, municipal, private development, and commercial infrastructure projects.
• Ability to perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs and detailed cost analyses.
• Proficiency with estimating software and project management tools.
• Strong understanding of plans, specifications, contracts, and construction drawings.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work from the San Diego area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating projects ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of California municipalities, utility agencies, and public works bidding requirements.
• Experience with trench safety, shoring systems, utility relocation, and underground infrastructure improvements.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred but not required.