Chief Estimator - Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
Jacksonville, FL | Full-Time | Salaried
We are seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) estimating team. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving estimating strategy, improving win rates, and developing a high-performing team.
This role plays a critical part in driving revenue, profitability, and long-term growth of our WWTP division. This is not just about putting numbers together - this role directly influences which projects we pursue, how we pursue them, and how we win them.
What You'll DoLeadership & Strategy
- Lead and develop the WWTP estimating team, setting standards for performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Drive estimating strategy to improve win rates, margin performance, and project selection
- Partner with executive leadership and operations teams to align estimating efforts with company growth goals
- Contribute to go/no-go decisions based on risk, competitiveness, and strategic fit
Estimating Oversight
- Oversee the preparation of detailed, accurate estimates for complex water and wastewater treatment plant projects
- Ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness across all bids and proposals
- Review and validate pricing, production assumptions, and risk factors
- Lead final estimate reviews and present project strategies internally
Team Development
- Mentor and develop estimators, takeoff specialists, and support staff
- Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous learning
- Establish processes, tools, and standards that improve efficiency and quality
Collaboration & Execution
- Work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to ensure constructability and alignment
- Support preconstruction efforts, including value engineering and cost optimization strategies
- Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and industry partners
Continuous Improvement
- Analyze historical cost data, production rates, and bid outcomes to refine estimating processes
- Implement improvements to systems, software, and workflows
- Stay current with market trends, pricing shifts, and industry best practices
What We're Looking ForExperience & Leadership
- 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, with a strong focus on water/wastewater treatment plant projects
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating teams
- Proven success improving bid strategy, competitiveness, and win rates
- Strong understanding of project risk, cost drivers, and construction methods
Technical Expertise
- Ability to read and interpret complex civil, structural, and process/mechanical plans and specifications
- Experience with estimating software such as HCSS, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar platforms
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Teams)
Leadership Traits
- High level of ownership and accountability
- Strong communicator who can align teams and drive decisions
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk and opportunity
- Committed to developing people and building strong teams
Why Petticoat-Schmitt?
We live our values (A.C.T.):
Accountability - Safety first. Plan the work. Execute with ownership
Character - Integrity, respect, trustworthiness, humility
Team - Shared goals, servant leadership, determination, and results
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Annual Profit Sharing - participate in company-wide profit sharing once annual goals are achieved
- Monthly Safety Bonus - earned when the company goes recordable-incident free
- Comprehensive health coverage options, including a 100% company-paid High Deductible Health Plan (employee-only coverage)
- Dental, vision, short/long-term disability, and accident coverage
- Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance
- 401(k) with 100% match on the first 4%
- Ongoing training, leadership development, and growth opportunities
Location & Travel
- Based out of Jacksonville, FL
- Travel as needed to support project pursuits, site visits, and team collaboration within a 400-mile radius of Jacksonville
What We Expect
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen
- Professional appearance and conduct
- Commitment to living Petticoat-Schmitt's values of Accountability, Character, and Teamwork
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
