Chief Estimator - Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)Jacksonville, FL | Full-Time | SalariedWe are seeking an experienced
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 estimating 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 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 estimating 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 estimating 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 and 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, construction methods, and production rates.
Technical Expertise- Ability to read and interpret complex civil, structural, process, and mechanical plans and specifications.
- Experience with estimating software such as HCSS, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar platforms.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and 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.
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 in Jacksonville, FL.
- Projects and pursuits are generally located within approximately a 400-mile radius of Jacksonville.
- Travel as needed to support project pursuits, site visits, and team collaboration.
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.
