Senion Construction Cost Estimator

The ideal candidate for the Senior Construction Cost Estimator oversee the process of cost estimation for projects in various buildings, industrial, water and wastewater industries, including construction and engineering. We are seeking a Senior Construction Cost Estimator to join our team! The work includes working closely with project managers, owners, designers and other team members to ensure accurate cost projections and help in budget preparation.

We are seeking an experienced Cost Estimator with deep expertise in public works and water infrastructure to support major capital improvement projects for the City of Los Angeles and other regional water authorities and public utilities in the Southern California region.

This role will play a critical part in developing accurate, competitive independent cost estimates for a water treatment facility, an $850 million design-build water quality improvement initiative and other projects, including reservoir relining, sedimentation treatment facilities, aqueduct-related infrastructure, sludge handling, and raw water quality upgrades. The position will also support independent estimating efforts for other water agencies such as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), local municipalities, and public utilities across Los Angeles County. The ideal candidate thrives in the public-sector heavy civil, mechanical, electrical and controls environment, understands California public bidding requirements, prevailing wage laws, and design-build delivery methods, and can deliver precise estimates that support market competitive bids and profitable project execution.

The duties and responsibilities of a Senior Estimator include:

• Must prepare cost estimates and apply American Society of Professional Estimators Cost Estimating Standards Estimating Practice
• Construction Cost Estimates prepared to AACE standards and classifications
• Assess and analyze blueprints, plans, and other project documents to prepare cost estimates
• Conduct research to obtain data on labor costs, materials, production times, and location
• Work closely with engineers, architects, contractors, and suppliers to ensure comprehensive cost estimation
• Review plans and specifications for requirements
• Understanding and applying construction cost estimating principals
• Experienced with utilizing Blue Book and RS Means.
• Use software for data analysis, forecasting, and budgeting
• Prepare detailed reports or bids for management, clients, or project teams
• Keep track of the latest industry trends and advancements
• Coordinate with team members on work progress and cost reporting
• Present and explain estimates to clients and stakeholders, answering any questions and addressing concerns
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and subcontractors
• Review project schedules and timelines to ensure they align with cost projections
• Monitor project progress to ensure costs remain within budget

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare AACEi CLASS 1-5 cost estimates for large-scale water infrastructure projects, including sedimentation plants, reservoir modifications, aqueduct improvements, pump stations, pipelines, sludge dewatering facilities, and related heavy work.
• Lead or support estimating developments specifically for the water treatment project, including analysis of plans, specifications, geotechnical data, and schedule requirements for the water treatment facility, reservoir relining, access road improvements, and ancillary structures (scheduled for groundbreaking this year.
• Review and interpret contract documents, drawings, and specifications to identify scope, risks, and cost drivers.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs using industry-standard methodologies; incorporate prevailing wage rates (Davis-Bacon / California).
• Perform quantity take-offs, produce bid packages, and support value engineering and constructability reviews.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to refine estimates during preconstruction and early project phases.
• Maintain historical cost data and unit pricing specific to Southern California water infrastructure projects.
• Participate in bid reviews, risk assessments, and client presentations to public agencies.
• Stay current with market conditions, material pricing trends, and regulatory changes affecting public works projects in the greater Los Angeles region.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive experience as a Cost Estimator in public works / heavy civil construction, with a strong emphasis on water and wastewater infrastructure (reservoirs, treatment plants, aqueducts, sedimentation facilities, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience estimating projects valued at $50M for public agencies, preferably with City of Los Angeles, MWD, or other California water authorities.
• Thorough knowledge of California public contracting laws, prevailing wage requirements, and design-build delivery methods.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Takeoff, Excel advanced modeling) and scheduling tools (Primavera P6 preferred).
• Strong understanding of site work, earthwork, concrete, piping, mechanical/electrical systems typical of water treatment and reservoir projects.
• Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites throughout the greater Los Angeles area (including Antelope Valley).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience directly supporting City of Los Angeles, Public Agency Projects or similar large-scale water quality improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Project scope (sedimentation treatment, sludge handling, reservoir modifications).
• Professional certification such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), LEED, or CMAA.
• Knowledge of public agency standards, specifications, and procurement processes.
• Local market knowledge of labor availability, subcontractor base, and material suppliers in Los Angeles County and Antelope Valley.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Patricia McCarthy at (310)606-9024.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Ability to Commute:

• El Segundo, CA 90245 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• El Segundo, CA 90245: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in El Segundo, CA 90245

Salary : $120,000 - $150,000