Chief Estimator — Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)

Jacksonville, FL | Full-Time | Salaried

At Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc., we don’t just build infrastructure — we build life-changing infrastructure. We are a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm based in Jacksonville, FL.

We specialize in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development, with expertise in underground utilities, roadway construction, and related civil infrastructure.

We 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 Do

Leadership & 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 For

Experience & 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.

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 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.

About Petticoat-Schmitt

Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL since 2007, Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm. We specialize in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development, with expertise in underground utilities, roadway construction, and related civil infrastructure.

Agency Disclaimer

Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Petticoat-Schmitt, and no fees will be paid for such submissions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.