Estimator — Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant & Heavy Civil Construction

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 Estimator with a strong background in water/wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) or heavy civil construction to join our Jacksonville team. This role is ideal for an analytical, detail-oriented professional who thrives on precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

You'll play a key role in preparing accurate, competitive estimates that support the successful pursuit of complex treatment plant and heavy civil infrastructure projects.

What You'll Do

Estimating & Bidding

• Prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates for water/wastewater treatment facilities, yard piping, and related civil and structural scopes.
• Participate in all aspects of estimating, including preconstruction activities and bid production.
• Identify quality bidding opportunities and establish priorities through RFP analysis and market research.
• Review plans, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope, production rates, and cost risks.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and jobsite visits to confirm existing conditions and constructability.

Cost Analysis & Takeoffs

• Perform quantity takeoffs and solicit vendor and subcontractor pricing for mechanical/process equipment, concrete structures, underground utilities, and related scopes.
• Analyze geotechnical and structural information to develop accurate production and equipment assumptions.
• Define labor, material, equipment, and general condition requirements for self-performed and subcontracted work.
• Conduct value-engineering exercises to identify cost savings and constructability improvements.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Present detailed estimates and project narratives for final review.
• Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, and operations teams to validate construction methods, productivity, and cost assumptions.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to ensure competitive and complete proposals.
• Support and mentor junior estimating staff and takeoff personnel as appropriate.

Continuous Improvement

• Maintain current knowledge of industry standards, bid requirements, and construction best practices.
• Analyze historical cost data and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
• Partner with operations and finance teams to improve consistency in production rates and job costing.
• Represent Petticoat-Schmitt with professionalism and integrity in all client, subcontractor, and vendor interactions.

What We're Looking For

Experience & Education

• Minimum 3 years of estimating experience in heavy civil or water/wastewater treatment plant construction.
• Proven experience in public and private bid environments with a strong understanding of project risk and cost drivers.
• Strong knowledge of civil, structural, and mechanical/process construction principles, means, and methods.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills for quantity calculations and cost modeling.
• Ability to read and interpret civil, mechanical, and structural drawings, bid documents, specifications, and geotechnical information.
• Familiarity with FDOT, municipal, or utility authority bidding practices preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Teams, Project, and OneNote.
• Experience with estimating and construction software such as HCSS HeavyBid, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Primavera P6, or Procore.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with estimating, operations, and field teams.
• Ability to mentor and support team development through collaboration and shared learning.

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 based on experience.
• 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% company match on the first 4%.
• Ongoing training, professional development, and advancement opportunities.

Location & Travel

• Base Office: Jacksonville, FL.
• Project Support Area: Projects located within approximately a 300-mile radius of Jacksonville.
• Travel: Occasional travel as needed for pre-bid meetings, site visits, project pursuits, and vendor meetings.

What We Expect

• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
• Professional appearance and conduct.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, complete work.
• 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.