Estimator – Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant & Heavy Civil Construction

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Employment Type: Full-Time

At Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc., we don’t just build infrastructure — we build life-changing infrastructure. As a privately owned, employee-owned civil contracting firm, we perform work across public and private markets, specializing in water and wastewater treatment plants, site development, underground utilities, and roadway construction throughout the Southeast.

We’re seeking an experienced Estimator with expertise in WWTP or heavy civil construction to join our Jacksonville team. This role is ideal for an analytical, detail-driven professional who thrives on precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You’ll play a key role in preparing accurate, strategic bids that shape the success of major treatment plant and 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 pre-construction activities and bid production.

• Identify quality bidding opportunities (QBOs) and establish priorities through RFP analysis and market research.

• Review plans, specifications, and documents to determine project scope, production rates, and cost risks.

• Attend pre-bid meetings and jobsite visits to confirm conditions and constructability.

Cost Analysis & Takeoffs

• Perform quantity takeoffs and solicit vendor and subcontractor pricing for mechanical/process equipment, concrete structures, and underground utilities.

• Analyze geotechnical and structural data to model accurate production and equipment needs.

• Define labor, materials, equipment, and general condition requirements for self-perform 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 methods, productivity, and cost assumptions.

• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to ensure competitive and complete proposals.

• Support, train, and mentor junior estimating staff and Agtek operators.

Continuous Improvement

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, bid requirements, and construction best practices.

• Analyze cost history and integrate lessons learned into future bids.

• Partner with operations and finance teams to ensure consistency in production rates and job costing.

• Represent Petticoat-Schmitt with professionalism and integrity in all client and partner interactions.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Education

• Minimum 3 years of estimating experience in heavy civil or WWTP construction.

• Proven success in public and private bid environments, with strong understanding of risk and cost drivers.

• Advanced knowledge of civil, structural, and mechanical/process construction principles, means, and methods.

• Strong math and analytical skills for quantity calculations and cost modeling.

• Ability to read and interpret civil, mechanical, and structural drawings, bid documents, and geotechnical data.

• Familiarity with FDOT, municipal, or utility authority bid practices preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams, Project, OneNote).

• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, Bid2Win, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Primavera P6, or Procore.

• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.

• Ability to mentor and support team development through collaboration and shared learning.

How Our Estimators Live Our Values (A.C.T.)

Accountability – Relentless in accuracy and ownership; safety-minded in bid development and planning.
Character – Operate with integrity and fairness; honor commitments; do the right thing for the company, team, and customer.
Team – Share knowledge, mentor others, and commit to continuous improvement that delivers winning bids.

Why Petticoat-Schmitt?

Compensation & Incentives

• Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives.

• Monthly Safety Bonus when the company goes recordable-incident free.

• Company vehicle and fuel card (as needed for business use).

• Cell phone allowance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage Options: Multiple medical plans, 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%.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (for salaried positions) and 6 Paid Holidays.

• Training and professional development opportunities.

• Employee-Owned (ESOP) — every team member has a direct stake in the company’s success.

Location

Office: Jacksonville, FL (8014 Bayberry Road)
Projects: Throughout Northeast Florida, including site development and treatment plant work
Occasional jobsite visits and vendor meetings required.

Important Notice – Unsolicited Résumés

Petticoat Schmitt will not accept unsolicited résumés from any sources other than directly from a candidate. Any agency or third-party résumé submissions will be considered unsolicited and the property of Petticoat Schmitt. We will not pay any placement or referral fees 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.

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