Preconstruction Piping Estimator

Wharton Smith•Sanford, FL

17d

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Preconstruction Piping Estimator willing to work in Central Florida. The position prepares accurate, comprehensive estimates for underground piping and utility installation projects, including quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, subcontractor solicitation, and cost estimating for self-performed and subcontracted piping work. The estimator collaborates with Preconstruction Managers, Project Managers, subcontractors, suppliers, and design teams to identify project risks, evaluate construction methods, and develop competitive estimates supporting project pursuits. The role manages multiple estimates and projects, approximately $4 million to $400 million, while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy. It includes attending pre-bid meetings and site visits as required, and may require travel for meetings, walkthroughs, and project visits. The schedule is full-time and exempt during standard business hours, with flexibility to accommodate bid deadlines, estimate reviews, project pursuits, and operational needs.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of experience in underground mechanical estimating, piping estimating, utility construction, or a related construction field.
Strong understanding of underground utility construction, piping systems, appurtenances, excavation operations, and utility installation methods.
Knowledge of temporary construction requirements and construction means and methods associated with underground utility projects.
Ability to interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, reports, and contract documents for estimating.
Working knowledge of construction estimating principles, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, and scope analysis.
Ability to identify project risks, evaluate scope requirements, and support development of competitive construction estimates.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, PlanSwift, and On-Screen Takeoff (OST), and ability to learn company-specific estimating software.
Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
Strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to manage multiple estimates, projects, and competing deadlines.
Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven construction environment.
Proficiency with standard office equipment, including laptops, smartphones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Ability to perform office tasks requiring close vision, focus, and regular verbal communication.
Ability to occasionally lift and move office materials and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Availability to work a full-time, exempt schedule during standard business hours, with flexibility for bid deadlines, estimate reviews, project pursuits, and operational needs.
Willingness and ability to travel for pre-bid meetings, project site visits, walkthroughs, and meetings with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Valid driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and relevant field experience may be considered.
Previous experience estimating hard-bid municipal utility, water/wastewater, infrastructure, or civil construction projects.

Responsibilities

Read and review construction drawings, specifications, and project reports.
Perform quantity takeoffs for piping systems and appurtenances, including counts, measurements, and material identification.
Calculate labor and equipment costs for self-performed work under varying jobsite conditions.
Identify project risks, including utility conflicts, dewatering requirements, excavation protection needs, and temporary measures needed for complete piping installation.
Solicit subcontractor and supplier participation by phone, email, and other approved communication methods.
Develop and maintain beneficial long-term relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Perform scope analysis and identify estimating deficiencies, omissions, and gaps.
Manage multiple projects ranging from approximately $4 million to $400 million while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits as required.
Prepare Requests for Information (RFIs), clarifications, assumptions, and exclusions related to project estimates.