Senior Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance Cost Estimator

Jacobs Solutions • Denver, CO

126d • $107,800 - $148,300 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Jacobs is seeking a Senior Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance Cost Estimator to join our Operations Management & Facilities Services business. In this role, you will serve as a leader and technical expert in estimating, creating budgets, and developing pricing strategies for long-term Operations & Maintenance (O&M) programs in the water and wastewater sector. This hybrid position allows you to work from home with periodic travel to client sites and Jacobs offices. The ideal candidate will be located near a major airport in the United States to support projects across the Operations Management & Facilities Services business.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (or equivalent) and/or mid/high level utility operator certifications
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in water and/or wastewater utility services
• Professional project experience with operation and maintenance of water/wastewater utilities
• Demonstrated experience developing comprehensive O&M cost estimates for water/wastewater facilities
• Deep technical understanding of previous job experience in the water/wastewater field
• Strong knowledge of water/wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and operations
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills for complex cost modeling and analysis
• Excellent communication skills with ability to organize and structure meetings with pursuit teams
• Ability to produce effective PowerPoint presentations geared toward summarizing cost, price, and risk to senior leadership
• Knowledge of the competitive market space, bidding strategies, and common win themes
• Ability to review and understand solicitation documents, including RFPs and draft service contracts
• Capacity for independent learning and curiosity about all aspects of our business and marketplace
• Proficiency in cost estimating techniques and methodologies for O&M projects
• Ability to travel 25% of the time
• Valid passport
• Valid driver's license with no major infractions

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Ten (10) years of experience in the municipal O&M market
• O&M project delivery experience in startups/commissioning, and/or technical support experience
• Operator certification(s) and/or direct on-site experience managing, operating, maintaining, and optimizing utility infrastructure
• Demonstrated knowledge and curiosity about the 'big five' cost categories in our business
• Understanding of procurement processes, particularly for chemicals and other operational materials, including cost implications and risk profiles
• Ability to create innovative approaches to operations and maintenance with a focus on cost efficiency
• Proven capability to produce 'apples to apples' comparisons between incumbent operating costs and proposed solutions
• Detail-oriented with demonstrated ability to produce accurate estimates
• Commercial experience within the municipal services outsourcing market
• Extensive knowledge of methods to reduce utility operating costs through efficiency in energy consumption, chemical addition, staffing strategies, solids disposal, etc.
• Experience with estimating software and cost databases specific to water/wastewater operations
• Knowledge of contract structures and pricing strategies for O&M contracts
• Commitment to being a continuous learner and student of our company, operations, and industry

Responsibilities

• Serve as the owner and developer of estimating tool kits and cost models for water/wastewater O&M projects
• Produce comprehensive estimating plans for pursuit opportunities
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates for water and wastewater O&M projects, including detailed analysis of the 'big five' cost categories: people/staffing, power, chemicals, maintenance, and sludge/residuals management
• Review and interpret solicitation documents, including RFPs, draft service agreements, and contracts to ensure accurate estimate development
• Create 'apples to apples' comparisons between incumbent operating costs and proposed costs, requiring thorough review of existing agreements and financial information
• Develop innovative approaches to operations and maintenance with a focus on cost efficiency
• Identify risk areas in estimate development and participate in mitigation planning
• Organize and structure effective meetings with pursuit teams to gather information and present findings
• Produce effective PowerPoint presentations that summarize cost, price, and risk assessments for senior leadership
• Demonstrate knowledge of the competitive market space, including bidding strategies and common win themes
• Ensure consistency between project estimates, project breakdown frameworks, and project schedules
• Estimate costs and cumulative impacts of proposed design or construction changes
• Support procurement by analyzing subcontractor pricing to determine fair and reasonable costs
• Collaborate with business group managers, principal estimators, project/construction managers, and project teams
• Apply knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards to estimate development
• Research and analyze market trends affecting operational costs in the water/wastewater sector
• Present and defend estimates to internal stakeholders and clients
• Mentor junior estimators and share technical knowledge

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful water/wastewater projects
• Work-life balance with hybrid work arrangement
• Professional development and training support
• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Ability to purchase company stock at a discount
• Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees
• Seven paid holidays, one floating holiday, and caregiver leave
• Merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock for certain roles

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees