Assistant Engineer (Cost Estimator)

Assistant Engineer

Advance your career as an Assistant Engineer with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), an industry-leading water and wastewater utility. Reporting to a Senior Civil Engineer, the Assistant Engineer is the mid-level engineering position on the engineering career ladder. The current opening is in the Engineering Services Division's Specifications and Engineering Support Section. This position will work closely with a team of engineers, designers and other workgroups across EBMUD to develop and complete cost estimates for new, replacement, and maintenance projects to be constructed or installed by EBMUD crews or by contractors.

Typical duties may include:

• Develop accurate and detailed cost estimates and perform quantity takeoffs for water/wastewater infrastructure projects, including pipeline, pumping plant, rate control station, reservoir, and treatment plants.
• Review project drawings, specifications and associated reference documents to understand the scope of work and identify key cost factors.
• Collaborate with project management and construction teams to assess labor, material, and equipment requirements.
• Analyze project risks, potential cost variations, and contingencies.
• Provide recommendations for alternatives to facilitate value engineering and mitigate budget overruns.
• Utilize existing cost history as a check to complete estimates.
• Evaluate historical data, market trends, and project costs to refine estimating processes and improve accuracy.
• Review cost estimate data and market conditions to provide explanation for deviations in received bids from the official engineer's estimate.
• Maintain accurate records of all estimates, bids, and cost documentation for future reference and project tracking.
• Provide leadership/mentoring in basic cost estimating concepts to project managers and other EBMUD staff.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have the following:

• Strong ability to read and interpret multidisciplinary (civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, pipeline etc.) construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficiency in cost estimating software, Bluebeam, and Excel. Experience with other Microsoft Office products and SharePoint environment is desirable.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in estimating costs.
• Strong technical writing skills and ability to justify recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet given deadlines.

This position is eligible for a hybrid onsite and telecommuting arrangement based upon terms agreed upon between the employee and supervisor. Work from home may be allowed for specific job duties.

The salary range is $11,885 per month increasing to $12,479, $13,103, $13,758 and $14,446 after 6, 18, 30, and 42 months, respectively.

EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws.