Estimator
Job Type: Finance & Accounting
Pay Range $129,329 to $152,151
Location Colorado Springs, CO
Date First Posted 2/24/26
Applications are being accepted through: 3/10/26
*If no date is displayed, applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis; however, this job posting may close at any time after a minimum of 5 days of being posted.
Estimator
This job is eligible for relocation assistance
*This is an on-site, non-remote/non-telecommuting position for the initial 6-month probationary period; a hybrid schedule will be considered after the probationary period has been completed
Colorado Springs Utilities is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Estimator to establish and lead our enterprise estimating program, building the estimating practice that shapes our community's infrastructure. This is an exciting opportunity in our Project Controls team in the System Planning & Projects Division. Our team of dedicated professionals meets our organization's needs by ensuring that infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently throughout their lifecycle through the effective application of project controls skills and supporting tools and systems.
In this high-impact role, you will serve as the organization's subject-matter expert, designing the standards, tools, and training that ensure every project-from treatment plants to pipelines-begins with accurate, consistent, and defensible cost estimates.
As a community-owned utility delivering Electric, Gas, Water, and Wastewater services, we manage a diverse capital portfolio that includes both vertical and linear infrastructure projects.
What You'll Do
Lead Estimating Standards & Governance
Develop and maintain estimating standards, procedures, workflows, and BOE frameworks
Establish classification guidelines (AACE or equivalent)
Recommend software, tools, and cost model structures
Drive Cost Data Management
Build and maintain cost libraries, unit price databases, and parametric models
Integrate lessons learned and historical cost data
Advance Estimate Quality
Conduct QA/QC reviews for internal and external estimates
Validate quantities, labor, unit costs, escalation, and contingencies
Reconcile estimates throughout design progression
Grow Organizational Capability
Create and deliver estimating training for engineers, PMs, and internal partners
Support Projects & Portfolio Priorities
Prepare or oversee estimates for a wide range of utility infrastructure:
Water/wastewater treatment facilities
Pump/lift stations & electrical substations
Transmission, distribution, and collection pipelines
Mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, and I&C components
Select appropriate estimating methodologies
Manage external estimating consultants
Support bid reviews, negotiations, and capital planning
Who you are:
A bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or similar is preferred
An advanced degree or certifications (AACE CCP/CEP, ASPE, PMI) is valued
Multi-years of demonstrative experience in AEC estimating, ideally within utilities, EPC, water/wastewater, or public infrastructure
Demonstrated success in producing multidisciplinary estimates
Experience improving standards, cost databases, and QA/QC programs
Familiarity with DBB, PDB, EPC, and other delivery methods
Experience reviewing or managing consultant-prepared estimates
Proficiency in tools such as HCSS, RSMeans, InEight, Sage, or similar
Expertise in quantity takeoff, labor productivity, indirect, escalation, risk, parametric, and conceptual estimating
Strong ability to interpret drawings, specs, and construction documents
Data analysis and cost benchmarking skills
Strategic thinker ready to build a new organizational function
Influential leader who drives the adoption of new processes
Proven partner to engineering, PMO, construction, finance, and procurement
Committed to continuous improvement and data-driven decisions
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.
Our Commitment to Our Employees...
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important - we prove it! That's why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.
Time Off to Recharge
Vacation - Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
Personal Leave -3 days per year
Paid Holidays -12 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave - 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
Vacation Buy - Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Health & Wellness - Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
Financial & Retirement Security
Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs
Additional Support
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness
ATTENTION :
All positions will be posted for a minimum of 5 calendar days.
Starting pay will be determined within the posted pay range based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate; if there is a single pay rate posted, the job starts at that rate.
Colorado Springs Utilities does not sponsor work visas of any kind, including H-1B, TN, or F-1 student visas (with or without OPT or STEM work authorization), or any other employment-based visas. All eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and work authorization must not be based on any work visa.
Colorado Springs Utilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Colorado Springs Utilities is committed to the principles of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity in accord with Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, 38 U.S.C. § 4212, as amended (VEVRAA), and § 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (§ 503). In addition, no person shall be unlawfully discriminated against because of race, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis protected under state or federal law. Human Resources shall assure Colorado Springs Utilities' benefits, classification, compensation, employee development, employee relations, and employment programs, conform to current legal and regulatory requirements and the provisions of Colorado Springs Utilities' Affirmative Action Plan in accordance with VEVRAA and § 503.
Accessibility Accommodations . If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting us at accessibility@csu.org or by calling 719-668-7500. This option is reserved for individuals who are unable to use or require assistance with the online tools as the result of a disability and is not intended for other purposes.
E-Verify and Right to Work Notice . Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Colorado Springs Utilities participates in E-Verify. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit: http://coloradospringsutilities.jobs/applicants-rights-and-responsibilities/ . If you have a legal right to work in the United States, there are laws to protect you against discrimination in the workplace. You should know that no employer can deny you a job or fire you because of your national origin. Unless mandated by law or government contract, employers cannot require you to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident or refuse any legally acceptable documents. If any of these things have happened to you, you may have a valid charge of discrimination that can be filed with the OSC. Contact the OSC for assistance in your own language. Call 1-800-255-7688. TDD for the hearing impaired is 1-800-237-2515. In the Washington, D.C., area, please call 202-616-5594, TDD 202-616-5525 Or write to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel NYA 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20530.
Have a question? If you have a question about a position or need assistance from a recruiter, email us at csurecruiting@csu.org or call 719-668-7500.
Job Type: Finance & Accounting
