Job Description
Operational Technical Services (OTS) is one of the fastest growing private water and wastewater utility staffing providers in the country. We provide certified water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, collections, engineering, laboratory, water quality, maintenance, and training professionals to municipalities, special districts, and private utilities throughout the country. OTS offers temporary, temp to hire, direct hire and emergency on-call opportunities including great benefits.
TITLE: Estimator & Proposals Specialist
SALARY: $35 - $40/hr
LOCATION: Jackson County, TX
WORK HOURS: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – In-Office & Field-Based
Scope of Services:
Seeking a technical estimator with electrical or controls experience to support bidding and project development.
This role is primarily responsible for building accurate estimates for projects, including reviewing engineering drawings, performing site visits, identifying required materials and labor, and assembling pricing for bids.
In addition to estimating, this position will also help prepare clear and professional proposals for customers, particularly for custom or negotiated projects.
Approximately 80% of the role is estimating and 20% involves preparing proposals and supporting sales efforts.
Key Responsibilities (Estimating) Primary Responsibility
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and project documents
- Perform site visits as necessary to understand scope and field conditions
- Identify materials, equipment, and labor required for projects
- Build project estimates using Excel and internal tools
- Develop pricing within approximately ±10% accuracy
- Coordinate with engineers and technicians to validate scope
- Track bid opportunities and maintain estimate records
Proposal Development
- Prepare proposals for negotiated or custom projects
- Clearly explain scope, assumptions, and deliverables to customers
- Work with sales and leadership to structure pricing and project approach
- Assist in responding to customer questions during the proposal process
Project Scoping
- Take field photos and notes during site visits
- Identify potential risks, unknowns, or missing scope
- Help ensure projects are properly defined before work begins
Ideal Candidate Background
This role is best suited for someone with experience in:
- Electrical estimating
- Electrical contracting
- Controls systems
- Industrial electrical work
- Instrumentation or automation
Candidates may come from backgrounds such as:
- Electrical contractor estimators
- Controls technicians moving into estimating
- Industrial electricians with strong technical understanding
- Controls integrator project engineers or technicians
Qualifications Required:
- Prior experience in electrical work, electrical estimating, or industrial electrical systems
- Ability to read electrical drawings and specifications
- Strong organizational and analytical skills
- Proficiency with Excel
- Self-motivated with strong work ethic
- Ability to learn quickly and develop new technical skills
Preferred:
- Experience with control panels, PLC systems, instrumentation, or SCADA
- Experience estimating projects for industrial or municipal facilities
- Familiarity with water or wastewater infrastructure
Work Environment:
- Combination of office work and field visits
- Site visits to water plants, lift stations, and treatment facilities
- Collaboration with engineers, technicians, and project managers
- Opportunity to grow into more advanced project or technical roles
MUST HAVES FOR ROLE:
- Utility Pants: Employees must wear durable utility pants suitable for the work environment.
- Safety Shoes: Steel-toed or other appropriate safety shoes are mandatory to protect against workplace hazards.
- Candidates must consent to and pass a background check and drug screening as part of the hiring process.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Operational Technical Services, (OTS), is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colors, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.