Stay ahead. Get job alerts

About SA Water

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

With operations and offices across the state, our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we’re focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact, and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About the job  

In this role, you will work closely with Senior Estimators to provide accurate and timely cost estimates for projects under our frameworks and special projects divisions. Your contribution will help ensure SA Water meets its month-on-month capital investment targets and continues to deliver high-quality services to the community.

About the Person

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about contributing to meaningful infrastructure projects. Additional responsibilities include:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates using first principles for infrastructure projects across all stages—from feasibility and concept design to detailed design—ensuring alignment with SA Water’s financial and strategic objectives.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of cost models and breakdown structures, ensuring data integrity and consistency for benchmarking and future project estimating.
• Engage with internal stakeholders including Engineering, IP&S, and SMEs to gather information, clarify scope, and support the development of Request for Information (RFI) documents for budget estimates.
• Participate in the review and interrogation of TOC Development Services (Upper Limiting Fee) proposals, ensuring alignment with market rates and SA Water’s value-for-money objectives through benchmarking and open-book reviews.
• Adhere to SA Water’s Corporate Compliance Framework, including relevant legislation, codes of practice, and internal policies, while maintaining high standards of quality assurance in all estimating activities.
• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating practices, share technical knowledge within the Cost Intelligence team, and commit to ongoing professional development in relevant technical and business areas.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• A Technician’s Certificate, Associate Diploma, or equivalent qualification in Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering high-quality first principles cost estimations within the infrastructure industry.
• Ability to interpret general engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, with analytical and numerical proficiency and a solid aptitude for mathematics and statistics.
• Understanding of cost management principles and experience using financial management systems to extract and analyse cost data.
• Confident presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate insights and findings to management and stakeholders.

Further information can be found in the attached PD – Estimator-PD.docx

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume, by 5:00PM 27th of October. For enquiries, please contact Gregg Forte from the Talent Acquisition team on Gregg.forte@sawater.com.au

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au