Junior Estimator

William Charles Construction • Rockford, IL

3h • Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Estimator provides quantity takeoffs and complete cost estimates for DOT/municipal, commercial, and industrial sitework projects, with an emphasis on heavy civil scopes such as earthwork, site utilities, concrete paving and flatwork, and related work needed for sitework proposals. Opportunities include data centers, warehouses, and other large-scale private-market projects. The position is based in a local office in Rockford, Illinois, or Indianapolis, Indiana.

The role reviews contract documents, supports opportunity pursuits and go/no-go evaluations, prepares proposals and estimates, and manages preconstruction efforts through handoff to Operations. It also contributes to risk analysis, value engineering, bid scheduling, client and supplier communications, and presentations of estimates. The role is primarily office-based, with occasional site visits and travel between Illinois and Indiana offices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management.
• At least 5 years of experience in private commercial construction estimating, focused on heavy civil scopes.
• Equivalent combinations of education and work experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of cost estimating for commercial sitework projects.
• Precise attention to detail and exceptional organization.
• Highly motivated self-starter.
• Ability to manage time, prioritize, and schedule work efficiently.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and deliver under deadlines.
• Proficiency in Bid2Win or HCSS and exceptional Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to participate in meetings and reviews by teleconference as needed.
• Ability to travel on a limited basis for pre-bids, site walks, owner meetings, and home-office visits.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Primavera P6, Bluebeam, and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and interpret contract documents to understand the work and owner deliverables and prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Business Development Team on opportunity pursuits.
• Review opportunities and develop preliminary budget estimates and itemized summaries for go/no-go evaluations.
• Prepare complete proposals, including all deliverables, and execute the submittal process.
• Manage preconstruction efforts and hand off work to the Operations Team.
• Identify critical issues and develop risk-exposure summaries with associated cost impacts.
• Develop strategies and value-engineering solutions using creative and innovative thinking.
• Communicate and interact effectively with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Perform and review quantity-takeoff comparisons to evaluate accuracy and acceptance.
• Work with scheduling staff and Operations to develop accurate bid schedules.
• Present complete and accurate estimates to support confident decision-making.
• Represent the company at pre-bids and site visits.
• Participate in DOT and municipal proposal opportunities as needed, including when the commercial and private market is slow.

Benefits

• Ongoing performance reviews and merit increases.
• 401(k) with company match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Flexible spending account for healthcare and dependent care.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with plan choice and coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children.
• Diabetes management, telehealth coverage, prescription drug plan, and pet insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Bereavement leave.
• Military leave, including differential pay and benefits continuation.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Emergency Travel Assistance Program.
• Group legal plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level