Technical Project Specialist

Dragonfly Pond Works•Waukegan, IL

13d•$90,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

ILM Environments, a Dragonfly Pond Works company, is an environmental services firm specializing in the care, restoration, and management of land and water resources. Founded in 1987, ILM focuses on maintaining the health, safety, and aesthetics of aquatic and natural areas for a diverse clientele including homeowners, property developers, municipalities, and homeowners associations across Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana. The Technical Project Specialist is crucial in partnering with Client Service Managers (CSMs) to create accurate, competitive, and timely estimates for repair and improvement projects. This role is key to converting opportunities into awarded work by providing reliable cost estimates, clear project scopes, and professional proposal packages. While CSMs manage client relationships and lead generation, the Technical Project Specialist collaborates with them to develop comprehensive proposals detailing scope, pricing, labor, materials, equipment, and assumptions. The role demands efficient and accurate estimate production, resulting in organized, professional, and client-friendly proposals that facilitate informed decisions and secure profitable work. Success is measured by estimate quality and accuracy, proposal turnaround time, proposal volume, bid win rate, and contributions to regional sales and profitability goals.

Requirements

3+ years of estimating or sales experience in stormwater, landscaping, environmental services, or a closely related construction or civil services field.
Ability to read and comprehend stormwater plans, as-builts, and inspection reports.
Experience preparing estimates that include labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Highly responsive with the ability to manage multiple active proposals simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Valid driver's license and clean driving record; ability to perform field site visits including walking on uneven terrain near water.
Ability to lift 50+lbs.
Collaborative, team-oriented mindset consistent with ILM's core values: Passion, Teamwork, Quality, Simplicity.
Team-oriented and aligned with Dragonfly's values: Quality Focus, Takes Ownership, and Growth Oriented.

Responsibilities

Partner daily with Client Service Managers (CSMs) to prioritize, qualify, and respond to corrective repair opportunities.
Develop comprehensive cost estimates that accurately account for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, production rates, and project risk.
Prepare estimates for a variety of stormwater repair and restoration projects, including: Erosion and slope stabilization, Mechanical and hydraulic dredging, Invasive vegetation management, Shoreline restoration & stabilization, Riprap installation, Wetland Restoration, Bioretention and sand filter rehabilitation, Underground storm system clean-out, Pipe, riser, and outlet structure repair or reconstruction, Large construction focused public and private BID opportunities.
Produce professional proposal packages that include detailed scope narratives, pricing, assumptions, exclusions, and supporting documentation that are easy for clients to understand.
Review construction plans, as-built drawings, inspection reports, municipal compliance notices, and supporting documentation to accurately define project scope prior to bid submission.
Conduct site visits independently or alongside CSMs to evaluate existing conditions, site access, construction challenges, and project requirements.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client scope review meetings as needed.
Review estimates prepared by Client Service Managers to verify pricing accuracy, scope completeness, production assumptions, and overall proposal quality.
Serve as the primary technical estimating resource for Client Service Managers by providing guidance on repair solutions, constructability, estimating best practices, project sequencing, equipment selection, material applications, compliance requirements, and effective scope definition.
Collaborate with Operations, Sales Leadership, and Project Management to ensure estimates reflect current production methods, resource availability, and company standards.
Manage a high-volume estimating pipeline while consistently meeting proposal turnaround expectations without compromising quality or accuracy.
Maintain complete and accurate estimating records, proposal documentation, and opportunity status within Aspire or the company's designated CRM and estimating platform.
Track proposal outcomes and participate in win/loss analysis to improve estimating accuracy, pricing strategy, and overall sales performance.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors to ensure current pricing, reliable availability, and competitive procurement.
Coordinate with leadership to maintain current labor rates, equipment costs, material pricing, and subcontractor databases that support accurate and competitive estimates.