Estimator - Crystal Lake, IL
Curran Contracting
About Curran Contracting:
Established in 1936, Curran has grown into a premier contractor, known for its expertise in site development, excavation, mass grading, paving, and asphalt sales. With a strong presence across multiple industries—serving commercial, industrial, and government clients—Curran operates from five key locations: Crystal Lake, Island Lake, Sycamore, and Oswego, Illinois, as well as Merrillville, Indiana.
For over 85 years, Curran has cultivated a reputation for excellence by consistently delivering high-quality results on every project. This success is driven by an unwavering commitment to our core values: family, continuous improvement, integrity, partnership, and respect. These values form the backbone of our operations and have enabled us to maintain lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and communities alike.
Job Summary:
The Estimator III is responsible for leading the preparation of bids for complex civil projects, including large-scale earthwork, stabilization, and paving operations. This position exercises advanced technical judgement, coordinates bid strategies, and serves as a mentor to Estimator I. This role works closely with operations and leadership to ensure estimates align with production capabilities and strategic objectives.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead full-cycle preparation of competitive estimates for mid-to-large scale sitework projects.
- Review, interpret, and clarify complex plans, specs, and contract documents.
- Analyze constructability, schedule impacts, and potential risks.
- Coordinate site visits and field reviews; integrate findings into final estimate.
- Solicit, scope, and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotes for accuracy and coverage.
- Develop preliminary schedules and production plans in coordination with operations.
- Support bid review meetings by presenting pricing rationale and assumptions.
- Participate in value engineering and alternative approach development.
- Contribute to the standardization of templates, production rates, and best practices.
- Mentor Estimator I and II staff in software use, takeoffs, and bid strategy.
Required Skills & Abilities:
- Advanced HCSS, Agtek, or bid/takeoff software skills, including digital takeoffs and production analysis.
- Strong understanding of earthwork, stabilization, and asphalt paving methods.
- Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously with minimal supervision.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and team coordination.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5-7 years of estimating experience in heavy civil and/or paving projects.
- Proven track record in preparing independent bids exceeding $5 million in value.
Working Conditions:
- Must be able to sit for prolonged periods both at a desk and while driving or riding in a vehicle.
- Regularly required to tour active construction sites and must comply with Curran’s safety policies, including wearing and maintaining required PPE (e.g. hard hat, safety vest, eye protection, hearing protection, safety-toe footwear).
- Exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, dust) is common.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs of materials, equipment, or presentation items.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate a personal or company vehicle to and from job sites, meetings, and for other business purposes.
- Employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally and uphold Curran’s core values at all internal and external work-related events, as well as daily interactions and operations.
Benefits & Additional Compensation:
- Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
- Profit Sharing
- 401(k) Plan with up to 5% employer match
- Leadership Development Coaching, Ongoing Training & Company Events
- 13+ Days PTO and 10 Paid Holidays
This role is targeting a range of $100k+ for a seasoned professional and is eligible for the company's incentive bonus program.
Guided by our values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Improvement, this job description provides a general overview of responsibilities. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Curran Contracting reserves the right to adjust duties, titles, and roles as necessary to support business needs.
Curran Contracting Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, citizen status, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, martial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited be applicable federal, state, or local employment laws or regulations in every location in which the company has facilities.
Thank you for considering Curran Contracting.