Construction Estimator

Brewster Companies, Inc.; Maryville (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company medical insurance

Dental/Vision/Life after 1 month

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

Brewster Companies, Inc. is a family-owned civil and transportation construction firm seeking a Project Estimator to support preconstruction and hard bid efforts.

The role emphasizes detailed takeoffs, cost analysis, and coordinating with subcontractors to deliver competitive bids. The estimator will review plans and specs, compile labor/material/equipment costs, and develop robust estimate structures with achievable work plans.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of civil/heavy construction estimating experience.
• Proficient in reading civil plans, specs, and contract documents.
• Proficiency in Excel and estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob).
• Experience with electronic plan takeoff software and DOT bidding processes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates with labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Develop estimate structures backed by feasible work plans and rates.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and vendors for quotes and coverage.
• Identify risks, determine mitigations, and support bid strategy.
• Collaborate with ownership, management, and field teams to align estimates with execution.

Skills

Analytical skills

Mathematical skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Organizational skills

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

HeavyJob

Microsoft Excel

Electronic plan takeoff software

Job description

Job Duties

Preconstruction & Estimating

Project Estimator

Brewster Companies, Inc. is a family owned and operated company that specializes in heavy civil and transportation construction. As a rapidly growing company, we are looking for employees with a strong work ethic and great personality to join our team.

This position will be a vital role and in addition to our management team, work duties will include preconstruction and hard bid estimating. Brewster is seeking hardworking, motivated individuals who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career rebuilding and expanding our infrastructure.

Brewster Companies is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer with advancement opportunities and a great work environment.

Benefits

• Company Paid Medical Insurance for full-time employees.
• Dental/Vision/Life Insurance available after one month.
• 401(k) with competitive company match.
• Paid Holidays available upon hire.
• Paid Vacation accruals upon hire.
• Strong Family Culture - Family-Owned Business.
• Growth Opportunities - Promotions from within.

Job Duties

• Manage and update a log of potential opportunities, evaluating project scope and fit within Brewster's core competencies.
• Review and analyze civil construction plans, specifications, addenda, and contract requirements to identify cost impacts and project risks.
• Perform detailed takeoffs, measurements, and quantity calculations for earthwork, utilities, paving, structures, and other civil components.
• Prepare comprehensive estimates by assembling accurate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Develop cohesive estimate structures supported by achievable preliminary work plans and production rates.
• Utilize estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob) and electronic plan takeoff tools to prepare and document bids.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Communicate with and expand subcontractor and supplier databases to ensure competitive pricing and coverage.
• Solicit, evaluate, and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotes for scope compliance and best value.
• Negotiate terms, factoring in safety, quality, cost efficiency, and supplier diversity.

Risk Analysis & Strategy

• Identify project risks and work with management to determine appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate constructability, site logistics, schedule impacts, and phasing requirements during the bid process.
• Assist with developing contingencies and allowances to ensure accurate, defensible estimates.

Collaboration & Project Support

• Coordinate closely with ownership, management, and field supervisors to align estimates with field execution strategies.
• Prepare bid summaries, clarifications, and recommendations for review by company leadership.
• Support preliminary scheduling activities, sequencing, and manpower planning for proposals.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client presentations as required.

Post-Bid Responsibilities

• Support project handoff meetings with operations, ensuring that awarded projects are clearly communicated and properly set up in HeavyJob.
• Provide ongoing estimating support during project execution for change orders, cost tracking, and value engineering.
• Assist in maintaining historical cost data for benchmarking and continuous improvement.

Job Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in civil/heavy construction estimating preferred.
• Strong background in reading and interpreting civil construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob required).
• Experience with electronic plan takeoff software.
• Knowledge of DOT (IDOT, MoDOT) and public agency bidding processes preferred.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities; able to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, and subcontractors.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Personal Attributes

• Detail-Oriented: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in all estimates and documentation.
• Strategic Thinker: Evaluates risks, opportunities, and project approaches to maximize competitiveness.
• Collaborative: Builds strong working relationships with team members, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
• Proactive: Anticipates project challenges and proposes solutions during the preconstruction phase.
• Professional & Personable: Represents Brewster Companies' family-oriented culture with integrity and positivity.
• Results-Driven: Focused on delivering high-quality estimates that lead to successful project awards.