Estimator & Project Controls Co-Op

J.f.-Brennan-Company,-Inc.; West La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. in La Crosse, WI offers a construction estimating co-op designed for students pursuing construction management or civil engineering.

You will work with experienced estimators on quantity take-offs, cost research, and bid package preparation for marine and heavy civil projects. The role provides hands-on learning in budgeting, data research, and use of estimating software like HCSS-Heavy Bid, with site visits as schedule allows.

Qualifications

• Current student pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Surveying and mapping, Natural Resources or similar curriculum preferred.
• Sophomore standing or above preferred.
• Prior heavy civil construction coop/internship a plus but not required.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; exposure to HCSS-Heavy Bid a plus but not required.
• Friendly with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player with a strong work ethic and eagerness to ask questions.
• Must be punctual and reliable.
• Comfortable communicating via phone, text or in person with vendors, subcontractors and owners.

Responsibilities

• Assist Estimators with quantity take-offs and preparation of construction budgets for negotiated and hard bid projects.
• Support calculation of statistical data — material price lists, labor costs per hour, equipment rates, etc.
• Help research historical data (purchase orders, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports).
• Maintain and organize files of working documents and supplier price information under Estimator direction.
• Assist in reviewing proposal specifications and drawings to help identify scope of work.
• Support preparation of bid package and project update documents.
• Enter and organize data in estimating software (e.g., HCSS-Heavy Bid) under supervision.
• Participate in site visits and pre-bid meetings as schedule allows.
• Complete assigned learning objectives and periodic check-ins with supervising Estimator.
• Assist with writing technical work plans

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team player

Punctual and reliable

Office software proficiency

Questioning and curiosity

Education

Construction Management / Civil Engineering student

Sophomore or higher

Prior heavy civil coop/internship a plus

Tools

HCSS-Heavy Bid

Job description

Supports the Estimating and Project Controls team while gaining hands-on experience in the construction estimating process. Works alongside experienced Estimators to assist with quantity take-offs, cost research, and bid package preparation for negotiated and competitive-bid marine and heavy civil construction projects. Based in the La Crosse corporate office, this co-op provides practical exposure to hw projects are evaluated, priced, and prepared for pursuit. The position is designed for a student pursuing a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field who is looking to apply classroom knowledge in a professional construction environment.

Co-Op Responsibilities:

• Assist Estimators with quantity take-offs and preparation of construction budgets for negotiated and hard bid projects.
• Support calculation of statistical data — material price lists, labor costs per hour, equipment rates, etc.
• Help research historical data (purchase orders, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports).
• Maintain and organize files of working documents and supplier price information under Estimator direction.
• Assist in reviewing proposal specifications and drawings to help identify scope of work.
• Support preparation of bid package and project update documents.
• Enter and organize data in estimating software (e.g., HCSS-Heavy Bid) under supervision.
• Participate in site visits and pre-bid meetings as schedule allows.
• Complete assigned learning objectives and periodic check-ins with supervising Estimator.
• Assist with writing technical work plans

Co-Op Qualifications:

• Current student pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Surveying and mapping, Natural Resources or similar curriculum preferred
• Sophomore standing or above preferred
• Prior heavy civil construction coop/internship a plus but not required
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn the estimating process under close supervision.
• Comfortable working in an office environment with computers, spreadsheets, and estimating software.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; exposure to HCSS-Heavy Bid a plus but not required.
• Friendly with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player with a strong work ethic and eagerness to ask questions
• Must be punctual and reliable.
• Comfortable communicating via phone, text or in person with vendors, subcontractors and owners.
• Ability to travel occasionally for site visits as needed.

Who is Brennan?

Since 1919, J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) has delivered specialized marine construction, environmental remediation, and waterfront infrastructure solutions across the United States. Headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with additional offices throughout the country, we support complex projects from coast to coast with a strong commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and teamwork. As a family-owned company, we take pride in building a culture where people are supported, challenged, and empowered to grow. Our teams work on meaningful projects that improve waterways, strengthen infrastructure, and help protect the environment, all while collaborating with talented professionals who care deeply about the work and each other. At Brennan, you’ll find opportunities to make an impact, contribute new ideas, and build a rewarding career alongside people who are passionate about what they do.

• Our culture sets us apart . We strive to make our company the best possible place to work. We work hard to continue to build a culture in which every individual is important and the key to our success.
• Our focus on safety and quality is unmatched in the industry, and our ability to innovate has enabled us to succeed.
• We are a family-focused company and are determined to provide a rewarding career that offers above-average compensation.
• We offer an industry-leading benefits package. We are proud to offer our employees and their families group health, dental and vision insurance plans, 401(K) program with generous matching, annual bonus eligibility and profit-sharing program.

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Capital at: