Senior Estimator

J.F. Brennan Company Inc.; West La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. in Wisconsin is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead and mentor a team of estimators on marine, heavy civil and waterfront projects.

You will drive estimates from pursuit through handoff, collaborating with operations and project leadership to produce accurate, well-structured bids and budgets while shaping how Brennan wins work across the country.

Qualifications

• BS in civil engineering, construction management or related field or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in heavy civil, rail, bridges, or marine construction.
• Advanced knowledge of estimating techniques, schedules, budgets, cost control and material pricing.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, purchase orders, contracts and cost coding systems.
• Experience with HCSS-Heavy Bid preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, problem solving skills and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Calculate quantities, material price lists, labor costs per hour, equipment, etc.
• Research historical data and compile reports to develop guidelines for future estimates.
• Review drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
• Lead estimating meetings and oversee other estimators.
• Train and mentor estimators.
• Prepare project budgets for setup in accounting.
• Perform buy-out of subcontractors and suppliers.
• Deliver high-quality estimates that are accurate, complete, and timely.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Education

BS in civil engineering / construction management or related field

Tools

HCSS-Heavy Bid

Job description

Are you an experienced Estimator who can lead and train a team of estimators through projects?

This role will have a direct impact on the projects we pursue, how we approach them, and the continued growth of our business. You'll lead complex estimates from initial pursuit through handoff, partner closely with operations and project leadership, and help develop the next generation of estimators at Brennan. You'll have the opportunity to bring your construction knowledge to challenging marine, heavy civil, and waterfront projects across the country while helping shape how we win work.

Senior Estimator Responsibilities:

• Calculate various statistical data - quantity take-offs, material price lists, labor costs per hour, equipment, etc.
• Research historical data (purchase orders, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports, etc.) and compile summary reports to develop guidelines and precedence for future estimates.
• Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
• Communicate all business, technical and project aspects to sub‑contractors, i.e. "terms & conditions."
• Delivery of high-quality estimates that are accurate, complete, well-organized and on time.
• Proactively manage workload and consistently follow up on information.
• Build relationships with team members that go beyond the project.
• Effectively lead a team of estimators on large project estimates.
• Train and mentor estimators.
• Lead estimating meetings.
• Oversee and review estimates prepared by other estimators.
• Assist in contract negotiations.
• Prepare project budgets for set up in accounting.
• Perform buy out of subcontractors and suppliers
• Other duties as assigned.

Senior Estimator Qualifications:

• Required B.S. in civil engineering, construction management or related field or equivalent combinations of technical training and related experience.
• Minimum of 5 of working experience within heavy civil, railroads, bridges, or marine construction fields
• Advanced knowledge of construction equipment, estimating techniques, construction schedules, budgets, cost control and material pricing required.
• Ability to calculate mathematical extensions, read and understand engineering drawings, purchase orders, contracts and cost coding systems is essential.
• Advanced understanding of construction means, methods, equipment, engineering plans/drawings, contracts and labor practices.
• Experience with HCSS-Heavy Bid preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, problem solving skills and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

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.

Why choose us?

• We are a company voted by our employees as a certified Great Place to Work, and recognized by Fortune magazine as a Best Workplace in Construction.
• 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.

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Brennan will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Brennan, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Brennan mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Brennan employees, or to Brennan's resume database will be considered Brennan property.

Brennan will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Brennan's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening.

Brennan will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Brennan's Chief Human Resources Officer or his/her designee. No other Brennan employee is authorized to bind Brennan to any agreement regarding the placement of candidate by Agencies.

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

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.