About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Trade & Construction.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

The Estimator I is an entry-level construction estimating role supporting site development and heavy civil projects out of Sycamore, IL. You will work with senior estimators and operations teams to produce accurate, competitive bids and learn preconstruction processes, quantity takeoffs, and subcontractor solicitation.

• Perform quantity takeoffs and assist in preparing estimates
• Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents
• Support subcontractor and vendor outreach and pricing analysis
• Help prepare organized bid proposals and estimate documentation
• Participate in post-award handoffs to Operations
• Conduct site visits and field measurements as needed
• Learn construction means, methods, equipment, and field workflows
• Maintain organized estimate records and documentation

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform quantity takeoffs for assigned scopes of work and assist in developing accurate project estimates
• Review project plans, specifications, and contract documents to understand requirements
• Assist with subcontractor and vendor outreach, bid solicitation, and pricing analysis
• Support preparation and organization of bid proposals and estimate documentation
• Participate in project handoff meetings after contract award
• Conduct site visits and perform field measurements as required
• Interpret construction drawings and specifications under guidance
• Collaborate with estimating, operations, and project management teams
• Maintain records of estimates, subcontractor quotes, and related documents
• Continuously develop estimating skills, software proficiency, and industry knowledge

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Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and comfort working with measurements and project data
• Ability to learn and interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a team environment
• Positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and commitment to professional growth
• Flexibility to meet project deadlines and bid schedules
• Experience with or exposure to HCSS, AGTEK, and Viewpoint is a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite preferred

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Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
• Coursework or exposure to estimating, construction technology, or AutoCAD preferred
• Internship, co-op, or entry-level construction experience is a plus but not required
• Demonstrated interest in a long-term career in construction estimating and project development

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Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based estimating work with regular jobsite visits
• Must comply with client safety policies and maintain required PPE (hard hat, safety vest, eye and hearing protection, safety-toe footwear)
• Regular exposure to outdoor weather and construction environments
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Valid driver’s license required for travel to job sites and meetings

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Benefits & Additional Compensation

• $60,000 - $78,000 annually
• Eligible for incentive bonus program
• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits
• Profit sharing
• 401(k) plan with up to 5% employer match
• Leadership development coaching, ongoing training, and company events
• 13+ days PTO and 10 paid holidays

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Confidential Client Values & Disclaimer

Guided by values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Continuous Improvement, this job description summarizes primary responsibilities and is not exhaustive. Confidential Client reserves the right to update duties or job titles as needed to support business needs.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.