Estimator

Build Your Career with Curran Contracting

For over 90 years, Curran Contracting has been building the infrastructure that supports communities throughout the Midwest. As a leading heavy civil contractor, Curran self-performs site development, excavation, mass grading, underground utilities, soil modification, asphalt paving, and asphalt production, serving commercial, industrial, and government clients throughout Illinois and Indiana.

Curran operates from six locations across Illinois and Indiana, including Crystal Lake, DeKalb, Island Lake, Sycamore, Oswego, and Merrillville. Our success is built on quality work, strong relationships, and our core values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Continuous Improvement. We are seeking a motivated Estimator who wants to build a long-term career in construction estimating. This role provides hands-on experience in project planning, bidding, preconstruction, and field operations while working alongside experienced estimators and operational leaders.

Position Summary

The Estimator plays an important role in helping Curran pursue and win work across a variety of site development and heavy civil construction projects.

This position is a foundational step within Curran's Estimating career path, providing hands-on experience, mentorship, training, and exposure to the complete bidding and preconstruction process.

Working alongside experienced estimators and operational leaders, the Estimator will learn to analyze plans and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, solicit and evaluate subcontractor pricing, and help develop competitive project estimates.

Through jobsite exposure and collaboration with Estimating, Operations, and Project Management, you'll also develop an understanding of construction means and methods and how an estimate ultimately becomes a successful project.

What You'll Do

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Perform quantity takeoffs for assigned scopes of work and assist in developing accurate project estimates.
• Review project plans, specifications, and contract documents to understand project requirements.
• Assist with subcontractor and vendor outreach, bid solicitation, and pricing analysis.
• Support the preparation and organization of bid proposals and estimate documentation.
• Maintain organized records of estimates, subcontractor quotes, and project documentation.
• Develop proficiency with Curran's estimating systems, processes, and software.

Project & Field Support

• Participate in project handoff meetings following award to help ensure a smooth transition from Estimating to Operations.
• Conduct site visits and perform field measurements as needed to support estimating efforts.
• Interpret construction drawings and specifications with guidance from senior estimators.
• Develop an understanding of construction means, methods, equipment, sequencing, and field operations through jobsite exposure.
• Collaborate with Estimating, Operations, and Project Management teams throughout the bidding process.

Professional Development

• Learn from experienced estimators and operational leaders through hands-on mentorship and training.
• Continuously develop technical estimating skills, software proficiency, and industry knowledge.
• Build an understanding of the relationship between estimating, project planning, field execution, and project success.
• Develop communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, continuous improvement, and Curran's core values.

What We're Looking For

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately with numbers, measurements, and project data.
• Ability and willingness to learn how to interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to professional growth.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support project deadlines and bid schedules.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• Experience with or exposure to HCSS, AGTEK, and Viewpoint software is a plus.

Education & Experience

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

Why Join Curran?

At Curran, we believe our people are our greatest asset. The Estimator I position is designed to provide more than a job—it's an opportunity to build a career in heavy civil construction estimating.

You'll gain hands-on experience, learn from experienced construction professionals, develop your technical and business knowledge, and take on increasing levels of responsibility as you grow.

Benefits & Additional Compensation

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with up to 5% Employer Match
• Profit Sharing
• Company Incentive Bonus Program
• 13+ Days of Paid Time Off
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Leadership Development Coaching
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development
• Company Events & Team Engagement Opportunities

Working Conditions

• This is an in-person position based in Sycamore, Illinois , with travel to active construction sites and other Curran locations as required.
• Ability to sit for extended periods at a desk and while traveling in a vehicle.
• Regular visits to active construction sites and compliance with all Curran safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in varying outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and dust.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of materials, equipment, or presentation items.
• Must wear and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety vest, eye protection, hearing protection, and safety-toe footwear when required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate a personal or company vehicle for jobsite visits, meetings, and other business-related activities.
• Employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally and uphold Curran's core values during daily operations and at all internal and external work-related events.

Salary range for this role is $60,000-$90,000 based upon experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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, citizenship status, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local employment laws or regulations in every location in which the company has facilities.