ILM Environments a Dragonfly Pond Works company is an environmental services company that specializes in the care, restoration, and management of land and water resources. Founded in 1987, ILM helps maintain the health, safety, and aesthetics of aquatic and natural areas. We serve homeowners, property developers, municipalities, and homeowners associations (HOAs) across Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana.

Location: Waukegan, IL 60085

Pay: $90,000 - $110,000 annually. 

Position Overview:

The Technical Project Specialist is responsible for partnering with ILM's Client Service Managers (CSMs) to develop accurate, competitive, and timely estimates for corrective repair and improvement projects within assigned region(s). The Technical Project Specialist plays a critical role in converting identified opportunities into awarded work by delivering reliable cost estimates, clearly defined project scopes, and professional proposal packages.

Client Service Managers own the client relationship. They are responsible for generating leads, conducting site assessments, identifying repair opportunities, and serving as the primary point of contact throughout the sales process. When corrective or repair work is identified, the CSM collaborates with the Technical Project Specialist to develop a comprehensive proposal that accurately reflects the scope of work, pricing, labor, materials, equipment, and project assumptions.

The Technical Project Specialist is expected to produce estimates efficiently while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and consistency. Proposal packages should be organized, professional, and easy for clients to understand, enabling informed purchasing decisions and increasing ILM's ability to secure profitable work.

Success in this role is measured by the quality and accuracy of estimates, proposal turnaround time, proposal volume, bid win rate, and contribution to achieving regional sales and profitability goals

Skills and Qualifications 

• 3+years of estimating or sales experience in stormwater, landscaping, environmental services, or a closely related construction or civil services field.
• Ability to read and comprehend stormwater plans, as-builts, and inspection
• Experience preparing estimates that include labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Highly responsive with the ability to manage multiple active proposals simultaneously in a fast-paced
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record; ability to perform field site visits including walking on uneven terrain near water.
• Ability to lift 50+lbs
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset consistent with ILM's core values: Passion, Teamwork, Quality, Simplicity.
• Team-oriented and aligned with Dragonfly's values: Quality Focus, Takes Ownership, and Growth Oriented.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner daily with Client Service Managers (CSMs) to prioritize, qualify, and respond to corrective repair opportunities.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates that accurately account for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, production rates, and project risk.
• Prepare estimates for a variety of stormwater repair and restoration projects, including:
  • Erosion and slope stabilization
  • Mechanical and hydraulic dredging
  • Invasive vegetation management
  • Shoreline restoration & stabilization
  • Riprap installation
  • Wetland Restoration
  • Bioretention and sand filter rehabilitation
  • Underground storm system clean-out
  • Pipe, riser, and outlet structure repair or reconstruction
  • Large construction focused public and private BID opportunities
• Produce professional proposal packages that include detailed scope narratives, pricing, assumptions, exclusions, and supporting documentation that are easy for clients to
• Review construction plans, as-built drawings, inspection reports, municipal compliance notices, and supporting documentation to accurately define project scope prior to bid submission.
• Conduct site visits independently or alongside CSMs to evaluate existing conditions, site access, construction challenges, and project requirements.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client scope review meetings as
• Review estimates prepared by Client Service Managers to verify pricing accuracy, scope completeness, production assumptions, and overall proposal quality.
• Serve as the primary technical estimating resource for Client Service Managers by providing guidance on repair solutions, constructability, estimating best practices, project sequencing, equipment selection, material applications, compliance requirements, and effective scope
• Collaborate with Operations, Sales Leadership, and Project Management to ensure estimates reflect current production methods, resource availability, and company standards.
• Manage a high-volume estimating pipeline while consistently meeting proposal turnaround expectations without compromising quality or accuracy.
• Maintain complete and accurate estimating records, proposal documentation, and opportunity status within Aspire or the company's designated CRM and estimating platform.
• Track proposal outcomes and participate in win/loss analysis to improve estimating accuracy, pricing strategy, and overall sales performance.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors to ensure current pricing, reliable availability, and competitive procurement.
• Coordinate with leadership to maintain current labor rates, equipment costs, material pricing, and subcontractor databases that support accurate and competitive estimates.

Benefits & Perks:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Bonus
• Protective Footwear Bonus

We are proudly an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.