Senior Estimator – Power Transmission & Distribution

Sr. Project Estimator – Power Transmission & Distribution

Our client is one of Canada's largest power line contractors, delivering turnkey and construction services in overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems, substations, fiber optics and substation and transmission foundations. They are currently looking for a Project Estimator for their Calgary location.

Overview:

An Estimator is responsible for compiling cost estimates to a client or potential client with products or services. He or she will do this by working out how much a project is likely to cost and create budgets accordingly. The job involves assessing material, labour and equipment required and analysing different quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers.

An estimator might work from a bill of quantities or just a set of drawings from the client. Estimators provide prices for everything from a one-off scheme to maintenance projects which will be completed over several years.

An estimator is concerned with getting the best price that will win the contract in a competitive bidding situation, while ensuring that the contract can be carried out profitably. The best price is not always the lowest one, and clients now award contracts based on quality of the service offered, as well as cost.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assemble estimates from various sources into a complete and final estimate for the company with Engineering support as required.
• Develop an understanding of indirect and conceptual estimating techniques and theories.
• Review and validate outsourced estimates with support from engineers.
• Review and incorporate historical data from estimates received, contracts awarded by the EPC Contractor and final actual project costs into company’s cost model.
• Format estimates in Owners Reporting format.
• Reviewing and understanding of the Design Basis, Engineering Design Documents, and Basis of Estimate.
• Develop complete estimates on selected projects consisting of project site visit, quantity take-off, pricing, and presentation of the estimate for cost engineering and management review.
• Provide estimating input on complex “conceptual” transmission projects.
• Provides guidance for non-estimating personnel on their estimating related requirements.
• Attend and assist in project planning sessions and team meetings to provide estimating input.
• Interface and communicate effectively (written and oral) with the estimating team, with all levels of management, clients, and industry contacts; contacts and develops business relationships with subcontractors and suppliers for pricing within estimates.
• Develop or assist in the development of general and project specific plans for execution, sequencing, and logistics; including, when required, construction and work procedures for specific activities related to a bid.
• Develop or assist in the development of preliminary project schedules.
• Perform additional assignments per supervisor's direction.

Knowledge/ Skills
 

• B.Sc. degree in Engineering, Bachelor of Commerce Degree (BCom), Construction Management Certificate, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and education
• 7+ years estimating, cost control and/or engineering with a minimum of 3 years estimating experience in projects ranging from $1M to $50M.
• 3+ years’ estimation experience with transmission and distribution systems, substations, fiber optics or substation and transmission foundations is preferred
• Understanding of construction documents and the ability to assess the level of completeness.
• Has developed technical knowledge of estimating practices, techniques, and equipment.
• Accurate data input and calculating skills.
• Knowledge of construction costs and budgets, ability to develop a project schedule.
• Solid computer skills; Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Project, and Excel.
• Able to read drawings and specifications.
• The ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to validate proposals, manage multiple priorities and work under pressure with minimal supervision
• Ability to identify problems/issues, looks beyond the immediate problem to the wider implications and generates possible solutions.
• Capable of adapting information/style to the audience, explains difficult information clearly and influences and persuades others towards consensus agreement in straightforward situations.