Estimator - Substations

About the Role

Our Substations team is seeking a skilled Estimator to join the expanding group located in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, or Toronto. Reporting directly to the Manager of Substation Estimating, this role requires substantial expertise in Electrical Utility Construction, with a preference for those experienced in Substations or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. The Estimator will be responsible for producing comprehensive cost estimates, analyzing labor, material, and equipment needs, evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotes, and aiding competitive tendering while ensuring profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed project estimates, including site visits, quantity take-offs, pricing, and presenting estimates for engineering and managerial review.
• Consolidate estimates from multiple sources to finalize a complete company estimate with engineering support.
• Validate outsourced estimates with engineering assistance.
• Utilize historical data from prior estimates, awarded contracts, and actual project costs to enhance Valard's cost model.
• Format estimates according to Owner Reporting standards.
• Interpret Design Basis, Engineering Documents, and Basis of Estimate thoroughly.
• Prepare written bid deliverables outlining work understanding, assumptions, and execution plans.
• Offer estimating guidance for complex conceptual projects and non-estimating staff.
• Participate in project planning and team meetings, providing valuable estimating insights.
• Maintain effective communication with estimating teams, management levels, clients, and industry contacts.
• Develop pricing relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Assist in creating project-specific execution plans, sequencing, logistics, and construction procedures for bids.
• Support preliminary project schedule development.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Journeyman Electrician certification, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years in utility construction, with demonstrated estimating experience, or 3 years specifically focused on estimating projects in the $1M to $50M range.
• Experience with EPC estimating and bid submission documentation.
• Proficiency in InEight Estimating Software.
• Strong technical knowledge of estimating methodologies, including indirect and conceptual estimating techniques.
• Understanding of construction costs, budgets, and ability to develop project schedules.
• Able to interpret drawings, specifications, and construction documents accurately.
• Capable of assessing document completeness.

Benefits and Compensation

The role offers an annual salary between $100,000 and $130,000, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The comprehensive benefits package features a 5% RRSP matching program designed to support health and wellbeing.

Additional Information

• Position level may vary based on candidate qualifications.
• Applicants must have legal work authorization in Canada without restrictions.
• Valard Construction is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and accommodation.
• No automated application screening; all hiring decisions are made by human review.
• This posting represents a current vacancy only.

About Valard Construction

Valard Construction is recognized as Canada's leading utility contractor providing complete EPC+ services across electrical power industries including utilities, mining, oil and gas, and rural electric associations. As part of Quanta Services, the largest electrical power contractor in North America, Valard has the capacity to undertake projects of any size and complexity nationwide.