Graduate/ Junior Estimator

WIP Construction; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WIP Construction in Cairns, Queensland is seeking a motivated Graduate or Junior Estimator to join the Cairns‑based team. This office‑based role offers hands‑on experience in commercial construction estimating, from tender through delivery, with real responsibilities from day one.

You'll learn to review drawings, perform take-offs, price enquiries, and compare quotations while developing an understanding of costs, trades and procurement in FNQ projects.

Qualifications

• Candidate has strong numerical and analytical skills and can learn quickly.
• Attention to detail and ability to read drawings and specs.
• Willing to study or recently completed construction‑related qualification.
• No prior estimating experience required; eagerness to learn on real projects.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Assisting with quantity take offs and pricing.
• Preparing and issuing subcontractor and supplier enquiries.
• Reviewing and comparing quotations.
• Assisting with tender submissions.
• Understanding project scope, methodology and construction requirements.
• Building relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Working with project delivery to translate estimates into live projects.
• Developing knowledge of commercial construction costs, trades and procurement.

Skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Construction Management

Quantity Surveying

Civil Engineering

Building & Construction

Project Management

Job description

GRADUATE / JUNIOR ESTIMATOR – COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

Cairns, QLD | Full-Time | Graduate / Entry Level

WIP Construction is looking for a motivated Graduate or Junior Estimator to join our Cairns-based team. This is an office-based position located in Cairns, Queensland. Applicants must be based in Cairns or willing to relocate.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants to build a career in commercial construction estimating. You don't need previous experience as an Estimator, we're more interested in finding someone with the right aptitude, attitude and genuine desire to learn.

You may be a recent graduate, currently studying, or at the beginning of your construction career and looking for an opportunity to develop practical, hands‑on experience within an established commercial construction company.

The Role

Working alongside our experienced estimating and project team, you'll learn how commercial construction projects are priced, tendered and ultimately delivered.

As your experience develops, you'll be involved in:

Reviewing construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation

Assisting with quantity take-offs and pricing

Preparing and issuing subcontractor and supplier enquiries

Reviewing and comparing quotations

Assisting with tender submissions

Understanding project scope, methodology and construction requirements

Building relationships with subcontractors and suppliers

Working with our project delivery team to understand how estimates translate into live projects

Developing your knowledge of commercial construction costs, trades and procurement

We don't expect you to know how to do all of this on day one. We'll teach you.

What we do expect is that you genuinely want to learn.

We're looking for someone who is curious, switched‑on and interested in understanding how and why things are built and what they cost.

You may be studying or have recently completed a qualification in:

Construction Management

Quantity Surveying

Civil Engineering

Building & Construction

Project Management

Or another relevant construction‑related discipline

We're also open to applicants from other backgrounds who can demonstrate strong numerical, analytical and problem‑solving skills and a genuine interest in pursuing a career in construction estimating.

Previous estimating experience is not required.

More important to us is someone who:

Has strong numerical and analytical skills

Has excellent attention to detail

Can read information carefully and ask questions when something doesn't make sense

Is organised and able to manage competing priorities

Communicates confidently and professionally

Takes ownership of their work

Has a genuine interest in building a long‑term career in commercial construction

WIP Construction is an established Cairns‑based commercial construction company delivering projects throughout Cairns and Far North Queensland.

You'll be joining a team where you'll have the opportunity to learn from experienced construction professionals and gain exposure to real commercial projects from tender through to delivery.

This isn't a graduate role where you'll spend months watching from the sidelines.

You'll be given real work, real responsibility and plenty of support while you develop your skills.

For the right person, there is significant opportunity to grow within the business and develop into an experienced Estimator.

If you're motivated, good with numbers, interested in construction and looking for somewhere to start your career, we'd like to hear from you.