Electrical Estimator - Canem

Bird Construction; Calgary; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Canem Systems, a Bird Construction subsidiary, seeks an Electrical Estimator to join our Calgary team. You will develop estimates, solicit subcontractor pricing, and drive cost-accurate bids from concept through tender, leveraging experience in electrical/communications projects.

Based in Alberta, you’ll analyze drawings, prepare budgets, maintain cost databases, and work with clients and consultants to clarify scope.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years hands-on estimator experience across delivery methods.
• 3+ years in electrical, security, or communications estimation.
• Strong knowledge of estimating techniques, tendering, and contract negotiations.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specs, and technical material.
• Experience with Accubid and LiveCount is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop estimates with takeoffs and subcontractor pricing.
• Analyze project documents and determine margins and fees.
• Lead or participate in tender submissions and reviews.
• Prepare preliminary budgets and cost plans for preconstruction.
• Maintain labour, material, and cost databases for future use.

Skills

Electrical Estimation

Tendering & Bidding

Budgeting & Costing

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering

Journeymen Certification

Electrical Engineering Technology Diploma

Tools

Accubid

LiveCount

Bluebeam

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Electrical Estimator - Canem

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Bird, Canem Systems has been energizing Canada for over 60 years’ with cutting edge systems, practices and collaborative project management. With several office locations across Canada, Canem Systems is currently looking for an Electrical Estimator - Cnaem to join it’s growing team.

Reporting to the Estimating Manager, the Electrical Estimator - Canem will be responsible for providing accurate estimating and subcontractor costing through the budgeting and estimating stage.

This position is based out of an Alberta Canem branch – Calgary, Edmonton, or Red Deer.

What You Will Be Working On

• Develop estimates in accordance with Company procedures including takeoff.
• Solicit pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Determine general expenses and provide input into margins/fees.
• Conduct thorough reviews of the project documents and analyze project requirements.
• Identify inherent risk and opportunities including strategies to create a competitive edge.
• Work with the client or consultants with respect to issues that may require clarification or elaboration.
• Develop a preliminary project construction schedule as a basis for pricing of time related activities utilizing input.
• Prepare a summary of the estimate and participate in a detailed estimate review with management.
• Lead/participate in the closing of the estimate and submission of the tender.
• Assist in the development of post tender submissions and in negotiations as required.
• Participate in project development activities including scope definition and clarification, preconstruction planning, control estimate development and delivery.
• Provide preconstruction services including the preparation of preliminary budgets, cost plans, and value engineering opportunities.
• Work to identify leads and securement opportunities through contacts with clients, consultants, subcontractors and others in the construction industry.
• Maintain databases, including labour rates, material pricing and project costs, for future reference.
• Prepare conceptual estimates by interpreting historical data.
• Creating and maintaining bench mark estimate values
• Managing project budgets and updating these as required by the project teams.

What We Are Looking For

• Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Journeymen Certification, Electrical Engineering Technology Diploma, or other equivalent construction program.
• 2+ years’ “hands‑on” experience in the capacity of Estimator including a full range of project delivery methods.
• 3+ years’ experience working in the Electrical industry, Security, and/or Communications.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with estimating techniques, tendering process and negotiating contracts.
• Ability to read and interpret construction related documents including plans, specifications, and other technical material.
• Experience working with estimating software programs such as Accubid, LiveCount.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Bluebeam.
• Ability to forge, grow and maintain positive relationships with project team, subtrades, consultants and clients.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet the time demands of unpredictable activities, capable of handling pressure and challenges in a dynamic business environment.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and prioritization of work to achieve them.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, troubleshooting, problem‑solving skills, strong math skills and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills.
• Sense of urgency, flexibility, and strong commitment to achieving goals; ability to work in challenging, fast paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a positive attitude.

For Those Who Seek to Redefine

The greatest achievements in history are borne from the greatness within people – where human potential meets vision, and passion fuels evolution. Unlocking this potential is the most important thing we do at Bird.

As a leader in Canadian construction for over 100 years, the impact of our team is etched deeply within the core of our legacy. Beyond Bird, this impact is felt in the fundamental aspects of our everyday lives. From the critical infrastructure we depend on, to the energy and resources that keep us moving - we are powering our communities and shaping Canada’s skylines coast-to-coast-to-coast. Entrenched in the foundation of a culture built more than a century ago is an enduring quest to reimagine what is possible. Our impact is greater than ever, and we are looking for those who seek to redefine their story.

We Put Safety First

A healthy and safe work environment is non-negotiable. We build a culture of operational and psychological safety through engagement, learning and leadership.

We Lead With Honesty

We speak and act with integrity, clarity and care so people can trust our word and our work. Being honest means we can deliver the best outcomes and consistent results.

We Are Stronger Together

Success is a team effort. Our inclusive workplace enables our combined expertise, humility and creativity to unlock our greater potential.

We Are Driven To Do Great Work

We built our name on quality. We have a passion for excellence in our work and relationships that honours our businesses and our industry.

We Create Opportunity

Rooted in a solid foundation, we adapt and grow to face the future. We are committed to elevating each other to chart the best path forward in an evolving world.

At Bird, we value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and believe it is essential to our success. We will continue to listen, learn, and take action in our commitment to building progress in our organization, and the industry as a whole. Cultivating an environment where all employees feel included, seen, and have a sense of belonging is core to Bird’s culture. We commit to proactively employing a workforce that reflects the communities in which we work, fostering an environment of continuous learning, and never compromising on our values.