Estimator

KLS Earthworks & Environmental; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits starting Day 1

Professional development

Job summary

KLS Earthworks & Environmental is seeking an experienced Estimator in Calgary to prepare accurate estimates for earthworks and underground utility projects. You will review drawings and tender documents, develop takeoffs and pricing, and manage multiple bids under tight deadlines.

The ideal candidate understands civil construction methods, production rates, quantities, and costs, with strong Excel skills and effective collaboration with project teams.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of estimating experience in civil construction, preferably underground utilities and/or earthworks.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in underground construction.
• Strong understanding of underground utility and earthworks construction methods, sequencing, production rates, quantities, and costs.
• Experience estimating lump sum and unit rate projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and tender documents.
• Experience with HeavyBid and AGTEK considered an asset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, complete estimates.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple bids and competing deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with estimating, project management, and field operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for civil construction projects, including underground utilities and earthworks.
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, tender documents, and project requirements to ensure complete scope coverage.
• Complete quantity takeoffs and develop labour, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing.
• Develop project execution strategies, assumptions, production rates, and schedules for tenders.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Identify project risks, scope gaps, and potential cost-saving or value-engineering opportunities.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal project teams throughout the estimating process.
• Prepare and maintain accurate bid documentation and supporting information.
• Manage multiple estimates and tender deadlines simultaneously.
• Participate in project handover meetings and work with operations teams to ensure alignment between the estimate and project execution.
• Assist with job cost reviews and post-project analysis to continuously improve estimating accuracy.

Skills

Estimating

Underground construction

Underground utilities

Unit-rate estimation

Reading drawings

Estimating software

Excel skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Organization

Communication

Team collaboration

Tools

HeavyBid

AGTEK

Job description

Join Our Team

KLS Earthworks & Environmental is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our team in Calgary. We are looking for someone with civil construction estimating experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have a background in underground utility construction.

Reporting to the Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates for earthworks and underground utility projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, comfortable working under tight deadlines, and has a strong understanding of construction methods, production rates, quantities, and costs.

Established in 1990, KLS Earthworks & Environmental is a family-rooted company and a leader in excavation, earthworks, and environmental construction across Western Canada. Built on a foundation of safety and operational excellence, we deliver time- and cost-saving solutions through a modern fleet and a highly skilled team of professionals.

At KLS, we value people who Help First, stay Hungry, are Willing to Learn, and remain Committed to doing the job right.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare detailed estimates for civil construction projects, including underground utilities and earthworks
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, tender documents, and project requirements to ensure complete scope coverage
• Complete quantity takeoffs and develop labour, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing
• Develop project execution strategies, assumptions, production rates, and schedules for tenders
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing
• Identify project risks, scope gaps, and potential cost-saving or value-engineering opportunities
• Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal project teams throughout the estimating process
• Prepare and maintain accurate bid documentation and supporting information
• Manage multiple estimates and tender deadlines simultaneouslyParticipate in project handover meetings and work with operations teams to ensure alignment between the estimate and project execution
• Assist with job cost reviews and post-project analysis to continuously improve estimating accuracy.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of estimating experience in civil construction, preferably underground utilities and/or earthworks
• Minimum 2 years of experience in underground construction
• Strong understanding of underground utility and earthworks construction methods, sequencing, production rates, quantities, and costs
• Experience estimating lump sum and unit rate projects
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and tender documents
• Experience with HeavyBid and AGTEK considered an asset
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, complete estimates
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple bids and competing deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with estimating, project management, and field operations teams.

What we are Offering

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package starting on Day 1
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing civil construction company
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunity to work on a variety of underground utility and earthworks projects
• A strong safety-first culture where employees are valued and supported.

KLS Earthworks Inc. is committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.