Estimator

Carlson Construction Group; North Vancouver; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP contributions

Professional development

14 holidays per year

Benefits package

Fitness stipend

Monthly social events

Career growth

Job summary

VP Foundations, a division of Vancouver Pile Driving Ltd., under Carlson Construction Group, seeks an Estimator to support complex foundation, ground improvement, and shoring projects across Western Canada. You will develop accurate estimates, evaluate tender opportunities, and collaborate with operations, suppliers, and senior leadership.

Join a team delivering critical infrastructure with a focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement while contributing to pre-construction success and

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience within foundations, geotechnical construction, civil construction, ground improvement, shoring, piling, or related sectors.
• Experience preparing competitive estimates for lump-sum, unit-price, negotiated, and design-build projects.
• Working knowledge of foundation systems, earth retention systems, and ground improvement techniques.
• Experience working with subcontractors and suppliers during tendering.

Responsibilities

• Review tender documents, specifications, drawings, and contract requirements.
• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates for foundation, ground improvement, and shoring projects.
• Solicit, evaluate, and coordinate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontract pricing strategies.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and constructability considerations during the bid process.
• Assist in developing proposal submissions and supporting documentation.
• Participate in bid reviews and estimate presentations with management teams.
• Support procurement and project handoff activities following award.
• Maintain estimating databases, production rates, and historical cost information.
• Collaborate with project teams to incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within estimating and pre-construction functions.
• Uphold VP Foundations' commitment to Health, Safety & Environment throughout all planning and estimating activities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organization

Multi-tasking

Collaboration

Education

Civil Engineering degree or diploma

EGBC/ASTTBC registration eligibility

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Reading drawings

Job description

Estimator - North Vancouver, BC

Build the Projects That Support BC's Growth

VP Foundations, a Division of Vancouver Pile Driving Ltd., is a new construction company under the Carlson Construction Group. Our specialties include Foundations, Ground Improvement, and Shoring. We bring a legacy of quality and innovation to every project, aiming to deliver exceptional results for both new and existing clients. Our expertise includes Large-Diameter Piles, DTH drilled piles, Screw Piles, Ground Improvement techniques such as Stone Columns, Timber Compaction Piling, and Shoring services like Sheet Piles, Cofferdams, Combi-Walls, and H-Pile Lagging Systems.

As our operations continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Estimator to help shape the success of complex foundation and geotechnical projects throughout Western Canada.

Whether it's a deep foundation system, ground improvement program, or technically challenging shoring project, you'll play a key role in developing winning strategies, building accurate estimates, and supporting the successful delivery of critical infrastructure and construction projects.

About the Role

As an Estimator, you will be a key contributor to the pre-construction process, preparing accurate, competitive, and well-supported estimates for foundation, ground improvement, and shoring projects.

Working closely with operations, project managers, suppliers, subcontractors, and senior leadership, you will evaluate opportunities, identify project risks, develop pricing strategies, and help position VP Foundations for continued growth and success.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated construction professional who enjoys combining technical expertise, analytical thinking, and strategic decision-making to influence project success before construction even begins.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Review and analyze tender documents, specifications, drawings, and contract requirements.
• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates for foundation, ground improvement, and shoring projects.
• Solicit, evaluate, and coordinate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontract pricing strategies.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and constructability considerations during the bid process.
• Assist in developing proposal submissions and supporting documentation.
• Participate in bid reviews and estimate presentations with management teams.
• Support procurement and project handoff activities following award.
• Maintain estimating databases, production rates, and historical cost information.
• Collaborate with project teams to incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within estimating and pre-construction functions.
• Uphold VP Foundations' commitment to Health, Safety & Environment throughout all planning and estimating activities.

What You Bring

Education

• Degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline.
• Registration with EGBC, ASTTBC, or eligibility for registration is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience within foundations, geotechnical construction, civil construction, ground improvement, shoring, piling, or related sectors.
• Experience preparing competitive estimates for lump-sum, unit-price, negotiated, and design-build projects.
• Working knowledge of foundation systems, earth retention systems, and ground improvement techniques is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams throughout the tendering process.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with estimating software or the ability to quickly learn new estimating platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience reviewing engineering drawings and performing detailed quantity take-offs.
• Understanding of labor productivity, equipment costing, material pricing, and construction methodologies.
• Familiarity with contract documents, specifications, procurement processes, and construction contracts.

What Makes You Successful

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and competing priorities.
• Strong business and commercial awareness.
• Self-motivated with a proactive and results-oriented approach.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building abilities.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement.

Why Join VP Foundations?

At VP Foundations, you'll have the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects that help shape communities and infrastructure throughout British Columbia.

You’ll join a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about delivering innovative foundation and ground improvement solutions while fostering a culture built on safety, collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth.

Salary

$140,000 - $165,000 annually plus bonus eligibility and a comprehensive total rewards package.

What's in It for You?

• Competitive Compensation – Competitive base salary, company-paid RRSP contributions, and bonus eligibility
• Grow Your Career – Professional development, mentorship, and ongoing learning opportunities
• Time to Recharge – 14 statutory holidays per calendar year
• Comprehensive Benefits – A competitive benefits program supporting your health and well-being
• Annual Fitness & Movement Stipend – Supporting your physical health and well-being
• Connected Culture – Monthly social events that bring our teams together
• Long-Term Opportunity – Build your future with a proud, BC-based, family-owned company that invests in its people

Join a Team That Builds What Matters

If you're ready to apply your estimating expertise to complex foundation, shoring, and ground improvement projects while growing your career with one of British Columbia's most respected construction organizations, we'd love to hear from you.

Compensation Notice

The compensation range provided for this position is intended as a general guideline. The actual salary offered to the successful candidate will be determined based on several job-related factors, including experience, years of relevant experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity considerations, and Carlson Construction Group's compensation policies and practices.

Accommodation Requests

Should you require an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] with the position and location you are interested in.