Estimator - Buildings East

Bird Construction; Bedford; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Bird Construction is seeking an Estimator for our Bedford, NS office. The role involves preparing accurate estimates from budgeting through tender, pricing own forces and subcontractor work, and coordinating with clients and consultants to clarify project details.

You will develop preliminary budgets, cost plans, and value engineering opportunities, while maintaining cost databases and contributing to post-tender submissions and negotiations as required.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Eligible for or have PQS or CET designation.
• 3–5+ years’ hands-on Estimator experience across ICI construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop estimates with takeoff and pricing of own forces work and subcontractor work.
• Solicit pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Determine general expenses and input margins/fees.
• Review project documents and analyze subcontractor requirements.
• Identify risks and opportunities to create a competitive edge.
• Lead or participate in tender closing and submission.

Skills

Estimator experience

Reading drawings

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management

PQS or CET designation

Tools

InEight

On-screen Takeoff

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Adobe

Job description

Estimator - Buildings East Reporting to the Chief Estimator, the Estimator will be responsible for providing accurate estimating and subcontractor costing from the budgeting and estimating stage through the contract letting and planning stage of major projects. This position is based in the Bedford, NS office.

What You Will Be Working On

Develop estimates in accordance with Company procedures including takeoff and pricing of own forces work and selected subcontractor work. Solicit pricing from subcontractors and suppliers. Determine general expenses and provide input into margins/fees. Conduct thorough reviews of the project documents and analyze subcontractor 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 from subcontractors and Bird staff. Prepare a summary of issues and participate in a detailed estimate review. 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. Based on your technical expertise, you may be asked to be a subject matter expert on Request for Qualification (RFQs), Request for Proposal (RFPs), and Express of Interest (EOIs) proposal submissions. This may include writing and reviewing narratives on your area of expertise, providing information for projects you have worked on and will work on with Bird, and providing information required for your resume. Other duties and responsibilities, as required.

What We Are Looking For

Undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or other equivalent construction program. Eligible for or have attained PQS or CET designation. 3-5+ years’ “hands-on” experience as an Estimator, including a full range of project delivery methods of ICI construction projects. Extensive knowledge and experience with estimating techniques, the tendering process, and contract negotiation. Ability to read and interpret construction-related documents, including plans, specifications, and other technical materials. Experience working with estimating software programs such as InEight and On-screen Takeoff. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Adobe.

What We Believe In

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. Bird construction was founded as a small partnership in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1920. Today we are a highly respected company, operating across Canada. Bird is one of Canada's leading builders and is recognized for its strong commitment to the growth and prosperity of both our clients and our people.