Estimator (Civil Earthwork)

Quanta Canada Renewables; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Quanta Canada Renewables seeks an experienced Estimator (Civil Earthworks) based in Calgary, AB to lead cost modeling and earthwork planning for utility-scale projects. You will evaluate topography, soil, and drainage factors to prepare accurate bids and drive efficient grading strategies.

The role requires 5 years in estimating heavy civil projects, with expertise in Primavera P6, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, and Hard Dollar.

Qualifications

• Post-Secondary Education in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5 years of Estimating experience in construction and contracting, with a strong focus on grading and heavy civil projects.
• Experience with engineering design and construction, contracting methodologies, as well as project planning and management-related tasks and activities.
• Deep understanding of civil site design principles, grading plans, and the integrated EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) process.
• Proficient in translating construction means and methods into crew-based production rates for accurate cost modeling.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior estimators, sharing expertise in civil earthwork, cost modeling, and digital estimating tools.
• Experienced in scheduling and estimating software, including Primavera P6, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, and Hard Dollar (or similar platforms).
• Skilled in interpreting geotechnical data, compaction requirements, and calculating water usage for dust control and soil conditioning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site evaluation & terrain modeling.
• Analyze topographic data, lidar scans, and drone imagery to develop detailed digital terrain models.
• Identify grading constraints related to turbine pads, solar arrays, access roads, and drainage paths.
• Conduct pre-bid site visits to assess real-world topographic conditions and environment constraints for grading strategy and cost estimates.
• Evaluate slope stability, erosion potential, and constructability in remote or environmentally sensitive areas.
• Understand detailed cut/fill analysis and earthwork optimization.
• Calculate net earthwork volumes and material weights for hauling and disposal.
• Develop crew-based production estimates for mass grading, roads, ditches and drainage piping and structures.

Skills

Estimating

Grading & earthwork

Cost modeling

Crew productivity

Mentoring junior estimators

Production rates

Scheduling

Education

Post-secondary education in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Trimble Business Center

Hard Dollar

Job description

We are currently looking to add an Estimator (Civil Earthworks) to our team, based in Calgary, AB.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct site evaluation & terrain modeling
• Analyze topographic data, lidar scans, and drone imagery to develop detailed digital terrain models
• Identify grading constraints related to turbine pads, solar array rows, access roads, and drainage paths
• Conduct pre-bid site visits to assess real-world topographic conditions, access limitations, drainage patterns, and environmental constraints that may not be fully captured in digital models or survey data; incorporate field observations into grading strategy and cost estimates
• Evaluate slope stability, erosion potential, and constructability in remote or environmentally sensitive areas
• Understand detailed cut/fill analysis and earthwork optimization
• Calculate net earthwork volumes, accounting for conversion, shrinkage, swell and compaction factors
• Estimate material weights for hauling and disposal
• Determine truckloads required based on payload capacity and haul distance
• Factor in fuel costs, cycle times, and equipment productivity
• Develop crew make-up and productivities for mass grading, road subgrades & surface course, ditches and drainage piping and structures
• Calculate water requirements for soil compaction, dust suppression on haul roads and disturbed areas
• Estimate water truck cycles and source availability, especially in arid or remote project locations
• Develop crew-based production estimate based upon research and historic productivities; develop proposal documents for submittal and leads proposal presentation to client
• Collaborate with civil engineers and environmental consultants to refine grading plans
• Provide value engineering suggestions to reduce earthwork volumes and environmental impact
• Review and interpret geotechnical reports to adjust grading assumptions
• Ensure grading plans comply with storm water pollution prevention plans, Federal and Provincial environmental regulations
• Maintain detailed logs of assumptions, calculations, and revisions for audit and QA/QC purposes
• Coordinate with procurement, scheduling, and project development teams on local bidding efforts
• Develops and/or oversees subcontractor and supplier scope, price, and schedule exhibits for subcontract and purchase order packages
• Work with procurement teams to coordinate local and First Nation bidding efforts

Requirements

• Post-Secondary Education in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent
• 5 years of Estimating experience in construction and contracting, with a strong focus on grading and heavy civil projects
• Experience with engineering design and construction, contracting methodologies, as well as project planning and management-related tasks and activities
• Deep understanding of civil site design principles, grading plans, and the integrated EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) process
• Proficient in translating construction means and methods into crew-based production rates for accurate cost modeling
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior estimators, sharing expertise in civil earthwork, cost modeling, and digital estimating tools
• Experienced in scheduling and estimating software, including Primavera P6, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, and Hard Dollar (or similar platforms)
• Skilled in interpreting geotechnical data, compaction requirements, and calculating water usage for dust control and soil conditioning

Benefits

Quanta Canada Renewables is a new entity within the Quanta family of companies, dedicated to providing the premier turnkey solutions for the full engineering and construction of utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects in Canada.

Quanta Canada is an equal opportunity employer.

Learn more

Visit us at www.quantaservices.com/ for our latest news, employee stories, community activities, and other updates.

• Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level.
• Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.
• Valard Construction is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available on request during the recruitment process.
• We do not use automated tools to screen applications. All hiring decisions involve human review. This job posting is for an existing vacancy.