Estimator - Fire Protection

REAL-R; Calgary; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

REAL-R is seeking an experienced fire protection estimator to join our Calgary team. You will turn commercial construction plans into accurate, competitive estimates for fire alarm and sprinkler projects, reviewing drawings, calculating costs, and preparing bids.

This role values hands-on knowledge of fire protection systems and the ability to work with designers, suppliers, and project teams to win and execute projects.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in fire protection, construction, estimating, design, or project coordination.
• Experience with commercial fire alarm or sprinkler systems.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and mathematical ability.
• Good computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to organize information and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with contractors, suppliers, customers, and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection drawings and specifications.
• Complete quantity take-offs for fire alarm and/or sprinkler systems.
• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial projects.
• Calculate material, labour, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Request and compare supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Review tender documents and identify scope gaps, exclusions, and potential risks.
• Prepare competitive bids and tender submissions.
• Work with project managers, designers, suppliers, and customers to clarify project requirements.
• Assist with RFIs and tender questions.
• Maintain estimating records, pricing information, and project history.
• Support the handoff from estimating to the project team once a job is awarded.
• Develop a strong understanding of the company's estimating processes and pricing.

Skills

Fire protection knowledge

Reading drawings

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Project coordination

Strong communication

Estimating exposure

Tools

Bluebeam

AutoCAD

Fire protection estimating software

NFPA standards

Alberta Building and Fire Codes

Job description

Estimator - Fire Protection

Location: Calgary, AB

Know fire protection? Ready for your Next Steps?

Are you experienced in fire alarm, fire sprinkler systems, or commercial fire protection and looking for an opportunity where you can use that knowledge in a different way?

Maybe you're already an estimator and looking for a better company.

Maybe you're a sprinkler fitter, fire alarm technician, designer, or project coordinator who has a strong understanding of how these systems go together and would like to move into estimating.

REAL-R is seeking an experienced fire protection estimator to join our established fire protection company that provides fire alarm and sprinkler services to commercial buildings throughout Alberta. You will help turn commercial construction plans into accurate, competitive project estimates.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong technical background in fire alarm and/or sprinkler systems who wants to play a key role in securing projects and supporting the company's continued growth.

Why This Opportunity?

This isn't just about sitting at a computer counting heads and reviewing drawings.

You’ll become an important part of the team responsible for helping the company win the right projects and set them up for success from the beginning.

You’ll work with experienced people in the industry, have exposure to a variety of commercial projects, and have the opportunity to build on your existing fire protection knowledge.

If you know the industry but haven't formally worked as an estimator, don't count yourself out.

Your technical experience may be exactly what we're looking for.

What You'll Be Doing

• Review architectural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection drawings and specifications.
• Complete quantity take-offs for fire alarm and/or sprinkler systems.
• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial projects.
• Calculate material, labour, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Request and compare supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Review tender documents and identify scope gaps, exclusions, and potential risks.
• Prepare competitive bids and tender submissions.
• Work with project managers, designers, suppliers, and customers to clarify project requirements.
• Assist with RFIs and tender questions.
• Maintain estimating records, pricing information, and project history.
• Support the handoff from estimating to the project team once a job is awarded.
• Develop a strong understanding of the company's estimating processes and pricing.

What We're Looking For

We are not necessarily looking for someone who has spent their entire career as an estimator.

We're looking for someone who understands fire protection and has the ability to learn.

You may have experience as a:

• Fire sprinkler fitter
• Fire alarm technician
• Fire protection technician
• Fire alarm or sprinkler designer
• Project coordinator
• Estimator
• Service manager
• Electrical professional
• Construction professional with fire protection experience

Ideally, You Bring:

• 3+ years of experience in fire protection, construction, estimating, design, project coordination, or a related field.
• Experience with commercial fire alarm or sprinkler systems.
• The ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and mathematical ability.
• Good computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• The ability to organize information and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with contractors, suppliers, customers, and internal teams.

Experience With These Is an Asset:

• Estimating fire alarm systems.
• Estimating sprinkler systems.
• NFPA standards.
• Alberta Building and Fire Codes.
• Bluebeam
• AutoCAD
• Fire protection estimating software
• Commercial construction tenders

What You'll Get

• From $37 /hr based on experience.
• Stable opportunity with an established fire protection company.
• Exposure to a wide variety of commercial projects.
• Support and training as you develop your estimating skills.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• A collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• The opportunity to build on your existing industry knowledge rather than starting over in a completely new field.