Estimator (Substations)

Valard Group of Companies; Vaughan, Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility contractor in Canada is seeking an experienced Estimator to join their growing team. The role involves developing comprehensive cost estimates for various electrical utility projects, including substations and energy storage systems. Candidates should have extensive experience in the utility construction industry along with proficiency in InEight Estimating Software. This position offers flexibility in work location, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits, including an RRSP matching program.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

RRSP matching program

Qualifications

• 10 years of utility construction industry experience with demonstrated estimating exposure or 5 years industry specific estimating experience.
• 3+ years’ estimating experience in projects ranging from $1M to $50M.
• Ability to read drawings and specifications and understand construction documents.

Responsibilities

• Develop complete estimates on selected projects, including site visits, quantity take-off, and presentations.
• Assemble estimates with Engineering support as required.
• Prepare written deliverables for bid submissions.

Skills

Electrical Utility Construction

Cost Estimation

Project Scheduling

Communication Skills

Relationship Building with Subcontractors

Education

Post-Secondary Education in Electrical Engineering or Journeyman Electrician

Tools

InEight Estimating Software

Job description

Our Substations group is currently looking to add an Estimator to our growing team, based in Calgary, AB; Vaughan, ON; or potentially working remotely from another location in Canada.

Reporting to the Manager, Substation Estimating, we are seeking an experienced estimator who has knowledge and experience in Electrical Utility Construction with a strong preference for experience with Substations or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. Proven ability compiling cost estimates, assessing material, labour and equipment required, analyzing quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers as well as supporting competitive tender packages, while ensuring that the contract can be carried out profitably, is key.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop complete estimates on selected projects consisting of project site visit, quantity take-off, pricing, and presentation of the estimate for cost engineering and management review
• Assemble estimates from various sources into a complete and final estimate for the company with Engineering support as required
• Review and validate outsourced estimates with support from engineering
• Review and incorporate historical data from estimates received, contracts awarded by the EPC Contractor and final actual project costs into Valard’s cost model
• Format estimates in Owners Reporting format.
• Review and understand Design Basis, Engineering Design Documents, and Basis of Estimate
• Prepare written deliverables for bid submission (i.e. understanding of work, assumptions, execution plans)
• Provide estimating input on complex “conceptual” projects
• Provide guidance for non-estimating personnel on their estimating related requirements
• Attend and assist in project planning sessions and team meetings to provide estimating input
• Interface and communicate effectively (written and oral) with the estimating team, with all levels of management, clients and industry contacts
• Develop relationships with subcontractors and suppliers for pricing within estimates
• Develop or assist in the development of general and project specific plans for execution, sequencing, and logistics (including, when required, construction and work procedures for specific activities related to a bid)
• Develop or assist in the development of preliminary project schedules

• Post-Secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Journeyman Electrician or other related education
• 10 years of utility construction industry experience with demonstrated estimating exposure or 5 years industry specific estimating experience
• 3+ years’ estimating experience in projects ranging from $1M to $50M
• Experience in EPC estimating / execution and preparing written deliverables for bid submissions
• Demonstrated experience with InEight Estimating Software
• Technical knowledge of estimating practices, techniques and equipment, including indirect and conceptual estimating techniques and theories
• Knowledge of construction costs and budgets, ability to develop a project schedule
• Ability to read drawings and specifications
• Understanding of construction documents and the ability to assess the level of completeness

Job Posting End Date: December 21st, 2025

We offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that incorporates a complete range of employee benefits, including an RRSP matching program, to ensure you have the tools necessary to manage, maintain, and improve your health and wellbeing.

About our Business

Valard Construction is Canada’s premier utility contractor providing comprehensive EPC+ (engineering, procurement, construction) and maintenance services to utilities, independent power producers, mining, oil and gas industries and rural electric associations. We have the capabilities, knowledge, and resources to take on any project, any size, any complexity, anywhere. We are also part of QuantaServices, the largest electrical power contractor in North America.

Valard Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

Learn more

Visit us at www.valard.com and connect with us on our social media channels 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.