Estimator (Transmission)

Valard Construction; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% RRSP matching

Job summary

Valard Construction in Calgary is seeking an Estimator to join our Transmission group. The role targets an early-career professional with an electrical background, offering mentorship on our EPC bid process and InEight estimating platform.

You will support high-voltage transmission project estimates, collaborate with procurement, and build cost data libraries while developing market knowledge through meetings and site visits.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-voltage transmission estimates.
• Familiar with RFQ coordination and procurement processes.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and specifications.
• Junior-level estimating experience.
• Background in electrical construction or field roles helpful.
• Strong organizational skills; able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing cost estimates for high-voltage transmission projects.
• Support quantity take-offs, pricing, labor and equipment assessment.
• Learn and apply InEight platform for substation estimates.
• Coordinate RFQs with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Contribute to cost data libraries for substations and civil works.
• Review engineering documents to support estimate development.
• Prepare bid deliverables with work scope and schedules.
• Participate in site visits for scope validation.
• Engage with technical teams to support bid development.
• Build market knowledge through client meetings and events.

Skills

Electrical background

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Independent work

Strong communication

Education

Electrical engineering / tech education

Journeyman electrician certification

Tools

InEight estimating platform

MS Excel

Job description

Our Transmission group is expanding and is looking to add an Estimator to our team, based in Calgary, AB.

Reporting to the Estimating Manager, this role is designed for an early-career professional with an electrical background who wants to develop into an estimator. We will offer mentorship and training on Valard’s EPC bid methodology, InEight estimating platform, and procurement processes; we are looking for candidates with an electrical background and a strong interest in building a career in substation estimating.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in developing cost estimates for high-voltage transmission line projects across, including quantity take-offs, material pricing, labour and equipment assessment, and subcontractor quote analysis
• Learn and apply Valard’s InEight estimating platform to build and maintain cost estimates for substation projects
• Support the procurement process by coordinating Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to subcontractors and suppliers, leveraging local Quebec market knowledge
• Contribute to building cost data and historical pricing within Valard’s cost libraries for substation apparatus, foundations, structures, and civil works
• Review and interpret engineering design documents, single-line diagrams, general arrangements, and equipment specifications to support estimate development
• Assist in preparing written bid deliverables including understanding of work, assumptions, execution plans, and project schedules
• Participate in site visits to support scope assessment and estimate validation
• Coordinate with technical teams, engineering partners, and Valard’s estimating group to support EPC bid development
• Attend project planning sessions, client meetings, and industry events to build market knowledge and professional relationships
• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers for competitive pricing within estimates
• Support the development of execution plans
• Assist in the development of preliminary project schedules and resource plans
• Post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology, or Journeyman Electrician certification
• Foundational understanding of electrical systems, construction methods, and the ability to read electrical drawings and specifications
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel; comfortable learning new software platforms
• Junior-level estimating experience
• Prior experience in the electrical construction industry, field exposure through roles such as project coordinator, assistant project manager, QA/QC, or field engineer
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently

We offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that incorporates a complete range of employee benefits, including a 5% 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.

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.
• We do not use automated tools to screen applications. All hiring decisions involve human review. This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

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