Estimator – Vancouver

Buttcon Limited; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 68,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Buttcon Limited, a 100% Canadian, employee-owned General Contractor, is seeking an Estimator based in Vancouver, BC. You will analyse project specifications and provide accurate cost estimates for materials, labour, and other expenses, collaborating with project managers, engineers, architects, and stakeholders.

This role partners with Pre-Construction & Estimating to ensure financial feasibility, supports competitive bids, and updates estimates as project details evolve.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of construction experience or equivalent.
• Proficiency in construction estimating software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and documents to understand scope of work.
• Identify materials, labour and equipment needs.
• Determine risks and variables that could impact costs.
• Use estimating software to calculate cost estimates.
• Break down project components into tasks for precise cost calculation.
• Research market prices for materials, labour and equipment rental costs.
• Consider location, project size, complexity and timeline when estimating costs.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers and subcontractors to gather information.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to ensure accurate pricing.
• Prepare comprehensive bids based on estimated costs.
• Ensure all cost components—direct, indirect, overhead, profit—are included.
• Maintain records of project estimates, bids and related documents.
• Update estimates as project details evolve or change.
• Stay updated on industry trends and cost fluctuations.
• Analyse historical data to refine estimation techniques.
• Present estimates and bids to clients and management clearly.
• Address questions related to cost estimates and factors affecting costs.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem solving

Knowledge of building codes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Buttcon is a 100% Canadian, employee-owned General Contractor known for delivering high-quality work, innovative solutions, and fast-tracked projects that exceed expectations. We specialize in institutional, commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential construction, leveraging modern technologies and progressive practices to deliver exceptional results-safely and efficiently.

We believe in the power of teamwork, taking action, building for the long term, and sharing in our collective success. We care deeply about the work we do, the people we work with, and the positive impact our projects have on communities. Guided by our core values of Safety, Accountability, and being People-Focused, we are committed to creating an environment where employees feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to grow. Our success is driven by the knowledge, dedication, and passion of our people and we invest in their development every step of the way.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Pre-Construction & Estimating, the Estimator plays a crucial role in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and various industries where accurate cost assessments are vital for project planning and decision making. This role is based in Vancouver/Vancouver Island, BC, and is responsible for analysing project specifications, blueprints, and other relevant information to provide accurate cost estimates for material, labour, and other expenses associated with a project. The estimator will collaborate with project mangers, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders to ensure the financial feasibility of a project and contribute to its successful execution.

Responsibility

• Review architectural and engineering plans, specifications, and other project documents to understand the scope of work.
• Identify and quantify the materials, labour and equipment needed for the project.
• Determine the potential risks, challenges, and variables that could impact the projects cost.
• Utilise specialised software and tools to calculate accurate cost estimates.
• Break down project components into individual task and activities for precise cost calculation.
• Research and gather data on current market price for materials, labour rates and equipment rental costs.
• Consider factors such as location, project size, complexity and timeline when estimating costs.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors and subcontractors to gather necessary information for estimation.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to ensure accurate pricing of materials and supplies.
• Prepare comprehensive and competitive bids for construction projects based on the estimated costs.
• Ensure that all cost components are included in the bid, including direct costs, indirect costs, overhead and profit margins.
• Maintain organised records of project estimates, bids and related documents.
• Update and revise cost estimates as project details evolve or change.
• Stay updated on industry trends, materials costs and labour market fluctuations to ensure accurate estimations.
• Analyse historical data and past projects to refine estimation techniques and improve accuracy.
• Present cost estimates and bids to clients, stakeholders and management in a clear and professional manner.
• Address questions and concerns related to cost estimates, explaining how various factors contribute to the final cost project.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience of construction experience or equivalent.
• Strong proficiency in construction and engineering principles.
• Proficiency in construction estimating software and tools.

Transforming visions into buildings.

About Buttcon

Buttcon is a 100% Canadian, employee-owned General Contractor known for delivering high-quality work, innovative solutions and fast-tracked projects that exceed expectations. We specialise in institutional, commercial, industrial and multi‑unit residential construction, leveraging modern technologies and progressive practices to deliver exceptional results‑safely and efficiently.

We believe in the power of teamwork, taking action, building for the long term, and sharing in our collective success. We care deeply about the work we do, the people we work with and the positive impact our projects have on communities. Guided by our core values of Safety, Accountability and being People‑Focused, we are committed to creating an environment where employees feel supported, empowered and encouraged to grow. Our success is driven by the knowledge, dedication and passion of our people and we invest in their development every step of the way.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Pre‑Construction & Estimating, the Estimator plays a crucial role in construction, manufacturing, engineering and various industries where accurate cost assessments are vital for project planning and decision making. This role is based in Vancouver/Vancouver Island, BC, and is responsible for analysing project specifications, blueprints and other relevant information to provide accurate cost estimates for material, labour and other expenses associated with a project. The estimator will collaborate with project mangers, engineers, architects and other stakeholders to ensure the financial feasibility of a project and contribute to its successful execution.

Responsibility

• Review architectural and engineering plans, specifications and other project documents to understand the scope of work.
• Identify and quantify the materials, labour and equipment needed for the project.
• Determine the potential risks, challenges and variables that could impact the projects cost.
• Utilise specialised software and tools to calculate accurate cost estimates.
• Break down project components into individual task and activities for precise cost calculation.
• Research and gather data on current market price for materials, labour rates and equipment rental costs.
• Consider factors such as location, project size, complexity and timeline when estimating costs.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors and subcontractors to gather necessary information for estimation.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to ensure accurate pricing of materials and supplies.
• Prepare comprehensive and competitive bids for construction projects based on the estimated costs.
• Ensure that all cost components are included in the bid, including direct costs, indirect costs, overhead and profit margins.
• Maintain organised records of project estimates, bids and related documents.
• Update and revise cost estimates as project details evolve or change.
• Stay updated on industry trends, materials costs and labour market fluctuations to ensure accurate estimations.
• Analyse historical data and past projects to refine estimation techniques and improve accuracy.
• Present cost estimates and bids to clients, stakeholders and management in a clear and professional manner.
• Address questions and concerns related to cost estimates, explaining how various factors contribute to the final cost project.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience of construction experience or equivalent.
• Strong proficiency in construction and engineering principles.
• Proficiency in construction estimating software and tools.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Analytical mindset with excellent mathematical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle complex, multifaceted projects.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with various stakeholders. Knowledge of building codes, regulations and industry standards.
• The proven ability to successfully manage a tender call.

This recruitment process does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants. All hiring selections and decisions are made by human reviewers.

This posting is for a new position within our organization.

Buttcon Limited is an equal opportunity employer that proudly recognises the value of a diverse workforce. Accommodations are available on request for applicants with disabilities taking part in the recruitment and selection process. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment purposes only and not for any other purpose.