Intermediate Estimator

Twin Staffing Inc.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Mentorship from senior team

Career development support

Job summary

Twin Staffing Inc. in Halifax is seeking a Junior or Intermediate Estimator to support preconstruction efforts on a range of commercial and multi-residential projects.

You'll work with senior estimators, project managers and trades to develop budgets, bids and tender submissions, with responsibilities matched to experience.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Construction Management, Civil/Architectural Engineering Technology or Quantity Surveying.
• Junior: 1–3 years estimating or related construction experience; Intermediate: 3–5+ years with smaller bids.
• Able to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Proficiency with take-off software and Excel; strong attention to detail and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Perform quantity take-offs from drawings and specs across divisions.
• Prepare conceptual, budget and hard-bid estimates under supervision.
• Solicit supplier pricing and manage tender periods with trades.
• Analyze bids for scope gaps and qualifications; flag risks.
• Assist bid submissions and attend tender closings; maintain cost databases.
• Support value engineering and hand off awarded projects with clear scope and buyout package.

Skills

Reading drawings

Excel proficiency

Communication

Budgeting & estimating

Deadline management

Education

Construction Management diploma/degree

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

Sage Estimating

ProEst

Procore

Job description

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia (on-site) · Reports to: Director of Preconstruction · Type: Full-time, permanent

About the company

Our client is an established, Halifax-based general contractor with a strong reputation across Nova Scotia. They deliver commercial, institutional and multi-residential projects, and their steady growth means a busy preconstruction pipeline and real room to advance.

This is a team that invests in its people. You'll join a collaborative preconstruction group where mentorship is part of the job, not an afterthought.

The role

Reporting to the Director of Preconstruction, the Junior / Intermediate Estimator prepares accurate, competitive estimates that help win the right work. You'll support bids from early budgets through to tender close, working closely with senior estimators, project managers and the trade community.

The role is open to a junior candidate ready to build their skills, or an intermediate estimator ready to own smaller bids end to end. Responsibilities and pay will be matched to experience.

Key responsibilities

• Perform quantity take-offs from drawings and specifications across all divisions
• Prepare conceptual, budget and hard-bid estimates under the direction of the Director of Preconstruction
• Solicit, track and follow up on subcontractor and supplier pricing during tender periods
• Level and analyze trade bids for scope gaps, exclusions and qualifications
• Review tender documents, addenda and site conditions; flag risks and clarifications
• Prepare general requirements and self-performed work pricing (labour, materials, equipment)
• Help assemble bid submissions and attend tender closings
• Maintain cost databases, historical pricing and the bidders list
• Support value engineering and constructability reviews with design teams
• Hand off awarded projects to Operations with a clear scope, budget and buyout package
• Attend site visits and pre-bid meetings as required

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Construction Management, Civil/Architectural Engineering Technology, Quantity Surveying or a related field
• Junior: 1–3 years of estimating, quantity surveying or related construction experience (co-op or field experience counts)
• Intermediate: 3–5+ years of estimating with a general contractor, including leading smaller bids independently
• Able to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical drawings
• Working knowledge of CCDC contracts and standard tender processes
• Strong Excel skills and experience with take-off software (e.g. Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff)
• Detail-oriented and organized, able to manage deadlines across several bids at once
• Clear, professional communication with trades, suppliers and internal teams

Nice to have

• Gold Seal Certification in progress, or CET / PQS designation (or working toward it)
• Experience with estimating software such as Sage Estimating, ProEst or Procore
• Familiarity with the Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada trade and supplier market
• Site or field experience in a trade or as a project coordinator
• Exposure to public-sector tenders (e.g. Nova Scotia Procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada)

What's offered

• Competitive salary, based on experience (junior or intermediate level)
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Mentorship from a senior preconstruction team and a clear path toward Senior Estimator
• Support for professional development, courses and designations (Gold Seal, CET, PQS)
• A stable, growing company with a strong pipeline of Halifax-area projects