Project Controls Estimator - Projects

Petroplan; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Petroplan is seeking a skilled PC Estimator in Calgary, Canada to lead cost estimation for complex capital projects. You will analyze contractor estimates, interpret project actuals, develop benchmarks, and apply learnings to future estimates.

This role emphasizes maturity of scope, execution, and schedule across multiple disciplines. You will guide end-to-end estimating processes, support project decision gates, and provide informal leadership to junior estimators while ensuring governance and

Qualifications

• A technical diploma or University degree.
• 5+ years of related Estimating experience.
• Prior experience in field construction activities for large industrial projects.
• Prior experience developing high-level estimates (equipment/capacity factored, internal benchmarks) with limited information, for early stages of a project.
• Ability to work in a busy, fast-paced team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple project estimates and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Knowledge of AACEI standards and applications specific to Estimating

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Class 5 to Class 1 capital cost estimates.
• Apply estimating methodologies (factored, parametric, detailed, probabilistic) per project phase.
• Develop all components of an estimate (direct/indirect costs, engineering, owner’s cost, escalation & contingency).
• Lead estimate reviews, benchmarking, and validation exercises.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Project Management, and Supply Chain to align on scope and execution strategy.
• Ensure estimates comply with governance, estimating guidelines, and external requirements.
• Participate in project decision gates, peer reviews, and leadership presentations.
• Manage end-to-end processes for estimating & benchmarking with minimal supervision.
• Identify scope gaps at DMP stages and fill them.
• Support teams to optimize scope, execution & schedule for best-in-class estimates.

Skills

Estimating

Cross-functional

Analytical skills

MS Office

AACEI standards

Independent worker

Education

Diploma or University degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The PC Estimator is responsible for leading the development of accurate, defensible cost estimates for complex capital projects. This role reports to the Estimating Manager and plays a critical part in supporting investment decisions, project approvals, and execution planning across portfolio of capital projects.

The successful candidate will provide strong technical estimating expertise and the ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with multiple project disciplines (Engineering, Construction, Project Management, and Project Controls).

The successful candidate will be required to analyze contractor-developed estimates across all D&MP (Develop & Manage Projects) stages, interpret & analyze actuals from completed projects, develop benchmarks, and apply learnings to future estimates.

A Senior Estimator must understand the importance of maturity of scope, execution, and schedule for each individual class of estimate and must be able to identify and present key analysis, risks and opportunities for the project.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop, maintain and validate Class 5 to Class 1 capital cost estimates, in accordance with "Client industry standards."
• Apply appropriate estimating methodologies (factored, parametric, detailed, probabilistic) based on project phase.
• Develop all components of an estimate (direct field cost, indirect field cost, engineering, owner’s cost, escalation & contingency).
• Basis of Estimate (BoE)
• Estimate Presentations
• Lead estimate reviews, benchmarking, and validation exercises.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Project Management, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment on scope and execution strategy.
• Ensure estimates comply with internal governance, estimating guidelines, and external regulatory or partner requirements.
• Participate in project decision gates, peer reviews, and leadership presentations as required.
• Manage end-to-end processes for estimating & benchmarking with minimum supervision for Projects.
• Identify scope definition gaps at individual D&MP stage and fill those scope gaps.
• Support project teams to optimize scope, execution & schedule that leads to a “Best-in-class” project estimate.
• Identify key factors that will drive predictability & competitiveness of estimates.
• Provide informal leadership to estimators from Engineering and Construction service providers.
• Proficiency with estimating for multiple disciplines: Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Piping, Electrical, I&C, Insulation, Pipelines, etc.
• Analyze estimates using benchmarking data. Inform and influence stakeholders based on analysis.
• A technical diploma or University degree.
• 5+ years of related Estimating experience.
• Prior experience in field construction activities for large industrial projects.
• Prior experience developing high-level estimates (equipment/capacity factored, internal benchmarks) with limited information, for early stages of a project.
• Ability to work in a busy, fast-paced team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple project estimates and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Knowledge of AACEI standards and applications specific to Estimating