Junior Estimator

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies in the United States offers an entry-level opportunity in construction estimating. The Junior Estimator will support the preparation of cost estimates, proposals, and commercial submissions for utility construction projects, working with Estimators and Project Teams.

This developmental role emphasizes hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to estimating practices, with field visits to deepen understanding of construction execution and productivity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience in estimating, construction, or project coordination.
• Familiarity with construction drawings, quantity take-offs, and estimating principles.
• Proficiency in MS Office; experience with Hard Dollar, InEight Estimate, Bluebeam Revu, Viewpoint Vista is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and bid documents to support estimates.
• Perform quantity take-offs and cost estimates for labour, materials, fleet, and subcontractors.
• Assist with pricing reviews, assumptions, exclusions, and documentation.
• Coordinate with estimators, project teams, and suppliers during the estimating process.
• Support RFQ/RFP reviews, bid summaries, and proposal packages.
• Attend field visits to understand construction execution and productivity.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Construction Management/Engineering/Business degree preferred

Tools

Hard Dollar

InEight Estimate

Bluebeam Revu

Viewpoint Vista

Job description

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies is a leading utility infrastructure contractor helping power communities across Canada and the United States. Built on family roots, we value safety, hard work, and getting the job done right for our clients. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to build your skills and grow your career.

• Work arrangement: Office-based, with field visits as required.
• Employment type: Full-time, permanent.
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, standard business hours.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Regional Estimating Manager, the Junior Estimator supports the preparation of cost estimates, proposals, and commercial submissions for utility construction projects across the Forbes Bros. Group of Companies. Working alongside Estimators, Senior Estimators, and Project Teams, you will assist with quantity take-offs, bid reviews, pricing development, vendor and subcontractor coordination, and estimate documentation.

This is a developmental opportunity for someone looking to build a career in construction estimating. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, technical training, and field exposure, you will develop a practical understanding of utility construction, project delivery, and commercial estimating practices.

Key Elements of the Role

• Review construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and customer requirements to support estimate preparation.
• Assist with quantity take-offs and cost estimates for labour, materials, fleet, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Support estimate development by preparing assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, clarifications, pricing reviews, and supporting documentation.
• Request, review, and compare vendor and subcontractor pricing, maintaining accurate pricing records and supplier information.
• Assist with RFQ and RFP reviews, bid summaries, proposal development, bid submissions, and commercial review packages.
• Coordinate with Estimators, Senior Estimators, Project Managers, Construction Managers, and Operations personnel throughout the estimating process.
• Maintain estimating databases, cost history, templates, and tools to support accurate and consistent estimating practices.
• Participate in estimate review meetings, bid strategy discussions, and estimate-to-actual reviews to support continuous improvement.
• Attend field visits as required to develop an understanding of construction execution, productivity, resource planning, fleet utilization, and project delivery.
• Participate in technical training and mentorship to develop estimating competencies and industry knowledge.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required. A diploma or degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline is preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience in estimating, construction, project coordination, or a related field. Previous experience in general construction or the utility sector is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, quantity take-offs, and construction estimating principles is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with estimating software such as Hard Dollar, InEight Estimate, or similar platforms is considered an asset.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu or similar document review software is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with Viewpoint Vista or similar ERP systems is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to review information and identify discrepancies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and develop within a construction and commercial environment.

The range shown is the expected base pay range for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on role requirements, experience, qualifications, work location, applicable project/site requirements, internal equity, and any applicable collective agreement or union requirements.

This range does not include overtime, premiums, per diem / LOA, bonuses, benefits, or other forms of compensation unless specifically stated in the job posting.

Base Pay Range

$65,000 - $85,000 USD

Equal Opportunity & Recruitment

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and its affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers committed to a respectful and accessible recruitment process. We make employment decisions based on job-related qualifications and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or family status, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicants must currently be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located and must maintain valid work authorization throughout their employment.

Employment is subject to the requirements of the applicable role, location, project, and employing entity. Depending on the position, this may include verification of work authorization, background screening, review of driving records or driver’s abstracts, drug and alcohol screening, credential verification, client or site-access requirements, and other pre-employment conditions permitted by applicable law.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require accommodation are encouraged to contact the recruitment team so we can discuss their needs and arrange appropriate support.